Pet Care Professional Trainer (In-Store)

Kennelwood Pet Resorts•St. Peters, MO

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Kennelwood Pet Resorts is hiring a full-time, in-store Professional Dog Trainer in St. Peters. The trainer provides personalized instruction to dogs of different breeds, ages, temperaments, and skill levels, while also helping pet parents understand how to reinforce training at home. The role includes evaluating each dog's training needs, creating and implementing individualized plans using Kennelwood-approved methods and standards, teaching clients, and recommending appropriate Kennelwood services. Trainers also support client relationships and the growth of the Dog Training program through follow-up, community engagement, and referral development. This is active, hands-on work that involves training dogs, conducting individual and small-group lessons, maintaining records and training spaces, and collaborating with resort and training colleagues. The role is scheduled according to client, business, and operational needs. Although the listed schedule is 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, schedules may vary and evening or weekend availability may be required. Employees are expected to remain for their full scheduled shift unless leadership approves an adjustment or early departure.

Requirements

Completion of a reputable dog-training program or equivalent hands-on dog-training experience.
Experience working with dogs and an understanding of canine behavior.
Familiarity with balanced dog-training methods.
Ability to safely train and handle dogs of varying breeds, sizes, ages, strength levels, and temperaments.
Ability to evaluate behavior and temperament and select appropriate training approaches within Kennelwood standards.
Ability to teach and coach pet parents in individual and small-group settings.
Ability to explain training concepts clearly so clients can understand and use them at home.
Ability to build client relationships and provide knowledgeable, supportive service.
Comfort recommending appropriate training services based on the needs of pets and clients.
Organization and ability to manage training sessions, evaluations, client lessons, documentation, scheduling, and follow-up.
Ability to work independently, take initiative, and exercise appropriate professional judgment.
Commitment to animal welfare, ethical training practices, professionalism, and exceptional client service.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and frequently bend, stoop, reach, kneel, and crouch.
Ability to safely walk, handle, restrain, and maintain control of dogs with varying sizes, strength levels, and temperaments.
Ability to react quickly and appropriately to unexpected animal behavior, movement, or safety concerns.
Ability to safely use training tools and equipment.
Ability to regularly lift and carry approximately 40 pounds and occasionally lift, carry, push, pull, or safely handle up to approximately 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to perform cleaning and sanitation responsibilities in training areas, equipment, kennels, and other pet-care spaces.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying temperatures and weather conditions.
Ability to work around barking and other loud noises, animal hair and dander, water, cleaning products, animal waste, bodily fluids, and live animals.

Nice To Haves

Previous professional dog-training experience.
Experience conducting client consultations, lessons, or behavioral evaluations.

Responsibilities

Conduct training evaluations to understand each dog's behavior, temperament, training history, and individual needs.
Recommend appropriate Kennelwood training programs and establish realistic expectations with pet parents.
Develop and implement individualized training plans using Kennelwood's approved training philosophy, methods, and standards.
Train dogs of varying breeds, sizes, ages, temperaments, and skill levels using a balanced training approach.
Monitor training progress and adjust techniques appropriately within Kennelwood standards.
Conduct individual and small-group client lessons to demonstrate techniques and teach pet parents how to reinforce training at home.
Provide professional updates about training progress, challenges, and recommendations.
Follow up with training inquiries, evaluations, and prospective clients.
Educate clients about Kennelwood training services and other opportunities appropriate for their pet's needs.
Help generate training opportunities through existing Kennelwood relationships and within the local community.
Build professional referral relationships with veterinarians, rescues, breeders, community partners, and other appropriate referral sources.
Participate in community events, demonstrations, and educational opportunities when requested.
Maintain accurate training, behavioral, client-communication, and program documentation.
Maintain safe, clean, and organized training areas, equipment, and supplies.
Work collaboratively with resort leadership, Pet Care, Guest Experience, other Trainers, and Kennelwood team members.
Complete scheduled work responsibilities such as client follow-up, documentation, meetings, continuing education, community events, cleaning, and organization.