About this role
Wolf In Winter is a respected Vancouver Island pet-care business with a large, established client base who value our high standards of care and personal, authentic service. Our clients are asking for dedicated training programs, and we?re looking for an experienced Dog Trainer to join our team and help develop this next part of our Brand.
All of our services take place on our large, 25 acre fenced acreage in North Saanich. Our expansion plans include a full suite of private and group dog training services, structured outdoor daycare with owner drop-off and pick-up, as well as premium boarding, exceptional Grooming shop, alongside the continued growth of our very popular fenced acreage pack hiking adventure program.
We will become the regions most respected premium pet-care facility, dog adventure and training centre. We?re passionate about what we do and committed to getting there through quality care, kindness and honest, transparent communication with our clients and each other.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Training will be the primary focus of this position. You?ll work directly with the Founder and management team to develop and deliver WIW?s own training programs, built around aligned training philosophies and a consistent approach.
We have first class large indoor and outdoor private spaces on site to facilitate our Training programs year round, weekends and evenings.
We will offer puppy classes, obedience and everyday life skills, private training, group classes and support for dogs experiencing reactivity. You?ll have meaningful input into how these programs are designed and delivered, with the scope reflecting your experience and expertise.
You?ll also contribute to the ongoing development of dogs in our existing packs, working hands-on with them and helping our handlers build consistent skills and practices.
WHAT YOU?LL DO
- Develop training programs, lesson plans and class structures in collaboration with the owner.
- Lead private sessions and group classes, teaching owners practical skills they can use confidently at home.
- Assess dogs? needs, establish realistic goals and adapt your approach to each dog and owner.
- Communicate progress clearly and provide useful guidance between sessions.
- Support our pack adventure team with dog handling, behaviour observations and practical training input.
- Help maintain a safe, welcoming and professional experience for dogs, clients and colleagues.
For the right person, there is also potential to take on more leadership and management responsibilities.
WHO WE?RE LOOKING FOR
You?re an experienced, passionate dog trainer who enjoys teaching people as much as working with dogs. You bring patience, sound judgment and the ability to work closely with others in a respectful team environment.
We?re looking for:
- Professional experience delivering private training and group classes, recognizing the importance of educating the dog owner as well as the dog.
- A balanced training philosophy grounded in humane handling, kindness and a clear commitment to helping our client dogs live their best life. We believe it is NEVER the dogs fault.
- An example of a well known trainer that generally aligns with our values is Tom Davis/No Bad Dogs.
- A willingness to discuss your methods openly and develop an agreed approach with the Founder, who is very active in the development and success of Wolf In Winter.
- The ability to read canine behaviour, recognize and work with stress/energy.
- Clear, thoughtful communication and a professional, supportive manner with clients and the rest of our deeply committed Team of canine professionals.
- Reliability, self starter, takes initiative and openness to feedback and continued learning.
- Enthusiasm for active, outdoor work and a commitment to the daily life of and successful growth of Wolf Winter.
Professional dog-training certification is preferred. Applicants with substantial relevant experience and demonstrated training ability will also be consid