Head Dog Trainer

Griffith Island Club; Ontario; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A private hunting club in Ontario is seeking a Head Dog Trainer to oversee the care, training, and management of up to 30 hunting dogs. The ideal candidate will possess a recognized dog training qualification, experience with various breeds, and strong leadership skills. This full-time, permanent role requires dedication to animal welfare and compliance with all applicable regulations, offering a unique opportunity to thrive in a specialized environment focused on enhancing the hunting experience for members.

Qualifications

• Experience with working gundogs of all breeds.
• Hunting experience related to upland gamebirds (Pheasant & Partridge) and waterfowl.
• Leadership or management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of training, animal husbandry, and kennel management.
• Ensure the highest standards of animal welfare are implemented.
• Manage operational aspects of a modern hunting dog kennel facility.

Skills

Animal Husbandry

Dog Training

Leadership

Communication

Time Management

Education

Recognized dog training qualification

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Hunting Dog Kennel Services Team

Griffith Island Club is a private sanctuary dedicated to sport shooting and game bird hunting. The Club’s members own the 2300 acre island located in Georgian Bay, located near Owen Sound, Ontario, approximately a three hour drive from Toronto.

In operation since 1973, the Griffith Island Club has built a reputation for quality and professionalism, becoming one of the most desirable private hunting locations in North America.

Starting January 1, 2026, The Club is moving in a new direction to internally manage and control the hunting dog acquisition, training, managing and care programs. This decision is highly strategic and provides the Club with the ultimate in flexibility to continuously improve the hunting and dog experience on the Island while providing for improved care and managing of all aspects of the dog programs, from training to health care.

The Club has implemented a total infrastructure investment program, including the new build of a modern, specifically designed, fit for purpose, multi dog kennel facility. The investment reflects the Club’s commitment to the continued development of the program and services provided to members and their guests.

As the Club moves into this next phase of exciting development, recruiting for the following key positions within the organization will begin immediately.

Head Dog Trainer

Job Description – Full Time Permanent

The Head Dog Trainer will lead on all aspects of training, animal husbandry, & kennel management toensure that operational upland bird hunting objectives are met. They will lead a small team, expected tocomprise of 2 kennel assistants and an assistant trainer.

Working from a brand new (2025) multi dog kennel facility, they will assume full responsibility for thetraining and development of up to 30 hunting dogs, comprised of Labrador Retrievers and Pointing breedswhich are handled by the team of professional hunting guides.

The role is a full time, permanent, year-round position that requires relocation to Ontario, Canada. Considered to be a remote workplace, the successful candidate will be required to live on island during their scheduled shift.

Ideal candidates will have a passion for the care of dogs. They will be confident around dogs of all breedsand dispositions. They will be able to implement strict SOP’s yet still be able to think on their feet. Theymay hold a recognized dog training qualification. They must have experience with working gundogs of allbreeds. They will have hunting experience related to upland gamebirds (Pheasant & Partridge) andwaterfowl. They will be a self-starter with exceptional time management, attention to detail, enthusiasm,commitment, and integrity.

They will have some leadership or management experience and an understanding of budgetimplementation and management.

They will be familiar with the use of office-based programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point. They will be an excellent communicator.

Specific duties will include but not be limited to:

• Manage operational aspects of a modern hunting dog kennel facility
• Ensure the highest standards of animal husbandry and welfare are implemented, ensuringcompliance with any Provincial or Federal legislation
• Train and maintain a kennel of up to 30 hunting dogs for use by multiple hunting guides
• Implement, develop, and maintain a comprehensive training program that is breed specific
  • Labrador Retrievers (Flushing)
  • Pointing Dogs
• Ensure all hunting dogs are field conditioned prior to the start of the annual hunting season inSeptember each year
• Support the delivery of annual guide training, specifically the handling of hunting dogs in thefield, working closely with Senior Managers, specifically the General Manager, AssistantManager and Head Gamekeeper.
• Manage the hunting dog kennel budget, supported by the General Manager
• Dog acquisitions
• Veterinary health and care
• Dog feed and nutrition
• Kennel maintenance & repairs
• Training & training equipment
• Staff & staff training
• Logistics support
• Establish and implement necessary evaluations relating to dog performance, health, conditioning,and welfare
• Develop and implement kennel standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Provide monthly progress and annual end of year reports with recommendations
• Identify dog recruitment requirements and make recommendations to ensure a fully active kennel

All applications must clearly indicate which position that the applicant is applying for and include a cover letter outlining your suitability for the position, along with a comprehensive resume (CV) that clearly indicates your experience, work, and educational history.

Applicants who are applying from outside Canada, must hold legal status to live and work in Canada through a recognized and valid IRCC visa or citizenship program, or be eligible to apply for and meet the criteria for approval through an IRCC visa program.

Applicants should include a current head and shoulders (passport style) photograph of themselves, which can be a digital image taken on an electronic device.

Successful candidates will be required to undertake police background checks and participate in a KOLBE assessment.

For further information and details of how to apply, please click here