Dog Handler/Assistant Dog Trainer at Dogs Rock! Vermont

Dogs Rock! Vermont in Essex Junction, VT is looking for one dog handler/assistant dog trainer to join our 13 person strong team. Our ideal candidate is attentive, motivated, and reliable.

The primary role of a Snack Leader at Dogs Rock! Vermont is to make sure the dogs are socializing in a safe and fun way during operational hours, collaborating with the Floor Lead to make sure dogs are grouped appropriately by the internal playstyle system, dogs are moved fluidly through groups as needed, all behavior and medical concerns are reported in an appropriate manner, and that any training plans for dogs within their groups are adhered to. Additionally, making sure that all cleaning tasks are completed as needed and according to protocols. Finally, an up-beat attitude and team mentality is required.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1. Ensuring the well-being and safety of all dogs in our care by following established protocols for animal husbandry
2. Proactively managing dog play groups using our internal training methods
3. Proactively following training plans for dogs in our playgroups to supplement each dog’s individual training sessions
4. Record data about dogs and their behavior in internal documents and to management
5. Adhering as closely as possible the daily schedule, under guidance of the Floor Lead and Operations Manager
6. Coordinating with other staff members in completing opening and closing cleaning procedures to ensure all tasks are completed by end of shift
7. Engaging with clients as they enter & exit the lobby in an exceptionally friendly customer service way
8. Completing also daily and weekly cleaning tasks as needed
9. Dropping off dogs as needed to their homes in the company vehicle.

Overall Division of Tasks: (Subject to change)

• 60% oversight of dogs
• 10% documentation and other daily tasks as needed
• 25% cleaning
• 5% customer service

Secondary Duties And Responsibilities: (include the following and may be changed at any time)

• Assisting in special projects
• Assisting trainers in Group Classes
• Assisting with special weekend events
• Covering shifts for other employees if they are sick or having a family emergency

Qualifications:

Required:

• A passion for learning about and applying skills of dog behavior, operant conditioning, and classical conditioning in a playgroup setting
• The motivation to build on your skillset and engage in continuing education provided by the company
• Minimum of one year of experience working professionally with dogs in a daycare, shelter, veterinary office or boarding, or training facility
• A driver’s license without any major infractions on your record
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for use with staff and internal documents
• Enjoys, and is comfortable with, being around many different types of dogs including a variety of breeds and behaviors
• Ability to perform all tasks with integrity
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively as a team member and work under the leadership of a manager
• Proficient in Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, Gmail.
• Comfortable navigating internal software systems as needed
• Excellent customer service skills

Preferred:

• 2+ years of professional experience working in dog daycare, sheltering, veterinary office or training
• Fear-Free or Low Stress Handling Certification

About

Dogs Rock! Vermont is a dog training and behavior center located in Essex Jct, VT. We believe that all dogs are awesome, which is why we strive to have the best standards of practice in everything that we do! We take a positive reinforcement approach and follow Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive guidelines with all of our dogs- and their people too!

Our clients range from first time puppy owners to dog owners looking for special care, proper socialization and behavior modification for dogs with severe behavior issues. We aim to be an industry leader for dog training facilities. Therefore, all Snack Leaders will embrace and embody the mission of Dogs Rock! Vermont to strive for best practices in all aspects of the business and to legitimize the use of positive reinforcement in dog care and training.

Recommended Skills

• Communication
• Customer Service
• Friendliness
• Google Docs
• Google Drive
• Leadership