Dog Trainer

Petco•Foxboro, MA

16d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Petco Certified Dog Trainer, you will further Petco’s mission as a pet health and wellness company by strengthening the bond between pet parents and their dogs. You will use modern dog-training techniques and positive reinforcement to help pet parents develop well-behaved, happy, and healthy dogs. The role includes one-on-one training sessions, group classes, and advice on basic training, environmental management, and customized plans for specific goals. You will also engage with guests to provide personalized solutions, including recommendations for nutrition, services, and supplies. The role combines dog-training services with broader guest support in a Pet Care Center. Dog Trainers recommend and sell suitable classes, training, and supplies; maintain training records; collaborate with grooming and veterinary teams; and keep their expertise current through ongoing learning. They also help guests choose merchandise and services, support store operations and OMNI shopping, and contribute to a safe, inclusive, and collaborative environment. Candidates must complete Petco’s six-week Dog Training Instructor Program (DTIP), including assigned learning modules and workbook materials. After certification, Dog Trainers run and grow the dog-training business at a Pet Care Center, supported by local and national marketing, internal resources, and online booking and scheduling systems. They must also complete the Health & Wellness Certification Program for Dog. Candidates with relevant prior experience who pass skill and knowledge assessments may be eligible for accelerated training.

Requirements

Pass Petco’s Dog Training Instructor Program, unless eligible for accelerated training by passing the required skill and knowledge assessments.
Complete the Health & Wellness Certification Program for Dog.
Pass required learning modules and DTIP Student Workbook materials.
Have a passion for animal care, training, and welfare and a genuine interest in improving the lives of pets and their pet parents.
Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with pet parents and provide clear instructions, demonstrations, and applicable selling techniques.
Demonstrate the ability to handle and work with dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds safely and humanely.
Have strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize responsibilities.
Be flexible to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed.
Have the physical stamina to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 pounds.
Be familiar with computer systems and software for managing training records, schedules, and communications.
Maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

Nice To Haves

Relevant prior dog-training experience that may qualify a candidate for accelerated training after passing skill and knowledge assessments.

Responsibilities

Attend and successfully pass Petco’s six-week Dog Training Instructor Program, completing the assigned learning modules and student workbook materials.
Provide one-on-one dog-training sessions and group classes using modern training techniques and positive reinforcement.
Offer guidance on basic training, environmental management, and customized training plans.
Recommend and sell appropriate dog-training classes, training, and supplies.
Maintain accurate records of training sessions, progress, and pet-parent feedback, while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
Work with grooming and veterinary teams to provide holistic whole-health solutions.
Complete ongoing training programs and apply new learning to maintain expertise.
Engage guests to recommend and select merchandise and services based on their needs.
Build future business by understanding guests and their pets and connecting them with Petco’s digital platforms.
Demonstrate knowledge of animal health, welfare, and proper handling.
Perform related duties to help the Pet Care Center achieve its performance goals.
Ensure merchandise is stocked, priced, and displayed appropriately.
Complete cash-register transactions and support guests with OMNI shopping as needed.
Follow operational guidelines, policies, and procedures.
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.
Use Petco’s selling behaviors to identify and address guest needs.
Follow safety protocols to help maintain a safe environment for partners, guests, and pets.
Successfully run and grow the dog-training business at a Pet Care Center after training and certification.