Dog Handler or Trainer

Full-time Dog Handler or Trainer position available with competitive salary. Work in a dynamic team in North Curl Curl, NSW 2099. Apply today through 11 Recruitment!

3 Stand-out Bullet Points:

• Full-Time Dog Handler or Trainer
• $80,000 - $85,000 p.a. plus superannuation
• Work in a professional environment.

Position Overview:

Waggle House - A Northern Beaches dog care business providing grooming and daycare services in a loving, stress-free and crate-free environment, with a strong focus on personalised care, comfort and the wellbeing of every dog.

As a Full Time Dog Handler or Trainer at Waggle House, you will primarily be responsible for assessing canine behaviour, planning and delivering structured dog training programs, teaching obedience and practical behaviours, addressing behavioural issues, and coaching owners to reinforce training outside formal sessions. This position requires strong knowledge of canine learning and behaviour, confident handling skills, patience, consistency and clear communication.

Responsibilities and Tasks:

• Assess each dog's temperament, behaviour, training history and learning needs before developing an appropriate training approach.
• Develop individualised dog training plans with clear behavioural and obedience goals, training methods and measurable progression points.
• Conduct structured one-on-one and group dog training sessions using positive, reward-based and humane training techniques.
• Teach core obedience and practical behaviours including sit, stay, recall, loose-lead walking, focus, impulse control and appropriate social behaviour.
• Train dogs to respond reliably to verbal commands, hand signals and handler cues in controlled settings and progressively more distracting environments.
• Identify unwanted or problematic behaviours such as jumping, pulling, excessive barking, over-excitement, poor focus or reactivity, and implement suitable behaviour-modification strategies within the trainer's scope.
• Monitor each dog's response to training, evaluate progress against agreed goals and modify training techniques or session structure when required.
• Coach dog owners in correct handling, timing, reinforcement and practice techniques so that training can be continued consistently at home.
• Provide owners with practical feedback, training instructions and follow-up exercises to support ongoing behavioural improvement between sessions.
• Maintain accurate records of training objectives, session outcomes, behavioural observations, owner instructions and progress for each dog.
• Use training equipment safely and appropriately, ensuring methods and equipment support canine welfare and minimise stress.
• Work collaboratively with Waggle House staff so that handling approaches and behavioural expectations remain consistent when trained dogs are also attending grooming or daycare services.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Relevant qualification
• Minimum 1 year of experience as a Dog Handler or Trainer.
• Strong knowledge of canine behaviour, learning principles, obedience training and positive reinforcement techniques.
• Confident and safe dog handling skills across different breeds, sizes, ages and temperaments.
• Strong communication and customer service skills, with the ability to coach owners clearly and professionally.
• Good observation, record-keeping, teamwork and problem-solving skills, with a strong commitment to animal welfare.

Salary:

The role offers a remuneration package ranging from $80,000 - $85,000 p.a plus superannuation for a 38-hour work week.

How to Apply:

11 Recruitment is your pathway to securing this exciting opportunity. We are looking forward to facilitating your application and potentially welcoming you to a company that values expertise. Apply now and let us help you take the next step in your career.

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