Dog Trainer

Petco•Woburn, MA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Petco Certified Dog Trainer, the Dog Trainer helps advance Petco’s mission as a pet health and wellness company by strengthening the bond between pet parents and their dogs. The role uses modern dog-training techniques and positive reinforcement to help pet parents develop well-behaved, happy, and healthy dogs. Trainers provide one-on-one sessions and group classes, give advice on basic training and environmental management, and create customized plans for specific training goals. The role also engages guests to recommend personalized solutions for pets and pet parents, including nutrition, services, and supplies. The position has two core responsibilities: providing dog-training services and offering 360-degree solutions to Petco guests. Trainers complete Petco’s training and certification programs, recommend appropriate classes and supplies, keep training records, and collaborate with grooming and veterinary teams. They also help guests select merchandise and services, support store operations and sales, maintain merchandise displays, assist with register and OMNI shopping transactions, and follow operational and safety procedures. The role promotes teamwork, inclusion, and a positive guest experience. No supervisory responsibilities are listed.

Requirements

Pass Petco’s six-week Dog Trainer Instructor Program, unless eligible for accelerated training based on prior experience and successful skill and knowledge assessments.
Complete the Health & Wellness Certification Program for Dog.
Passion for animal care, training, and welfare, with a genuine interest in improving the lives of pets and pet parents.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with pet parents and provide clear instructions, demonstrations, and applicable selling techniques.
Ability to handle and work with dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds safely and humanely.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize responsibilities effectively.
Flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed for the training schedule and store operations.
Physical stamina to stand, walk, bend, and lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
Familiarity with computer systems and software for managing training records, schedules, and communication with pet parents.

Nice To Haves

Prior dog-training experience may qualify approved candidates for accelerated training if they pass skill and knowledge assessments.

Responsibilities

Attend and successfully pass Petco’s six-week Dog Trainer Instructor Program led by a Petco Certified Dog Trainer Mentor or Academy Instructor.
Complete assigned Workday Learning modules and Dog Training Instructor Program Student Workbook materials according to the program roadmap.
Recommend and sell appropriate dog-training classes, training, and supplies to support successful training experiences.
Keep accurate records of training sessions, progress, and pet-parent feedback; maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
Work with grooming and veterinary teams to provide holistic whole-health solutions for pet parents.
Complete and apply ongoing training programs to maintain expertise in the role.
Engage guests and recommend merchandise and services according to their identified needs.
Build an understanding of guests and their pets, connect them to Petco digital platforms, and generate future business.
Demonstrate awareness and knowledge of animal health, welfare, and proper handling.
Perform related duties that support Pet Care Center performance goals.
Stock, price, and display merchandise to enhance the shopping experience.
Complete cash-register transactions and help guests with OMNI shopping as needed.
Follow operational guidelines, policies, procedures, and safety protocols.
Promote teamwork, inclusion, and collaboration.
Complete other duties and special projects as assigned.
Evaluate guest inquiries and refer them to the Leader on Duty as needed.
Provide one-on-one dog-training sessions and group classes, and advise pet parents on basic training, environmental management, and customized training plans.
Recommend solutions related to healthy nutrition, services, and essential supplies.
Use Petco’s selling behaviors to identify and address guests’ current and future needs.