Job Description: Dog Trainer

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Summary of Responsibilities

Upon completion of apprenticeship training, or after demonstrating the necessary skills, you will be responsible for providing dog training services contracted through TLC Dog Training and Boarding, Inc. You will visit the homes of dog training clients, caring for pets and providing other services including mail and newspaper collection, turning lights on and off, taking trash to curb, and other negotiated services.

Individuals with previous dog training experience must pass a written and oral examination, as well as on-site evaluations of interviewing and instructional skills. Individuals with previous dog training experience must have a thorough understanding of dog behavior, various dog training techniques, and the ability to communicate training information to clients.

Individuals with little or no experience can become an apprentice trainer with TLC Dog Training and Boarding, Inc. You will learn valuable skills that will allow you to take advantage of job opportunities in the rapidly growing pet services industry.

Honesty and reliability, as well as a friendly, enthusiastic attitude toward clients and their pets are key character traits for a dog trainer.

Requirements & Tuition

• Apprentice dog trainers must complete 24 hours (12 weeks) as an assistant trainer under the supervision of the lead instructor in regular TLC Dog Training classes. There is no tuition charge for this opportunity.
• Apprentice dog trainers must complete 50 hours of individual dog training with client dogs under the supervision of the lead instructor. Tuition is payable in advance in 10-hour blocks. The tuition fee for each 10-hour block is $400.00. The training schedule may be variable, depending upon weather and the availability of client dogs.
• Apprentice dog trainers must complete 25 hours of in-home training with clients and their dogs under the supervision of the lead instructor. Tuition is payable in advance in 10-hour blocks, and the fee is $400.00 for each 10-hour block. The training schedule may be variable, depending upon weather and the availability of client dogs.
• All trainers must join the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Meet with supervisor and client to establish schedule and plan for regular training visits.
• Fulfill each contracted dog training visit, performing training in accordance with outlined training plan and caring for the pets and the house as agreed upon in the dog training agreement. Pet care may include feeding, watering, and dog training.
• Notify supervisor of any irregularities in the behavior of the pets, and if necessary, transport sick animals to a veterinarian (owner's veterinarian or TLC Dog Training and Boarding, Inc. veterinarian on call).
• Contact emergency services in the event of an emergency regarding the home, and remain at the home until emergency services arrives.

Job Requirements

• Education: High School Graduate.
• Experience With Animals: Minimum of six months experience in handling dogs. You must be or be willing to become familiar with clicker training and positive reinforcement training, and be able to use these techniques in your dog training assignments.
• Customer Service/Sales Experience: Prefer, but do not require six months or more customer service/sales experience.
• Transportation: You must have access to a RELIABLE form of transportation for work purposes, and you must provide documentation regarding the current insurance status of your vehicle.
• Cell Phone: You must have access to a RELIABLE cell phone for work purposes.
• Bondable and Insurable: You must be bondable and insurable. We run credit and criminal background checks on all potential employees..

Compensation

• You will be covered by our professional liability insurance coverage and bonding insurance.
• You will receive a flat rate for each visit, based upon the fee collected from the client.
• You may receive sales commissions.

Benefits

• Flexible hours. Work as much or as little as you wish. Great for moms with kids in school, students, retirees, or those who need a second job.
• Good pay. You can make as much as $40 per hour, based upon the location of your training assignments.
• Learn while you earn.