Dog Trainer

Petco; Poulsbo (WA); On-site; USD 22,041 - 30,307; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Total Rewards

401K & PTO

Job summary

Petco is seeking a Certified Dog Trainer to enhance the bond between pets and their parents through modern, positive reinforcement training. You will deliver one-on-one sessions, group classes, and create customized plans, while guiding guests toward 360-degree health and wellness solutions for pets.

Responsibilities include completing the 6-week DTIP program, maintaining training records, and collaborating with grooming and veterinary teams.

Qualifications

• Passion for animal care, training, and welfare.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle dogs of all sizes safely.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Stamina to stand, lift up to 50 pounds and train equipment.
• Familiarity with computer systems to manage training records.

Responsibilities

• Provide world-class dog training services.
• Complete all DTIP training and maintain training records.
• Recommend and sell dog training classes and supplies.
• Coordinate with grooming and veterinary teams for holistic care.
• Engage guests with 360-degree solutions for pet health and wellness.
• Maintain store standards, merchandise display, and cash handling.
• Adhere to policies, safety protocols, and team collaboration.

Skills

Animal care

Communication

Dog handling

Organization

Flexibility

Physical stamina

Computer skills

Job description

About Petco

Petco is 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.

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

• Pet First – Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.
• Foster the Fun – Connect & Bond. Our Passion for pets brings us together! We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through district experiences, products, and services.
• Let’s Go! Own & Commit. We are stronger as One Petco team. We bring our unique superpowers and champion authenticity in everyone to drive success.

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

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 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 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.

Supervisory Responsibility

• None

Salary Range

Hourly: $16.00 - $22.00
Start Rate: $17.13

For a more detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards, including health and financial benefits, 401K, incentives, and PTO, see Petco Benefits.

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.

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