Dog Training Apprentice

Come work at a place where innovation and teamwork come together to support the most exciting missions in the world!

Position Overview

The Dog Trainer position is responsible for Dog Training brand consistency, delivering all program offerings and maintaining operational standards within the Pet Care Center. The Dog Trainer will be the primary resource and leader in their Pet Care Center regarding Petco’s Positive Dog Training program and therefore be accountable for consistent achievement of the Pet Care Center’s budgeted Dog Training sales goals by driving sales, while educating and engaging all Pet Care Center partners.

As the Dog Trainer, you must follow Petco’s Positive Dog Training curriculums, policies, and training methodologies. The Petco Positive Dog Training Program supports and adheres to “LIMA” which stands for least intrusive, minimally aversive and spotlights the importance of dog trainer skillsets and knowledge base to ensure that Health & Wellness remains priority throughout the training process. You must be committed to and show a genuine interest in enhancing communication and teamwork between dog and pet parent by offering positive solutions and rewarding success while providing a fun and safe environment for dogs, pet parents and Pet Care Center partners. Provide pet parents with exceptional Dog Training instruction and customer service by acting as a subject matter expert for Petco’s Positive Dog Training Program, products, services and promotions, to our canine companions  and their pet parents, helping them strengthen their bond through fun and educational dog training.

Position Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty exceptionally.. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Promote the science based positive training philosophies of the Petco Positive Dog Training Program and ensure a safe dog training environment for pet parents, guests , dogs, and all Petco partners.
• Maintain ethical standards while working with dogs, pet parents, and all Pet Care Center partners.
• Confidently perform all tasks & duties as outlined in the Dog Training Instructor Program (DTIP).
• Develop training plans for pet parents and their dogs and work to increase the use of positive reinforcement and eliminate the use of punishment.    Focus on providing positive training solutions and when it comes to unwanted behaviors, teach the dogs what we want them to so instead.
• Work cross functionally with Pet Care Center partners to build strong community partnerships with strong to grow the dog training business.  
• Encompass excellent listening skills and able to effectively coach in an encouraging and motivating way by delivering points efficiently and easily. Ability to influence without authority and drive dog training results.
• Is effective in a variety of formal presentation settings and can  capture attention, establish clear directions, and create a climate that motivates others.
• Be familiar with all new products and services to be able to engage with guests  regarding their features and benefits. Upon hiring, must complete Petco’s Positive Dog Training Instructor Program with a Petco Certified Dog Trainer Mentor and associated Petco onboarding within specified timeframe.
• Complete and maintain other training courses and acknowledgments as assigned.
• Schedule and maintain dog training calendars to reflect current guidelines and minimum expectations.
• Maintain Dog Training area cleanliness and equipment per Operational guidelines and Policy and Procedures. This includes but is not limited to maintaining dog training barriers, seating, dog training kiosk and associated signage.
• Must embrace and advocate the role of Dog Trainer in their Pet Care Center and local area to consistently represent Petco’s diverse culture and positive atmosphere.  

Other Essential Duties

• Provide quick and courteous service to all Petco guest customers by determining their needs and sharing product knowledge and dog training recommendations.  
• Adhere to and promote established safety and loss prevention procedures.

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is generally preferred.
• Must successfully complete Petco’s Positive Dog Training Instructor Program upon hiring, within established timelines
• Background in public speaking, presenting, and facilitating a group.
• Comfort level with technology and the ability to coach others on troubleshooting issues.   
• Possess basic computer skills with the ability to quickly research information from the Internet.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPDT-KA or Karen Pryor Academy (KPA-CTP) certifications preferred.
• Previous experience teaching positive reinforcement Dog Training techniques in group or class settings preferred

Supervisory Responsibility

• None

Work Environment

The majority of job duties are conducted indoors, although merchandise receiving, merchandise carry-outs, or stock balancing will require leaving the Pet Care Center briefly. This position requires bending, kneeling, moving merchandise and standing for long periods of time. Must be able to lift 50 lbs and pull 2000 lbs utilizing material handling equipment. Improper use of safety equipment and/or not following proper lifting techniques may pose of risk of injury to customers, pets, and Pet Care Center personnel. Follow all safety precautions and procedures. Must be available for shifts on evenings, weekends.  

Equal Opportunity Employer

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.