Dog Trainer

**About Us**:
Pet to Pal was founded by Matthew Maltese in 2016 and has since been a trusted provider of dog training and obedience lessons serving clients across the GTA. Our goal is to build a strong team that will enhance the client and pet experience from the point of first contact with Pet to Pal though to the completion of the final lesson.

**Job Overview**:
**Job Type**:Contract - Part-time - with potential to become Full Time

**Key Responsibilities**:
1. Training Sessions:

- Conduct individual or group training sessions for dogs and their owners, focusing on obedience, socialization, confidence building, neutrality, desensitization, and behavior modification.
- Develop customized training plans based on the specific needs, temperament, and age of each dog.
- Teach everything from puppy training to rescue dogs, basic commands such as sit, stay, heel, and come, etc. as well as more advanced commands as needed.

2. Behavioral Evaluation:

- Assess dogs' behavior and temperament to identify underlying issues or challenges.
- Work with owners to understand the root causes of behavioral problems and develop strategies to address them effectively.
- Provide guidance on managing and preventing common behavioral issues such as aggression, separation anxiety, and excessive barking.

3. Client Education:

- Educate dog owners on proper training methods, communication cues, and techniques to reinforce training at home.
- Offer advice on exercise, and enrichment activities to promote overall health and well-being.
- Address any questions or concerns from clients regarding their dogs' behavior or training progress.

4. Documentation and Progress Tracking:

- Maintain detailed records of each dog's training progress, including achievements, challenges, and areas for improvement.
- Provide regular updates to owners on their dogs' progress and recommend adjustments to training plans as needed.
- Document any significant behavioral changes or milestones observed during training sessions.

5. Continued Learning and Professional Development:

- Stay updated on the latest advancements in dog training techniques, behavior science, and animal welfare practices.
- Attend workshops, seminars, or conferences to expand knowledge and skills in the field of dog training.
- Pursue certifications or credentials from reputable organizations to enhance credibility and expertise.

**Qualifications**:

- Previous experience working with dogs in a training or behavior modification capacity preferred.
- Strong understanding of canine behavior, learning theory, and training principles.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with clients and their dogs.
- Patience, and a genuine passion for working with animals.
- Ability to adapt training methods to accommodate different learning styles and personalities of dogs and owner preference.
- Certification or degree from recognized dog training organizations (e.g. CCPDT) is a plus.
- Physical ability to handle and control dogs of varying sizes and energy levels.

**Additional Details**:

- Work may be conducted indoors or outdoors, depending on the training environment and weather conditions.
- Flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate clients' availability.
- Exposure to barking, potential dog aggression, and physical exertion during training sessions.
- Travel will be required to clients' homes, training facilities, or other locations.

**Job Types**: Part-time, Fixed term contract, Apprenticeship

Pay: From $40.00 per hour

Expected hours: 1 - 20 per week

Flexible Language Requirement:

- French not required

Schedule:

- Day shift
- Evening shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed

Supplemental pay types:

- Bonus pay
- Retention bonus
- Tips

Work Location: In person