Dog Trainer

Petco•San Antonio, TX

9d•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 sessions, group classes, advice on basic training and environmental management, and customized plans for individual training goals. You will also engage with guests to provide personalized solutions for pets and pet parents, including recommendations for nutrition, services, and supplies. The role has two core areas: providing dog-training services and delivering 360-degree solutions for Petco guests. Trainers recommend and sell appropriate classes, training, and supplies; maintain accurate training records; work with grooming and veterinary teams; and continue developing their expertise. Guest-facing duties include helping guests select merchandise and services, supporting store operations and online shopping, maintaining merchandise displays, and promoting a safe, inclusive, collaborative environment. New trainers complete Petco’s six-week, instructor-led Dog Training Instructor Program (DTIP), including assigned learning modules and workbook materials. After certification, trainers run and grow the dog-training business in a Pet Care Center with local and national marketing support and access to internal resources, networking, and online booking and scheduling tools. They must also complete the Health & Wellness Certification Program for Dog. Candidates with prior experience who pass skill and knowledge assessments may qualify for accelerated training. The position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

Passion for animal care, training, and welfare, with a 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 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.
Physical stamina to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 pounds.
Familiarity with computer systems and software for managing training records, schedules, and communication with pet parents.
Complete Petco’s six-week Dog Training Instructor Program and the Health & Wellness Certification Program for Dog.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Complete and successfully pass Petco’s six-week Dog Training Instructor Program, including assigned Workday Learning modules and DTIP Student Workbook materials.
Provide one-on-one dog-training sessions, group classes, advice, and customized training plans using modern training techniques and positive reinforcement.
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 cross-functionally with grooming and veterinary teams to provide holistic solutions for pet parents.
Complete ongoing training programs and apply learning to maintain expertise.
Engage guests to understand their needs and recommend merchandise and services, generating future business through guest relationships and digital platforms.
Demonstrate awareness and knowledge of animal health, welfare, and proper handling.
Support Pet Care Center performance goals, including stocking, pricing, and displaying merchandise; completing register transactions; and assisting with OMNI shopping.
Follow operational guidelines, policies, procedures, and safety protocols.
Promote teamwork, inclusion, and collaboration, and refer guest inquiries to the Leader on Duty when needed.
Complete other assigned duties and special projects.