Dog Trainer

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc.; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Petco as a Dog Trainer, where you play a crucial role in strengthening the bond between pets and owners. You will conduct one-on-one sessions and group classes using positive reinforcement methods, creating a welcoming environment for both pets and their parents. With a focus on health and wellness, you will provide personalized guidance to enhance the well-being of pets and improve customer experiences.

Qualifications

• Passionate about animal care and training.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Strong organizational abilities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct training sessions and classes for dogs.
• Engage with guests to provide pet solutions.
• Maintain records of training sessions.

Skills

Animal care

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Job description

Create a healthier, brighter future for pets, pet parents and people!

If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you.

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what’s right for pets, people and our planet.

We love all pets like our own

We’re the future of the pet industry

We’re here to improve lives

We drive outstanding results together

We’re welcome as we are

Petco is a category-defining health and wellness company focused on improving the lives of pets, pet parents and Petco partners. We are 29,000 strong and operate 1,500+ pet care centers in the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, including 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. We’re focused on purpose-driven work, and strongly believe what’s good for pets, people and our planet is good for Petco.

Position Overview

As a Petco Certified Dog Trainer, you will play a vital role in furthering Petco’s mission as a Pet Health and Wellness company by enhancing the bond between pet parents and their dog companions. Your expertise in modern dog training techniques and positive reinforcement methods will help pet parents develop well-behaved, happy, and healthy dogs. You will provide one-on-one training sessions, group classes, and offer advice on basic training, environmental management, and customized training plans to address specific training goals. In addition to dog training, you’ll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree personalized solutions for the unique needs of pets and pet parents. You’ll positively impact the health and wellness of pets by providing recommendations on healthy nutrition, world class services and essential supplies.

Position Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

The Dog Trainer role consists of 2 core responsibilities:

• Attend and successfully pass Petco’s 6-week Dog Trainer Instructor Program led by a Petco Certified Dog Trainer Mentor/Academy Instructor.
• Complete all assigned Workday Learning modules and DTIP Student Workbook materials per the DTIP roadmap.
• Recommend and sell appropriate dog training classes, training, and supplies to ensure pet parents and their dogs have the necessary resources for a successful dog training experience.
• Keep accurate records of training sessions, progress, and pet parents' feedback.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
• Work cross functionally with the grooming and veterinary teams to provide holistic whole health solutions for all pet parents.
• Complete and apply ongoing training programs to maintain a high level of expertise in the role.

Provide 360-Degree Solutions for all Petco Guests

• Provide an outstanding guest experience by actively engaging with guests in the recommendation and selection of merchandise and services in accordance with their identified needs.
• Generate future business through a deep understanding of the guest and their pet(s) and connection to our digital platforms.
• Demonstrate a high level of awareness and knowledge for the health, welfare, and proper handling of all animals.
• Perform related duties to support the Pet Care Center in achieving its performance goals.
• Ensure merchandise is stocked, priced, and displayed to enhance the shopping experience for pet parents.
• Complete cash register transactions and support guests with their OMNI shopping experience as needed.
• Adhere to established operational guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Promote a positive culture of teamwork, inclusion, and collaboration.
• Complete other duties and special projects as assigned.
• Evaluate guest inquiries and refer to the Leader on Duty as needed.

Other Essential Duties

• UTILIZE SELLING BEHAVIORS. You’re the key to providing an amazing guest experience within our Pet Care Center Locations. Utilizing the behaviors within our Sales Model is critical to being able to identify and solve for their needs both today and in the future.
• CONTRIBUTE TO A SAFE ENVIRONMENT. You’ll be empowered through our training programs to maintain our safety protocols. Bottom line, the safety of partners, guests and pets is our #1 priority.
• BE A PART OF A COLLABORATIVE CULTURE. Being a great teammate is key to creating a culture that is centered around solving for the health and wellness needs of pets.
• ENGAGE IN YOUR CAREER. As you develop your skills and knowledge, you will have the opportunity to participate in developmental programs to support your continued growth throughout your career.

Certification Requirements

• Stage 1: All candidates are required to complete the ‘Dog Training Instructor Program (DTIP)’ to become Petco Certified Dog Trainer consisting of the following:
  • Dog Training Apprentice: 6-weeks weeks of instructor led learning and development.
• Stage 2: Dog Trainer: Successfully run and grow the dog training business in one of Petco’s Pet Care Centers with local and national marketing support, with access to internal partner resources, networking, and client acquisition through our state-of-the-art online booking and scheduling systems.
• Stage 3: Complete the Health & Wellness Certification Program for Dog.
• Note: Approved candidates with prior experience that can pass both skill and knowledge assessments may be eligible for accelerated training.

Basic Qualifications

• Passion for animal care, training, and welfare and a genuine interest for improving the lives of pets and their pet parents.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with pet parents and provide clear instructions, demonstrations and applicable selling techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to handle and work with dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds in a safe and humane manner.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize responsibilities effectively.
• Flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed to accommodate the training schedule and store operations.
• Physical stamina to stand, walk, bend, and lift heavy objects (up to 50 pounds) associated with dog training equipment and supplies.
• Familiarity with computer systems and software to manage training records, schedules, and communication with pet parents.

Our vision at Petco is Healthier Pets. Happier People. Better World. We’re making things better for pets, people and the planet through our Think Adoption First philosophy, the Petco Foundation and other important initiatives that focus on putting animals first, educating pet parents and reducing our carbon footprint. The journey starts with knowledgeable, passionately engaged associates who are proud to recommend Petco as a place to work, who believe in our Vision and who are committed to delivering a superior customer experience.

From our retail stores and our network of Distribution Centers to our Corporate offices, you'll work with others who share your values and commitment. We seek individuals who are passionate about animal welfare, have great people skills and are driven to grow and advance in their careers with us. Our ongoing growth is creating exceptional opportunities for professional development and personal enrichment throughout our organization.