Dog Trainer

Petco•West Seattle, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Petco Certified Dog Trainer, the employee supports 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. Responsibilities include providing individual training sessions and group classes, advising on basic training and environmental management, and developing customized plans for specific goals. The trainer also engages with guests to recommend personalized solutions, including nutrition, services, and supplies. The role begins with Petco’s six-week, instructor-led Dog Training Instructor Program (DTIP), including assigned learning modules and workbook materials. After certification, the Dog Trainer runs and grows the training business at a Pet Care Center, supported by local and national marketing, internal resources, networking, and online booking and scheduling systems. The employee also completes the Health & Wellness Certification Program for Dog. Approved candidates with prior experience may qualify for accelerated training after passing skill and knowledge assessments. In addition to training services, the position supports general Pet Care Center operations and guest experience. It involves recommending and selling classes, services, merchandise, and supplies; maintaining training records; collaborating with grooming and veterinary teams; assisting guests with purchases and OMNI shopping; and following operational and safety procedures. No supervisory responsibility is assigned.

Requirements

Pass Petco’s six-week Dog Training Instructor Program and complete its assigned learning modules and workbook materials.
Pass the Health & Wellness Certification Program for Dog.
Pass required skill and knowledge assessments if seeking accelerated training based on prior experience.
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 safely and humanely with dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds.
Have strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize responsibilities.
Be flexible to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed to accommodate training schedules and store operations.
Have the physical stamina to stand, walk, bend, and lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
Be familiar with computer systems and software for managing training records, schedules, and communication with pet parents.

Nice To Haves

Prior 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 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.
Provide one-on-one training sessions, group classes, and advice 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 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 according to their identified needs; generate future business through understanding guests and their pets and connecting them with digital platforms.
Demonstrate awareness and knowledge of animal health, welfare, and proper handling.
Perform related 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, procedures, and safety protocols.
Promote teamwork, inclusion, and collaboration, and complete other assigned duties and special projects.
Use Petco’s selling behaviors to identify and address guest needs.
Evaluate guest inquiries and refer them to the Leader on Duty as needed.
Successfully run and grow the dog-training business at a Pet Care Center after certification.
Complete the Health & Wellness Certification Program for Dog.