At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead dog behaviour assessments and design rehabilitation plans for rehoming success.
- Company: Join a passionate team at Dogs Trust, dedicated to dog welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, benefits, and the chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community focused on animal welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on dogs' lives and help them find loving homes.
- Qualifications: In-depth knowledge of dog behaviour and experience in training required.
The predicted salary is between 25566 - 25566 £ per year.
Are you an experienced dog trainer and handler? We are looking for someone who can assess, design and implement behavioural rehabilitation plans for our dogs. As Behaviour Officer, you will take the lead, figuratively and literally, when it comes to the assessments of our dogs and their training programmes, playing a key role in their journey towards rehoming.
What does this role do? As a Behaviour Officer you’ll:
- Assess the behaviour of dogs, before they enter the centre and during their stay, to identify potential behaviour needs, as per Dogs Trust Standard Operating Procedures.
- Design and implement Behaviour Modification Programmes and training plans to enhance each dog’s chances of rehoming, in support of the centre’s priorities based on individual dog welfare and requirements.
- Oversee and support the implementation of training and behaviour plans by colleagues, working with other departments to modify and seek guidance.
- Monitor the progress of individual training and rehabilitation programmes and maintain detailed records of the progress of each dog.
- Provide professional training and support to colleagues.
Interviews for this role are provisionally scheduled for week commencing 9th February 2026 at our transfer centre in Penrith.
To be successful in this role, you will have an in-depth knowledge of dog behaviour and welfare, including experience of writing training and behaviour programmes. You will also have achieved ATBC competence at Animal Trainer standard and have achieved specific competences from the Behaviour Technician standard or equivalent. This competence should be combined with significant practical experience handling challenging dogs. You will also have excellent communication skills with the ability to handle delicate situations sensitively and professionally.
Our rehoming centres house thousands of dogs each year until they are able to find a loving new home, and the success of our centres wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated team of staff and volunteers; there is a real family-community within each of our centres. Come rain or shine, our team are out in all weathers to make sure the dogs have the best possible life. Dealing with thousands of visitors each month, our rehoming centres are the face of Dogs Trust and we pride ourselves on our staff providing the very best in customer service.
Behaviour Officer employer: Dogs Trust Company Limited
At Dogs Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that values the well-being of both our staff and the dogs in our care. Located in the heart of Penrith, our rehoming centre provides a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth, with comprehensive training programmes and a strong community spirit among colleagues. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of dogs and their future families while enjoying competitive compensation and benefits.
Contact Details:
Dogs Trust Company Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Behaviour Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Dogs Trust and their values. When you understand their mission, you can tailor your conversations during interviews to show how you fit into their culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to dog behaviour and training. Role-play with a friend or in front of a mirror to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, share personal stories about your experiences with dogs. This will help you connect with the interviewers and demonstrate your commitment to dog welfare.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to keep yourself on their radar and show your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Behaviour Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with dog behaviour and training. We want to see how your skills align with the Behaviour Officer role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Your Passion:Let your love for dogs shine through in your application! We’re looking for someone who’s not just qualified but genuinely cares about dog welfare. Share any personal stories or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to helping dogs find their forever homes.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our organisation there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dogs Trust Company Limited
✨Know Your Canine Behaviour
Brush up on your knowledge of dog behaviour and welfare. Be prepared to discuss specific cases where you've successfully implemented training or rehabilitation plans. This will show your expertise and passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be working with colleagues and potentially delicate situations, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think of examples where you've effectively communicated complex ideas or handled sensitive scenarios in a professional manner.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific behavioural issues with dogs. Prepare some case studies from your experience that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to adapt training methods to individual needs.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Dogs Trust Standards
Make sure you understand the Dogs Trust Standard Operating Procedures. Being able to reference these during your interview will show that you're not only knowledgeable but also aligned with their values and practices.
