Dog Trainer

Petco•Hillcrest, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Petco Certified Dog Trainer, the Dog Trainer enhances the bond between pet parents and their dogs by using modern dog-training techniques and positive reinforcement. The role provides one-on-one training sessions and group classes, offers guidance on basic training and environmental management, and develops customized plans to address specific training goals. The Dog Trainer also engages with guests to provide personalized recommendations for pet health and wellness, including nutrition, services, merchandise, and supplies. The role includes completing Petco’s six-week, instructor-led Dog Trainer Instructor Program (DTIP), assigned learning modules, and workbook materials. After certification, the Dog Trainer runs and grows the dog-training business in a Pet Care Center, with marketing, partner resources, networking, and online booking and scheduling support. The position also supports Pet Care Center operations and guest service, working collaboratively with grooming and veterinary teams. Candidates with relevant prior experience who pass skill and knowledge assessments may qualify for accelerated training.

Requirements

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 safely and humanely with dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize responsibilities.
Flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed to accommodate training schedules 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.
Complete Petco’s Dog Trainer Instructor Program and Health & Wellness Certification Program for Dog, subject to the stated certification stages.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Provide one-on-one dog training sessions and group classes using modern training techniques and positive reinforcement.
Advise pet parents on basic training and environmental management and create customized training plans for specific goals.
Attend and successfully complete Petco’s six-week Dog Trainer Instructor Program, including assigned Workday Learning modules and DTIP Student Workbook materials.
Recommend and sell appropriate training classes, training services, 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 solutions for pet parents.
Complete ongoing training programs and apply the learning to maintain expertise.
Engage guests to recommend and select merchandise and services according to their needs, and build future business through understanding their pets and connecting them with digital platforms.
Demonstrate knowledge of animal health, welfare, and safe handling.
Support Pet Care Center performance goals, including stocking, pricing, and displaying merchandise; completing register transactions; and assisting with OMNI shopping as needed.
Follow operational guidelines, policies, and procedures and contribute to a safe, inclusive, collaborative team culture.
Use Petco’s selling behaviors to identify and address guests’ current and future needs.
Evaluate guest inquiries and refer them to the Leader on Duty as needed.
Complete other assigned duties and special projects.