Dog Trainer

Petco; Lake Charles (LA); On-site; USD 13,638 - 19,424; Full time

Job summary

Petco is seeking a Certified Dog Trainer to strengthen the bond between pets and their owners through modern training techniques and positive reinforcement. You will conduct one-on-one sessions, group classes, and provide guidance on nutrition, wellness, and essential supplies.

This role involves engaging with guests, recommending services, and supporting the Pet Care Center to meet performance goals. Training progresses through a 6-week DTIP program with ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Passion for animal care and welfare.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work safely with dogs of all sizes/breeds.
• Strong organizational skills; able to multitask.
• Flexible to weekends/evenings/holidays; physical stamina.

Responsibilities

• Provide world-class dog training services including DTIP progression.
• Recommend and sell training classes, training and supplies; maintain records.
• Engage with guests to recommend merchandise and services for a 360-degree solution.
• Collaborate with grooming and veterinary teams; ensure safety and professionalism.
• Support Pet Care Center in achieving performance goals; manage training records and scheduling.

Skills

Communication skills

Dog handling

Organization

Flexibility

Stamina

Computer literacy

Job description

We’re proud to be where the pets go and where the pet people go. 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.

Core Values

• Pet First – Protect & Empower. All pets should live their best life. We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center.
• Foster the Fun – Connect & Bond. Our passion for pets brings us together. We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood.
• Let’s Go! Own & Commit. We are stronger as one team and champion authenticity.

We’re proud to be "where the pets go" to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years. We are 29,000+ strong and nurture the pet‑human bond in more than 1,500 Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals and hundreds of preventive care clinics.

Position Overview

As a Petco Certified Dog Trainer, you will play a vital role in 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, and you’ll positively impact the health and wellness of pets by providing recommendations on healthy nutrition, world‑class services and essential supplies.

Position Responsibilities

• Provide World Class Dog Training Services
  • Attend and pass Petco’s 6‑week Dog Trainer Instructor Program.
  • 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.
  • Keep accurate records of training sessions, progress, and pet parents' feedback.
  • Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
  • Work cross‑functionally with grooming and veterinary teams.
  • Complete ongoing training programs to maintain expertise.
• Provide 360‑Degree Solutions for all Petco Guests
  • Provide an outstanding guest experience by actively engaging guests in recommendation of merchandise and services.
  • Generate future business through a deep understanding of the guest and their pet(s) and connection to digital platforms.
  • Demonstrate high level of awareness and knowledge for health, welfare and handling of 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.
  • Complete cash register transactions and support guests with their OMNI shopping experience.
  • Adhere to 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 to provide an amazing guest experience within Pet Care Center locations.
• Contribute to a safe environment, maintaining safety protocols for partners, guests and pets.
• Be a part of a collaborative culture that centers on solving health and wellness needs of pets.
• Engage in your career development and participate in growth programs.

Certification Requirements

• Stage 1: Complete the Dog Training Instructor Program (DTIP) → Dog Training Apprentice: 6‑week instructor‑led learning and development.
• Stage 2: Dog Trainer – Successfully run and grow dog training business in a Pet Care Center with local and national marketing support and internal resources.
• Stage 3: Complete the Health & Wellness Certification Program for Dog.
• Note: Approved candidates with prior experience may be eligible for accelerated training.

Basic Qualifications

• Passion for animal care, training and welfare.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to handle and work with dogs of all sizes, ages and breeds safely.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Flexibility to work weekends, evenings and holidays as needed.
• Physical stamina to stand, walk, bend and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Familiarity with computer systems and software for training records and scheduling.

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Start Rate: $12.00

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.