Full-Time Dog Handler/Trainer

PawsAbout Pty Ltd; Randwick City Council; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Paws About is a well-established pet care business in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs seeking an experienced Dog Handler / Trainer on a full-time basis. The role involves hands-on dog handling, training, and advising clients on behaviour and ongoing training.

We value strong knowledge of canine behaviour, welfare-focused techniques, and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team. This position offers opportunities for long-term career growth within a caring, animal‑centric team.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years' relevant professional experience working with dogs.
• Knowledge of canine behaviour, body language and temperament.
• Experience safely handling dogs of different breeds and temperaments.
• Positive, welfare-focused dog handling and training techniques.
• Strong commitment to animal welfare and ethical handling.

Responsibilities

• Handle and manage dogs safely in a professional environment.
• Assess canine behaviour and individual handling requirements.
• Apply positive, welfare-focused training techniques.
• Maintain dog records and communicate with clients.
• Collaborate with staff to uphold animal welfare and safety.
• Provide owner guidance on handling and training.

Skills

Dog handling

Dog training

Canine behaviour

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Animal behaviour / dog training qualification

Job description

Paws About is an established pet care business operating in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs. We are looking for an experienced Dog Handler / Trainer to join our professional team on a full-time basis.

This is a hands‑on position suited to someone with substantial professional experience working with dogs and a strong understanding of canine behaviour, safe handling techniques and animal welfare.

The Role

The successful candidate will be responsible for professionally handling and managing dogs of different breeds, sizes, temperaments and behavioural needs within a busy pet care environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Handling and managing dogs safely in a professional environment
• Assessing canine behaviour, temperament and individual handling requirements
• Using appropriate handling and training techniques to encourage safe and desirable behaviour
• Managing dogs that may be nervous, anxious, reactive or challenging to handle
• Applying positive and welfare‑focused training and behaviour management techniques
• Assisting with behavioural management and safe interactions between dogs, staff and owners
• Providing advice to owners regarding handling, behaviour and ongoing training where appropriate
• Monitoring dogs for signs of stress, discomfort, illness or behavioural changes
• Maintaining accurate client and dog records
• Communicating professionally with clients regarding their dogs' behaviour and individual needs
• Working closely with other members of the Paws About team to maintain high standards of animal welfare and safety
• Maintaining a clean, safe and organised working environment

About You

We are looking for someone who has:

• A minimum of 3 years' relevant professional experience working with dogs in a dog handling, training or closely related professional environment
• Strong knowledge of canine behaviour, body language and temperament
• Demonstrated experience safely handling dogs of different breeds, sizes and temperaments
• Experience working with anxious, nervous or behaviourally challenging dogs
• Knowledge of positive, welfare‑focused dog handling and training techniques
• A strong commitment to animal welfare and ethical handling practices
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• The ability to work confidently both independently and as part of a team
• Excellent reliability, organisation and attention to detail

Relevant formal qualifications in animal behaviour, dog training, animal care or a related field will be highly regarded.

About Paws About

Paws About is a well‑established pet care business servicing Sydney's Eastern Suburbs. We are passionate about providing professional, individualised care and maintaining high standards of animal welfare.

We are looking for an experienced professional who shares our commitment to quality, ethical animal handling and excellent client care and who would like to build a long‑term career with our team.