Animal Attendant / 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 Lake Macquarie now has a fantastic new opportunity for Animal Attendants wanting to work a hybrid role and develop a career pathway in dog training! This role will see a mix of kennel duties throughout the week and dog training on weekends. Reporting to the Dog Trainer Lead of our new Board & Train program, you will be responsible for following our B&T client's training plans to ensure a consistent approach throughout their stay.

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 preferred, or willing to undertake training.
• 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.

What's the best way to be shortlisted?

Include a cover letter outlining why you are best fit for the role.