Dog Trainer

Petco•Boulder, CO

9d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Petco Certified Dog Trainer, you will help strengthen the bond between pet parents and their dogs using modern dog-training techniques and positive reinforcement. You will provide individual training sessions and group classes, advise on basic training and environmental management, and develop customized training plans. You will also engage with guests to recommend personalized solutions for their pets, including nutrition, services, and supplies. The role has two core responsibilities: providing dog-training services and delivering broader guest support at a Petco Pet Care Center. New trainers complete Petco’s six-week instructor-led Dog Training Instructor Program (DTIP), then run and grow the dog-training business at a Pet Care Center with marketing and internal resources. Trainers also complete the Health & Wellness Certification Program for Dog. Candidates with prior experience may qualify for accelerated training after passing skill and knowledge assessments. The job also involves helping guests select merchandise and services, supporting store operations, maintaining a safe and collaborative environment, and completing ongoing learning. The role has no supervisory responsibility. Petco is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

Pass Petco’s Dog Training Instructor Program, including six weeks of instructor-led learning and development, to become a Petco Certified Dog Trainer.
Complete assigned Workday Learning modules and DTIP Student Workbook materials.
Pass skill and knowledge assessments if seeking eligibility for accelerated training based on prior experience.
Pass the Health & Wellness Certification Program for Dog.
Passion for animal care, training, and welfare and 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.
Flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed for training schedules and store operations.
Physical stamina to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 pounds.
Familiarity with computer systems and software for managing training records, schedules, and communications with pet parents.

Nice To Haves

Prior dog-training experience that may qualify an approved candidate for accelerated training after passing skill and knowledge assessments.

Responsibilities

Attend and successfully pass Petco’s six-week Dog Training Instructor Program, completing assigned Workday Learning modules and DTIP Student Workbook materials.
Recommend and sell suitable dog-training classes, training services, and supplies.
Provide individual dog-training sessions and group classes, and offer guidance on basic training, environmental management, and customized training plans.
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 ongoing training and apply learning to maintain expertise.
Engage with guests to recommend merchandise and services suited to their needs and build future business through understanding guests and their pets and connecting them with Petco digital platforms.
Demonstrate knowledge of animal health, welfare, and proper handling.
Support Pet Care Center performance goals; stock, price, and display merchandise; complete register transactions; and assist with OMNI shopping as needed.
Follow operational guidelines, policies, procedures, and safety protocols.
Promote teamwork, inclusion, and collaboration; participate in development programs; and complete other assigned duties and projects.
Evaluate guest inquiries and refer them to the Leader on Duty as needed.
Use Petco’s selling behaviors to identify and address guests’ current and future needs.