Apprentice Dog Trainer/ Dog Trainer

Gold Country Pet Resort is a training destination for many dogs in Northern California. In addition to Dock Diving and BarnHunt training and competitions, we have long specialized in all aspects of standard pet obedience, with an track record of success with reactivity/aggression issues. We also train service dogs, and sport dogs. In addition to the above, we breed German Shepherds for all different types of tasks (working, sport, service, companion). The owner and head trainer is a National and International Competitor in the sport of IGP (formerly Schutzhund, IPO).

GCPR seeks an Apprentice Dog Trainer/ Dog Trainer to start with training our facility dogs (primarily German Shepherds). After showing an understanding of our system of training with our Facility dogs, they would advance to working with our board and train dogs. Hours to start with will be likely be part time (must be five days per week) with the potential for full time wages. Can easily work to full time based on results. We might start the right person on something more than 20 hours per week, so don’t let that deter you from inquiring if your a great fit in every other way!

Candidates must be a bit on the dog crazy side and share our passion for outstanding training and care of our canine guests. It is not enough to “love dogs” (we know most of us do!!) You must be able to handle dogs with temperaments of all types from the shy introverted dogs to the solid, stable dogs to the, well, somewhat over the top working dogs, with little to no training. You must be confident, assertive, but most of all willing to learn our ways of working with the dogs. This job is not for the faint of heart!

Experience is preferred but we will train the right person. Who is the right person for our organization? You must be self-sufficient, upbeat and have a passion for always learning to be a better trainer. I don’t care how much experience any of us have, there is always more to learn. We prefer someone who is competing with their dogs, although it’s not a 100% dealbreaker if you are interested in competing in the future, but, just haven’t yet. Why is that important? People who compete with their dogs put their training out there for others to see, and by extension are usually trying to get better (and getting better). We know there might be someone who has other reasons for not competing, and we are willing to consider that.

We prefer someone with a strong understanding of positive reinforcement training, though we are balanced trainers, and applicants need to be willing to work in all four quadrants. We heavily emphasize the teaching of dogs before any pressure work is done. We will teach your our system of training and expect all training to be done within our value system.

This is an Apprentice Dog Trainer/ Dog Trainer position but you will have all aspects of the dogs care for the dogs that are assigned to you for training, including exercise, kennel cleaning and feeding). It also includes doing significant social media posts (you may send to our admin to do the actual post, but you must supply pictures and content). The job starts at 20 hours per week (can be more for the right person). Hours and times are flexible, other than ensuring you are present for training five days per week.

We are located on a large ranch in a rural community, with a 1 mile dirt road, so if you are worried about dirt on your car, this job may not be for you! We have lots of room for dogs to run and we have lots of dog sports to participate in. While the initial hiring does not require any client contact, we are specifically hoping to find someone who wants to work with dog sport clients in the future (bonus, not a requirement) and someone else who wants to focus on service dogs. We serve both these communities as well as pet dogs, reactivity and aggression, etc….

Pay will be based on results (there is obviously a base pay, but additional pay incurred when results are completed). We want trainers who are self-motivated. We have no shortage of business opportunities. Trainers have use of the facility for their personal dogs and the ability to potentially branch out in their areas of interest here. Trainers will have flexibility to increase or decrease their hours as desired.

We are looking to build a close-knit team who helps each other in their endeavors as well as excel at meeting client expectations.

Phase 1: Read Our Strategic Vision (below)
Phase 2: Online Application (below) &
Phase 3: Hiring Seminar (upon invitation)

Only online applications will be accepted.

JOB DESCRIPTION

RESPONSIBILITIES- Assistant Dog Trainer/ Dog Trainer

• Train Facility Dogs (German Shepherds) and eventually client Board and Train dogs utilizing primarily positive reinforcement to teach behaviors.
• Methodology used will be that of the facility…we are not looking for someone to freelance with their methods
• The ideal candidate will be open to learning (we are willing to train inexperienced people but are open to people with experience so long as they are open minded)
• The ideal candidate will follow company protocols to teach basic behaviors to puppies, young adults and some client dogs (board and trains)
• The ideal candidate will be able to learn with an open mind, take constructive feedback to adapt themselves to our protocols (we know you may be in awesome already, but people are  coming here because of the way WE do things…so adaptation to our criteria is mandatory…though we will welcome thoughtful discussion after the learning curve phase!
• The ideal candidate will have trained/are training their own dogs to a high level and potentially compete (venue not important) to better themselves as trainers
• The ideal candidate will be able to adapt quickly to a changing situation
• The ideal candidate will have some video/social media skills for documentation/marketing purposes
• Candidate will be expected to keep their dogs basic needs met 5 days per week (fed, exercised, kennels cleaned).

BENEFITS (part and full time):

• After 90 days 3 sick days per year (to start, this increases each year)
• After 90 days, may take any of our group classes in which a spot is available.
• After 90 days may use facility for training of their own dogs, when available.
• After 90 days, support in training of their own dogs in competitive venues.
• Access/Participation in online curriculum offered
• After 6 months; start accruing vacation at 2 weeks paid vacation per year. (3 weeks at 5 years).
• Structured company advancement plan, so that as you increase your skills, you can increase your wages significantly, as quickly as you can gain the skills/take on the responsibilities.

COMPENSATION

Pay depends on experience. Performance based bonus upon approval.

Hourly/Performance bonus for trainers minimum $15-$20+ (plus bonus/commission). Starting pay DOE (typically $13-$15 if no prior experience) part time (possible full time). Even part time will carry significant bonus for results, you could have a full time income working part time if you are motivated and skilled.  

We don’t hire to just fill a seat, rather we take our time looking for the right people. If you know without a doubt that you are a fit, let’s talk.

We Really Believe in This Stuff

Everyday we get to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. Providing inspiration to dog parents who need it. Getting our message out there. Helping customers learn how to change the course of their relationship with their dogs . Educating the dog owner how to speak “dog”. Making the connection between dog and owner is the goal for us. It’s why we do what we do. Work that changes lives, work that gives inspiration.

Work in Your Strengths
Our goal is to help position each team member in a role that plays to their strengths, that sets them up to shine…to win. Know yourself well enough to know what you do well, and just as importantly, what you don’t.

Win or Lose as a Team
Our team openly works together to create remarkable experiences that positively impacts lives. Everyone on the team is responsible for bringing new ideas, perspectives and solutions to the table. Starting with day one, we want your voice as part of the conversation.

About Our Company
We’re a privately-owned and operated pet care facility focused on a single mission:
“We provide experienced based, canine education and services to improve the canine/human relationship which gives INSPIRATION to everyone from the dog enthusiast to the dog owner.”

Step 1: Read our Strategic Vision (REQUIRED)
Step 2: Click Here for Job Application Form