Dog Trainer

Petco • Poway, CA

12d • Onsite

About The Position

As a Petco Certified Dog Trainer, you will support Petco’s mission as a Pet Health and Wellness company by strengthening the bond between pet parents and their dogs. Using modern dog-training techniques and positive reinforcement, you will help pet parents develop well-behaved, happy, and healthy dogs. You will conduct one-on-one training sessions and group classes, advise on basic training and environmental management, and develop customized plans for individual training goals. You will also engage with guests to recommend personalized solutions for their pets, including nutrition, services, and supplies.

The role includes completing Petco’s six-week Dog Training Instructor Program, required learning modules and workbook materials, and the Health & Wellness Certification Program for Dog. After certification, trainers are expected to run and grow the dog-training business at a Pet Care Center, supported by local and national marketing, internal resources, networking, and online booking and scheduling systems. Candidates with relevant prior experience who pass skill and knowledge assessments may qualify for accelerated training.

Requirements

• Pass Petco’s Dog Training Instructor Program; complete the required learning modules and workbook materials.
• Complete the Health & Wellness Certification Program for Dog.
• Pass skill and knowledge assessments if seeking eligibility for accelerated training based on prior experience.
• Passion for animal care, training, and welfare, and genuine interest in improving the lives of pets and their 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.
• Physical stamina to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 pounds of dog-training equipment and supplies.
• Familiarity with computer systems and software for managing training records, schedules, and communications with pet parents.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Attend and successfully pass Petco’s six-week Dog Training 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.
• Keep accurate records of training sessions, progress, and pet-parent feedback.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Work cross-functionally with grooming and veterinary teams to provide holistic whole-health solutions.
• Complete and apply ongoing training programs to maintain expertise.
• Engage guests and recommend merchandise and services based on their needs.
• Build an understanding of guests and their pets and connect them to Petco’s digital platforms to generate future business.
• Demonstrate awareness and knowledge of animal health, welfare, and proper handling.
• Perform duties that support Pet Care Center 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.
• 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.
• Evaluate guest inquiries and refer them to the Leader on Duty as needed.
• Work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed to accommodate training schedules and store operations.

Benefits

• Petco Total Rewards include health and financial benefits, 401(k), incentives, and paid time off; details are available through the linked benefits overview.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed