Dog Trainer

**Kip Homestead Yarra Valley**:
**Position: Dog Trainer**:
At Kip, we provide pets with the best care and enrichment - and have our people to thank for it. We are compassionate caregivers to our four-legged friends and exceptional communicators to their paw-rents.

Kip Homestead Yarra Valley is located in beautiful Wonga Park and is seeking a Dog Trainer to compliment our professional and hard working team conducting Board & Trains for our new & existing customers. This is an amazing opportunity for anyone wanting to become a professional dog trainer and learn from some of the best in the industry.

**Why Kip Happy Stays?**
- Did someone say pets?
- We offer real career pathways for individuals who are looking for more than just a job. We are committed to development with a majority of our leaders having been promoted internally.
- We offer opportunities for ongoing training to develop and build your animal handling skills, such as pet first aid and pet CPR, canine socialisation online workshops, and/or become an accredited dog trainer through Kip with the National Dog Trainer’s Federation (NDTF).
- Our teams have access to further training opportunities, such as human first aid, leadership workshops, secondment roles and a Kip community where ongoing learning is celebrated and shared amongst each other.
- We drive collaborative relationships and we encourage our team to visit similar sites to understand how we operate across Kip, network with teams and learn/share ideas from peers.
- We offer a structured induction program that trains on all aspects of the role you will need to succeed and feel confident.

**Extra Perks**:

- You receive generous staff discounts of up to 50% on shop items and on our boarding and daycare services (where applicable).
- Attractive remuneration based on experience and dog handling ability and a supported pathway to becoming a full-time trainer
- Not stuck behind a desk all day and instead you'll be hands-on working with dogs on the field.
- Employee referral program where you can earn up to $3000 per person when you recommend exceptional people that we onboard at Kip Happy Stays.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that supports our employees with free confidential counselling and support to all employees.
- Find long term friendships with humans who have similar passions and interests and a drive to provide the best quality care to pets across Australia.
- Work for a fun and exciting business with a well established reputation and brand.
- You will be a key contributor to providing a high level of service to pets and their parents through care you can genuinely be proud of.

**Duties & Responsibilities**:

- Consult with clients to understand and address canine behavioural issues and training requirements.
- Detect additional behavioural concerns and communicate these needs to clients with actionable plans to address.
- Create effective training strategies for dogs, documenting their advancement and opportunities.
- Instruct dogs in fundamental commands using tailored training methods that match their individual personality and characteristics.
- Implement suitable training programs to tackle and resolve problematic behaviours such as aggression, separation anxiety, hyperactivity, and biting.
- Maintain cleanliness and organisation in training areas ensuring the wellbeing of animals and other staff.
- Educate clients on proper training techniques to reinforce and sustain their dogs' acquired behaviours and skills.
- Arrange training appointments, confirming bookings, and other general administrative duties as required.

**Key Requirements**:

- National Dog Trainers Federation (NDTF) certificate or similar recognised national qualification is highly regarded.
- Deep understanding of dog behaviour, including breed-specific traits, body language, communication, and socialisation.
- Demonstrated history of achieving positive results in dog training addressing various behavioural issues, improving obedience, and developing strong bonds with dogs and their owners.
- Familiarity with various training techniques and methods, including balanced reinforcement. An ability to adapt these techniques to suit different dogs' needs and personalities is crucial.
- Patience and effective communication skills when conveying instructions clearly to both dogs and their owners.
- Ability to analyse and diagnose problems, develop appropriate solutions, and modify training techniques accordingly.
- Dedication to the well-being and welfare of the dogs in their care.
- Commitment to professional development with a passion for keeping up to date with the latest research, techniques, and trends.
- Collaborate with fellow trainers and staff members in a team-oriented environment.
- Capable of working independently, demonstrating self-motivation, and taking initiative.
- Confident and capable handling skills when working with dogs of different sizes, breeds, and temperaments.

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