At a Glance
- Tasks: Train assistance dogs using positive methods and support their development.
- Company: Canine Partners, transforming lives with expert assistance dogs.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, meaningful work, and community impact.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to creating life-changing partnerships.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives through dog training.
- Qualifications: Experience in dog training and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Transform lives through dog training by training high quality assistance dogs and providing support and appropriate training throughout all stages of the dog's development using positive and reward-based training methods. Make a tangible difference and build meaningful partnerships in your community.
About Canine Partners: At Canine Partners, we breed, train, and support expert assistance dogs to create loving, life-changing partnerships with disabled people. Across the UK, we support people with a variety of physical disabilities and their families, carefully matching them with a dog that suits their needs, personality, and lifestyle. Our dogs bring confidence and independence, love and companionship, reducing reliance on carers and giving people the freedom to live life their own way.
The Role:
- Position: Dog Trainer
- Hours: 22.5 hours per week
- Location: Homebased covering West Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey, East Sussex and Kent
- Travel: This role will involve regular travel within the geographical area which you will cover (Kent, London and parts of Surrey and East Sussex). Travel is usually by car however there may be some use of public transport (e.g., to London). Occasional regional travel and overnight stays.
You will play a vital role in training assistance dogs to a high standard whilst supporting volunteers, partners and the wider team to ensure the health, wellbeing and successful placement of the dogs throughout their working career.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Train Canine Partners dogs at all stages of their training, using positive and reward-based training.
- Tailor training programmes to suit individual partner needs during the matching process.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records for all dogs in training.
- Deliver partnership placement courses, supporting both the partner and dog through the transition.
- Participate in volunteer recruitment activities, including events, social media campaigns and community outreach.
About You:
- Strong practical and theoretical experience in dog training and behaviour.
- Ability to handle and train dogs at all ages, using positive and reward-based training methods.
- ABTC-ATI or similar qualification could be beneficial but not essential. If you do not have a qualification, the willingness to complete it.
- Good communication and coaching / teaching skills.
- Good self-motivation and initiative.
- ICT skills, Microsoft Office, Salesforce (desirable but can offer training), email, internet etc.
- Full UK clean driving license and use of a vehicle for work that is suitable to safely transport a dog if required.
- Most importantly, you will be passionate about the transformative impact that our assistance dogs provide to our beneficiaries.
Ready to Make a Difference? If you are excited about this role, don't hesitate to apply! We welcome applicants who bring unique perspectives and would be delighted to hear from you. Please apply online with a comprehensive CV and supporting statement explaining how you believe you match the requirements of the role.
Please note if we receive a high volume of applications, we may close this advertisement prior to the closing date so apply now to ensure you don't miss out! Please be assured that we contact all candidates regarding the outcome of their application, this may take longer if we receive high volumes of applications.
Closing date: 5th July 2026. We recognise the benefit of diverse experience and welcome and encourage applications from all sections of the community. We are a disability confident committed employer.
Dog Trainer employer: Canine Partners
At Canine Partners, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming lives through the power of assistance dogs. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and community engagement, offering employees meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth while making a tangible difference in the lives of disabled individuals. With a focus on positive training methods and a commitment to diversity, our home-based roles across beautiful locations like West Sussex and Kent provide a unique chance to work flexibly while contributing to life-changing partnerships.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Dog Trainer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Canine Partners and understand their mission. When you show genuine interest in their work during interviews, it’ll set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even refer you, which can give your application a serious boost.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! Since this role involves hands-on dog training, be ready to demonstrate your skills. Practise positive reinforcement techniques and be confident in your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Canine Partners. Don’t wait too long, though—apply now!
We think you need these skills to ace Dog Trainer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for dog training shine through! Share personal stories or experiences that highlight why you love working with dogs and how you believe in the transformative power they have for people.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Dog Trainer. Highlight relevant experience, especially any practical and theoretical knowledge of positive and reward-based training methods. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to connect the dots between your experience and the job requirements. Be specific about how your skills and experiences align with the role, and don’t forget to mention your enthusiasm for making a difference in the community.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Canine Partners!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canine Partners
✨Know Your Training Techniques
Make sure you brush up on positive and reward-based training methods before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific techniques you've used in the past and how they’ve helped dogs develop. This shows your practical experience and passion for dog training.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be working with partners and volunteers, it's crucial to demonstrate your communication and coaching skills. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated training concepts to others, whether it’s through workshops or one-on-one sessions.
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Familiarise yourself with Canine Partners and their mission to transform lives through assistance dogs. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals. This will show that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about real-life scenarios you might face as a dog trainer. Think about challenges you've encountered and how you resolved them. This will help you demonstrate your problem-solving skills and adaptability, which are key in this role.
