Dog Trainer

Petco; Porter (CA); On-site; USD 22,041 - 30,307; Full time

Job summary

Petco is looking for a Certified Dog Trainer in Porter, California, to enhance the bond between pet parents and their dogs through modern training techniques. The role involves providing one-on-one training, conducting group classes, and engaging with guests to ensure their pets’ health and wellness.

The position requires effective communication skills, a passion for animal welfare, and flexibility to manage various tasks related to dog training. A competitive salary and supportive training programs are provided.

Qualifications

• Passion for animal care and improving the lives of pets.
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with pet parents.
• Physical stamina to perform duties related to dog training.

Responsibilities

• Provide world-class dog training services and engage with guests.
• Maintain training records and ensure confidentiality.
• Work cross-functionally with grooming and veterinary teams.

Skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to handle dogs safely and humanely

Strong organizational skills

Flexibility to work various schedules

Familiarity with computer systems

Job description

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 actively engage with guests to provide 360‑degree personalized solutions for the unique needs of pets and pet parents, positively impacting their health and wellness through recommendations on nutrition, services, and supplies.

Position Responsibilities

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

The Dog Trainer Role Consists Of 2 Core Responsibilities

Provide World Class Dog Training Services

• 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 training experience.
• 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 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 to provide an amazing guest experience.
• Contribute to a safe environment; prioritize safety protocols for partners, guests, and pets.
• Be a part of a collaborative culture centered around solving pet health and wellness needs.
• Engage in career development programs to support continued growth.

Certification Requirements

• Stage 1: All candidates are required to complete the ‘Dog Training Instructor Program (DTIP)’ to become Petco Certified Dog Trainer.
  • Dog Training Apprentice: 6‑weeks of instructor‑led learning and development.
• Stage 2: Run and grow the dog training business in one of Petco’s Pet Care Centers with local and national marketing support, internal partner resources, networking, and client acquisition through our online booking and scheduling systems.
• Stage 3: Complete the Health & Wellness Certification Program for Dogs.
• 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 in improving the lives of pets and their parents.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with pet parents and provide clear instructions, demonstrations, and selling techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to handle and work with dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds safely and humanely.
• 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.

Supervisory Responsibility

• None

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Salary Range: $16.00 – $22.00

Start Rate: $17.87

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.