Dog Trainer Assistant
At Endeavour K9, we specialize in professional dog training, behaviour modification, structured boarding, and daycare. We work with everything from family companions to sport dogs, including many dogs with behavioural challenges.
We are looking for the right individual to join our team as a Kennel Attendant with the goal of progressing into an Assistant Dog Trainer. This position is ideal for someone who is passionate about dog behaviour, enjoys learning, and wants to build a long-term career in the dog training industry.
The successful candidate will begin by learning our kennel routines, handling protocols, and dog management systems before gradually taking on additional training responsibilities under the guidance of our head trainer.
This is a physically demanding, fast-paced position that requires professionalism, patience, excellent communication skills, and a genuine passion for helping both dogs and their owners succeed.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Kennel & Animal Care
- Daily care, feeding, cleaning, and monitoring of dogs.
- Safely handling dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments.
- Exercising and enriching boarding, daycare, and training dogs.
- Maintaining clean kennels, training areas, yards, and equipment.
- Monitoring dogs for changes in health or behaviour and reporting concerns.
- Following all safety, sanitation, and handling protocols.
Training Responsibilities
As skills develop, responsibilities will expand to include:
- Assisting with Board & Train and Day Training programs.
- Assisting with private lessons and follow-up lessons.
- Helping conduct training evaluations.
- Maintaining accurate training notes and progress reports.
- Practicing and implementing Endeavour K9 training systems.
- Using a variety of humane training techniques and equipment, including balanced training methods.
- Working with dogs experiencing behavioural challenges including reactivity, aggression, anxiety, fear, and poor impulse control.
- Assisting with drop-in classes and group training.
- Helping prepare training equipment and lesson materials.
Client Care & Administration
- Greeting clients professionally.
- Answering training and boarding inquiries by phone, email, and text.
- Assisting with scheduling lessons and evaluations.
- Following up with prospective and current clients.
- Maintaining accurate client records.
- Assisting with social media content and marketing initiatives.
- Representing Endeavour K9 in a professional manner at all times.
Qualifications
We are looking for someone who is:
- Passionate about dog training and behaviour.
- Dependable, motivated, and eager to learn.
- Comfortable working independently and as part of a team.
- Calm, confident, and patient with dogs.
- Able to communicate professionally with clients.
- Physically capable of handling large, energetic dogs.
Preferred Qualifications
- High school diploma.
- Minimum of one year of professional dog training, kennel, daycare, veterinary, shelter, rescue, or animal handling experience.
- Strong understanding of canine body language and behaviour.
- Experience with balanced training methods.
- Experience with behaviour modification.
- Comfortable using Microsoft Office, email, and Canva.
- Valid driver’s licence.
- A certificate from a recognized dog training program is considered an asset.
- Experience competing in dog sports or handling titled dogs is considered an asset.
Physical Requirements
This position requires:
- Standing, walking, bending, and kneeling for extended periods.
- Working indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Lifting and carrying 50+ lbs.
- Handling both small and large breed dogs safely.
- Working around pet hair, dander, cleaning products, and occasional loud barking.
What We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate is:
- Reliable and punctual.
- A quick learner who takes initiative.
- Calm under pressure.
- Detail-oriented.
- Comfortable handling challenging dogs.
- Professional in both appearance and communication.
- Committed to maintaining high cleaning and safety standards.
- Willing to continue learning and developing their training skills.
- Available to work evenings and weekends.
Growth Opportunities
This position offers:
- Hands-on mentorship from an experienced professional trainer.
- Opportunity to advance from Kennel Attendant to Assistant Dog Trainer.
- Ongoing education and professional development.
- Exposure to behaviour modification, sport dogs, puppies, obedience, and advanced training.
- Potential for permanent full-time employment.
Schedule
We are currently hiring for a fixed-term contract with the potential to transition into a permanent full-time position.
Availability must include:
- Weekdays
- Evenings
- Weekends
- Occasional holidays
Additional opportunities may be available for candidates interested in assisting with breeding and puppy raising, including overnight whelping shifts.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and cover letter.
Your cover letter should answer the following questions:
- How many years of balanced dog training experience do you have?
- What training tools are you comfortable using?
- How many years of behaviour modification experience do you have?
- Do you hold a valid driver’s licence?
- Would you be willing to assist with overnight puppy whelping when required?
- What certifications, seminars, or training courses have you completed?
- What dog sport titles have you earned with your own dogs or dogs you have handled?
- Which professional dog trainers do you follow and why?
- Why do you want to work at Endeavour K9?
Preference will be given to candidates with prior professional experience in dog training, handling, kennels, shelters, veterinary care, or competitive dog sports. However, we encourage anyone with a strong work ethic, willingness to learn, and passion for dogs to apply.
Selected applicants will be contacted for an interview. The hiring process includes an initial interview, followed by a working interview that involves safely handling dogs and performing routine kennel and training tasks.