Dog Trainer

About the role

The Dog Trainer is a skilled, hands-on professional who designs and delivers individualized training programs that improve each dog’s behavior, build their confidence, and strengthen the bond between dogs and their pet parents. This role is the resort’s subject-matter expert on canine behavior and learning, working closely with the Pack and Front Desk teams to ensure training goals are understood, reinforced, and reflected in each dog’s daily care. Trainers model our values — Do the Right Thing, Improve Every Day, Give Transparency & Take Ownership, and Show Unreasonable Hospitality — while building trust with pet parents, solving behavior challenges with patience and skill, and reinforcing a culture of safety, growth, and care.

Responsibilities

Training Program Delivery

• Design and conduct individualized training sessions based on each dog’s temperament, goals, and history.
• Lead group classes and/or one-on-one sessions covering obedience, manners, socialization, and behavior modification
• Use positive reinforcement and force-free training methods consistent with Digs’ training philosophy.
• Track and document each dog’s progress, adjusting techniques and goals as needed  

Behavior Support & Safety

• Assess new and existing dogs for behavioral concerns, triggers, and training needs
• Partner with Pack Leaders to ensure training plans are reflected in playgroup placement and daily handling.
• Recognize signs of stress, fear, or reactivity and intervene safely and appropriately.
• Handle dogs safely using proper restraint and handling techniques during training sessions and evaluations
• Support incident response and behavior-related escalations alongside the on-duty Supervisor.

Client Service & Communication

• Conduct training consultations and meet & greets to set expectations and goals with pet parents.
• Provide pet parents with clear, encouraging updates on their dog’s progress after each session.
• Coach pet parents on at-home techniques so training carries over beyond the resort.
• Represent Digs’ hospitality standards with professionalism and warmth in every interaction.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date training records, session notes, and behavior logs.
• Reinforce Digs’ SOPs, safety policies, and behavior protocols across the team.
• Support onboarding by sharing behavior insights and training best practices with new teammates.
• Ensure training documentation is communicated clearly to Front Desk and Pack teams.

Qualifications

Animal Care Knowledge & Experience

• Prior experience working with animals in a professional setting, with familiarity in animal behavior, handling, and basic health needs
• Comfortable handling dogs of all sizes and temperaments
• Ability to recognize signs of distress or illness and manage minor injuries or emergencies; pet CPR/first aid certification is a plus but not required
• Knowledge of health and sanitation standards to maintain a clean, safe environment for animals and people

Training Expertise & Methodology

• Proven experience in dog handling with a  strong understanding of canine behavior
• Working knowledge of positive reinforcement, force-free, and humane training techniques.
• Ability to design individualized training plans and adapt methods to each dog’s needs.
• Formal training certification (e.g., CPDT-KA, KPA, or equivalent) preferred but not required with sufficient hands-on experience.

Pet-Parent Centric Approach

• Committed to delivering exceptional service to pet parents with professionalism and empathy.
• Skilled at explaining training concepts in clear, approachable terms for pet parents of all experience levels.
• Experience handling client inquiries, addressing concerns, and maintaining positive relationships.

Business Acumen

• Understanding of basic facility operations and how training integrates with daily resort activities.
• Ability to manage a training caseload, multitask, and make quick, informed decisions in a high-energy environment.

Adaptaility & Resilience

• Calm and composed under pressure, including behavior incidents and difficult pet-parent conversations.
• Adaptable to changing circumstances and varying dog personalities while maintaining a positive, professional attitude.
• Willingness to work variable hours, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Communication & Influence

• Clearly communicates training goals, progress, and expectations to pet parents and teammates.
• Effectively relays behavior notes and care instructions to Pack and Front Desk teams.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and move throughout the facility for extended periods

Growth Path

Dog Trainers are trusted subject-matter experts who model Digs’ culture, elevate the quality of care across the resort, and build lasting trust with pet parents. Advancement is earned through consistent results, reliability, and growing expertise.

Readiness for advancement includes:

• Consistent record of strong attendance and positive training outcomes.
• Proven ability to handle complex behavior cases with sound judgment.
• Deep understanding of canine behavior, learning theory, and Digs’ training philosophy.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor others and share training knowledge effectively.
• Strong alignment with Digs’ values and commitment to continuous improvement.

What We Offer

At Digs, we take care of our pack. Dental and vision benefits kick in shortly after your start date, and at 90 days you're eligible for a 401(k) with up to 4% company match. At 6 months, medical benefits become available to full-time teammates, and after one year you can join our DigIn Shared Ownership Program — because we believe the people who build Digs should share in its success. Many locations also offer teammates discounted DayPlay as a little extra perk.