Job Description

The Professional Dog Trainer is a position within the Resort and reports directly to the General Manager. We believe in the mission of “Pet Lovers Delighting Pet Lovers” and we demonstrate this through being Playful, Passionate, Personal and Professional. A successful candidate for this position will be someone who not only embraces this culture, but is a team player, self-motivated, takes direction well, has excellent communication skills, and great attention to detail. This is a service-related industry and you should not only be skilled at customer service, but passionate about helping people. Most importantly, the candidate should have experience with dogs, dog behavior, and knowledge of reward-based training.

A Day In The Life:

This role is so much fun! You’ll ask their parents about goals and what they want to solve and start dogs on the path of good behavior through our preset programs. After getting your subject started on the desired path, you will be teaching the pet parents how to maintain this path of success with their pet. Not only will you act as a teacher to the pet and the pet parent, but you will also be caring for your training pups, feeding, watering, cleaning up after them and letting them out for elimination breaks. You will work with your training subjects with our preset programs, which include Puppy Preschool, Adult Dog Training (2-4 week programs), E-Collar training, Prong Collar Training, Group Classes and Private Lessons. But most of all, you will be helping pets and their people bond, and have long, successful relationships!

Equal Employment Opportunity:

NVA Pet Resorts is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Qualifications For This Position:

• Knowledge of Operant and Classical Conditioning as it pertains to training dogs preferred.
• 1-2 years of experience in training animals or equivalent education is preferred.
• Knowledge and understanding of dogs, dog behavior, and individual breed characteristics.
• CCPDT Certification or the ability to obtain certification within one year of employment.

Work with a team who all exemplify these qualities:

• A passion for animals and animal care, especially dogs + cats. Willing to learn animal behavior to ensure their safety.
• Focuses on safe and gentle handling. Forceful, aversive, aggressive handling, vocalizing or treatment will not be tolerated.
• Customer Service Oriented - Ability to take care of the customers’ needs while following company procedures. Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Responds to request for service and assistance. Build trust with customers.
• Willing and able to communicate directly with clients, both written and orally, about their dog. Works to make these “lifetime clients”.
• Must be able to work under conditions that require sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, pulling, pushing and grasping.
• Conflict Resolution - Ability to handle conflict with tact and diplomacy
• Good team work and willingness to assist other departments as necessary
• Cheerful, friendly, positive team-oriented attitude
• Strong attention to detail, especially where documentation is concerned. Ability to work in computer systems such as Microsoft Office.
• Reliable, punctual, and dependable
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including holidays and weekends
• Ability to take direction well and apply it independently
• Ability to work in temperature extremes, work outside, or in distracting work environments such as loud noise/sound
• Ability to tolerate being in close contact with various bodily fluids and to get dirty frequently
• Physically able to handle dogs of all sizes and to lift up to 60 lbs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities:

• Training with assigned dogs daily
• Prepare training plans to assist clients with behavior modification of pets
• Meet with clients on arrival and departure of pet to discuss training expectations and progress
• Provide enrichment to training dogs
• Document and be able to explain in detail the dog’s behavior and training status for each training session. This is done in-person, through email and video.
• Adhere to LIMA (least intrusive, minimally aversive) training standards in all interactions and training exercises. Exclusive use of positive reinforcement training methods through classical and operant conditioning.
• Run preset class curriculum or develop class curriculum, where applicable
• Maintain highest standards of education in dog training
• Conduct group classes and private lessons
• Assist with additional training sessions as needed, including virtual training when asked
• Working with and consulting with other departments and form cohesive working relationships.
• Grow business by making recommendations to current Pet Parents.

We provide exceptional care and attention to your pet while with us. Our award-winning training programs, safe and fun dog daycare and premium boarding services make us a St. Louis favorite when choosing the best pet resort for your dog. We are proud members of several professional pet organizations that ensure strict standards when caring for your dog.

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