Canine Behavioral Specialist

Title: Canine Behavioral Specialist

Location: Jacksonville, Florida

Department: Other

Job Description:

Pet Paradise® is a comprehensive pet care provider offering boarding, day camp, grooming and veterinary services. At Pet Paradise, our mission is to enhance the quality of life for pets and our customers by providing exceptional pet care and an outstanding customer experience. Located in eleven states and over sixty locations, Pet Paradise continues to expand in the southern region of the United States.  

Canine Behavior Specialist

The Canine Behavior Specialist is responsible for identifying desired behaviors and developing a training plan to teach new or improved behavior based on the needs of both the pet and the pet parent. Using practical knowledge of animal behavior, training techniques, and equipment; the Canine Behavior Specialist will educate pet parents on effective methods to sustain learned behaviors and acquired skills. Train and certify other Pet Paradise employees in dog training techniques.

Essential Functions of the Canine Behavior Specialist include:

• Consult with customers to discuss behavioral concerns and training needs of pets and pet parents.

• Develop suitable training plans, focusing on and resolving problem areas, including aggression, separation anxiety, hyperactivity, and biting.
• Teach dogs to obey basic commands using various training techniques that are best suited to each dog’s personality and attributes.
• Educate pet parents on appropriate training methods to enforce and maintain behaviors and skills learned during training sessions.

• Examine the progress of each dog and provide regular progress updates to pet parents.
• Promote, demonstrate, and offer dog training programs to pet parents.
• Answer customer questions regarding training, behavioral issues, and pricing for training services.
• Travel throughout Pet Paradise locations training other employees on dog training techniques.
• Contact customers to schedule training appointments and verify bookings.

Qualifications & Experience 

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED);
• Two years industry related experience and/or training.
• Pet Trainer Certification required.
• Ability to travel as needed (Up to 20% of travel across resort locations/regions).
• Advanced knowledge of dog training techniques as well as animal behavior and body language.
• Sound knowledge of various dog training techniques and demonstrate excellent communication, dog handling, and problem-solving skills.
• Able to handle a variety of dogs (sizes and breeds) safely and comfortably.

Language Ability: 

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

Math Ability: 

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, commissions, proportions, and percentages. 

 Reasoning Ability:  

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer Skills:  

A general understanding of Microsoft Office and Windows is preferred, but not required.

 Certificates and Licenses:  

Canine/feline CPR

ABKA Level 1 certification within 180 days

Valid driver's license (applicable if willing to transport guests)

 Special Skills:  

Professional appearance in compliance with dress code

Confident and energetic personality

Strong organizational, cash management, and sales skills

Strong ability to prioritize and multi-task, work with minimal supervision.

Reliable and flexible to Resort needs

 Equipment:

Motor vehicle (applicable if willing to transport guests)

 Work Environment: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions (non-weather); work in high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outdoor weather conditions; risk of electrical shock and vibration.

 May be exposed to animals that are agitated and/or injured.  Animals may scratch and/or bite.

 The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will primarily be in an office environment, with remote work flexibility.  As appropriate, the employee may visit our resorts to engage with managers and associates.

 Physical Demands: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. A team lift may be required for heavier items.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.  The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit and use hands.  The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

 Perks & Benefits:

• Complimentary Pet Day Camp – Bring your dog with you to work!
• 30 Days of Complimentary Pet Boarding (non-holidays)
• On-demand pay with DailyPay
• Discounted Veterinary Care and Grooming Services (per location)
• Dog/Cat Adoption Assistance
• Fitness Reimbursement
• Paid Time Off (both full-time and part-time status)
• 401(k) with company match
• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance (full-time status)