5 Amazing dog trainer Resume Examples (Updated 2023) + Skills & Job Descriptions

Working with dogs and their human companions is a passion for you. You are all about improving human-canine relationships through affirmative training. Your friends have called you a dog-whisperer, but you know that success is achieved through providing affection and rewards, interacting with each dog systematically in a fun, secure environment. It helps that you have great social skills with humans too. All you need is a dog trainer resume that will stand out, making sure you are chosen from among all the applicants for an interview. A hiring manager usually only has a few minutes to scan each resume, so crafting a professional document that highlights your skills and abilities is important. Although you are not nearly as comfortable writing as you are training dogs, we have you covered. Our templates and resume sample will guide you through the creation of a professional resume, and our expert-approved writing advice will help you make it shine. Experienced or not, you can win that interview and take that next step in your career.

Build your resume in 15 minutes

Give yourself the best chance of standing out from the competition!

Create an awesome resume that meets the expectations of potential employers with our selection of professional, field-tested resume templates.

START YOUR RESUME NOW

dog trainer: Resume Samples & Writing Guide

Employment history

Lead Dog Trainer, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals New York City, New York

June 2023 – Present

Work with pet owners to address any behavioral issues
Maintain records of training sessions and progress
Monitor and evaluate the progress of dogs in training

Dog Trainer, SeaWorld Orlando, Florida

June 2022 – May 2023

Educate pet owners on the importance of proper nutrition, health care, and exercise for their dogs
Maintain a clean and organized work environment
Develop and maintain relationships with pet owners and other animal care professionals

Entry Level Dog Trainer, Denver Zoo Denver, Colorado

January 2021 – May 2022

Develop and implement training plans for individual dogs
Maintain a clean and organized work environment
Maintain records of training sessions and progress

Education

University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida

Animal Behavior Certificate, November, 2020

Skills

Problem Solving

Collaboration

Process Improvement

Decision Making

Pet Grooming

Animal Handling

Animal Training Techniques

Animal Exercise

Do you already have a resume? Use our PDF converter and edit your resume.

Build My Resume

Professional Summary

A highly experienced and passionate Dog Trainer with extensive knowledge of animal behavior and care. Committed to providing positive reinforcement training methods to ensure the safety and well-being of both the dog and its owner.

Employment history

Lead Dog Trainer, San Diego Zoo San Diego, California

July 2010 – Present

Provide instructions and guidance to pet owners on how to care for their dogs
Develop and maintain relationships with pet owners and other animal care professionals
Ensure that all safety procedures are followed

Dog Trainer, ASPCA Los Angeles, California

January 2010 – June 2010

Ensure that all safety procedures are followed
Maintain a clean and organized work environment
Provide positive reinforcement techniques to encourage desired behaviors

Jr. Dog Trainer, Denver Zoo Denver, Colorado

July 2008 – December 2009

Maintain records of training sessions and progress
Educate pet owners on the importance of proper nutrition, health care, and exercise for their dogs
Teach basic obedience skills such as sit, stay, come, and heel

Education

University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin

Bachelor of Science in Animal Behavior, May, 2008

Skills

Visualization

Networking

Written Communication

Reporting

Pet Grooming

Animal Care Regulations

Kennel Management

Animal Psychology

Build My Resume

Employment history

Lead Dog Trainer, Best Friends Animal Society Kanab, Utah

October 2020 – Present

Maintain records of training sessions and progress
Foster a safe and positive learning environment for dogs
Work with pet owners to address any behavioral issues

Dog Trainer, ASPCA Los Angeles, California

April 2020 – September 2020

Provide positive reinforcement techniques to encourage desired behaviors
Attend and participate in seminars, workshops, and conferences related to animal care
Teach basic obedience skills such as sit, stay, come, and heel

Junior Dog Trainer, Wildlife Conservation Society Bronx, New York

October 2019 – March 2020

Work with pet owners to address any behavioral issues
Maintain a clean and organized work environment
Develop and implement training plans for individual dogs

Education

University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology, August, 2019

Skills

Training

Public Speaking

Time Management

Networking

Breeding

Animal Handling

Veterinary Care

Animal Care Regulations

Build My Resume

Employment history

Jr. Dog Trainer, Best Friends Animal Society Kanab, Utah

January 2022 – October 2022

Monitor and evaluate the progress of dogs in training
Provide instructions and guidance to pet owners on how to care for their dogs
Maintain records of training sessions and progress

Education

Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan

Veterinary Receptionist Certificate, November, 2021

Skills

Business Acumen

Adaptability

Stress Management

Organization

Pet Grooming

Animal Training Techniques

Animal Nutrition

Kennel Management

Build My Resume

Employment history

Senior Dog Trainer, ASPCA Los Angeles, California

June 2021 – Present

Develop and implement training plans for individual dogs
Educate pet owners on the importance of proper nutrition, health care, and exercise for their dogs
Provide positive reinforcement techniques to encourage desired behaviors

Dog Trainer, ASPCA Los Angeles, California

June 2020 – May 2021

Develop and maintain relationships with pet owners and other animal care professionals
Provide positive reinforcement techniques to encourage desired behaviors
Maintain records of training sessions and progress

Entry Level Dog Trainer, San Diego Zoo San Diego, California

January 2019 – May 2020

Maintain a clean and organized work environment
Develop and implement training plans for individual dogs
Provide instructions and guidance to pet owners on how to care for their dogs

Education

Cornell University, Ithaca, New York

Doctor of Veterinary Science, November, 2018

Cornell University, Ithaca, New York

Bachelor of Science in Animal Behavior, November, 2014

Skills

Teamwork

Financial Management

Negotiation

Risk Management

Animal Handling

Animal Nutrition

Breeding

Animal Welfare.

Use This dog trainer Resume Template

Not in love with this template? Browse our full library of resume templates

dog trainer Job Descriptions; Explained

If you're applying for an dog trainer position, it's important to tailor your resume to the specific job requirements in order to differentiate yourself from other candidates. Including accurate and relevant information that directly aligns with the job description can greatly increase your chances of securing an interview with potential employers.

When crafting your resume, be sure to use action verbs and a clear, concise format to highlight your relevant skills and experience. Remember, the job description is your first opportunity to make an impression on recruiters, so pay close attention to the details and make sure you're presenting yourself in the best possible light.

dog trainer

Preparing new dog owners of the importance of early training.
Teaching basic commands such as sit, down, come, and stay.
Preparing each dog for the canine good citizen.
Ensuring a dog and owner coexist happily and lessening the chance of re-homing
Eradicating unhealthy and unwanted behaviors
Helping dog owners with difficult behavioral issues such as fear aggression, leash aggression, and separation anxiety
Educating owners about the importance of proper nutrition, regular vet check ups, and appropriate toys for each life stage

dog trainer

Clean facilities and equipment such as dog pens and animal control trucks.
Educate the public about animal welfare, and animal control laws and regulations.
Organize the adoption of unclaimed animals.
Cue or signal animals during performances.

dog trainer

Teach classes and private sessions to dog owners.
Responsible for handling payments and record keeping.
Perform puppy evaluations and service dog consolations.
Demonstrations with my own dog for school and community groups.
Conduct training programs in order to develop and maintain desired animal behaviors for competition, entertainment, obedience, and security.
Keep records documenting animal health, diet, or behavior.
Create personalized training plans.

dog trainer

Answer inquiries from the public concerning dog behavior.
Train dogs in human assistance.
Conduct training programs in order to develop and maintain desired animal behaviors for competition, entertainment, obedience, service work, therapy work, and general good behavior.
Oversee Canine Good Citizen and S.T.A.R. Puppy evaluations through the American Kennel Club
Keep records of class attendance for dog and handler teams.
Explain and demonstrate exercises in a group class environment.
Address questions and concerns from clients and develop plan to address concerns.

dog trainer

Conduct classes, workshops, and demonstrations to teach techniques, or methods.
Talk to or interact with animals to familiarize them to human voices or contact.
Shampoo, rinse, condition and dry hair and skin with water, liquid soap, dryers, and/or other solutions.
Demonstrate and sell products.

1 2 3 4

dog trainer Job Skills

For an dog trainer position, your job skills are a key factor in demonstrating your value to the company and showing recruiters that you're the ight fit for the role. It's important to be specific when highlighting your skills and ensure that they are directly aligned with the job requirements, as this can greatly improve your chances of being hired. By showcasing your relevant skills and experience, you can make a compelling case for why you're the best candidate for the job.

How to include technical skills in your resume:

Technical skills are a set of specialized abilities and knowledge required to perform a particular job effectively. Some examples of technical skills are data analysis, project management, software proficiency, and programming languages, to name a few.

Add the technical skills that will get hired in your career field with our simple-to-use resume builder. Select your desired resume template, once you reach the skills section of the builder, manually write in the skill or simply click on "Add more skills". This will automatically generate the best skills for your career field, choose your skill level, and hit "Save & Next."

Obedience Training
Animal Behavior
Canine Health
Animal Handling
Grooming
First Aid
Breeding
Veterinary Care
Nutrition
Kennel Management
Animal Husbandry
Safety Procedures
Animal Psychology
Animal Care Regulations
Animal Restraint
Pet Grooming
Animal Exercise
Animal Nutrition
Animal Grooming Techniques
Animal Training Techniques
Animal Welfare.

How to include soft skills in your resume:

Soft skills are non-technical skills that relate to how you work and that can be used in any job. Including soft skills such as time management, creative thinking, teamwork, and conflict resolution demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and show that you navigate challenges and changes in the workplace efficiently.

Add competitive soft skills to make your resume stand-out to recruiters! Simply select your preferred resume template in the skills section, enter the skills manually or use the "Add more skills" option. Our resume builder will generate the most relevant soft skills for your career path. Choose your proficiency level for each skill, and then click "Save & Next" to proceed to the next section.

Communication
Interpersonal
Leadership
Time Management
Problem Solving
Decision Making
Critical Thinking
Creativity
Adaptability
Teamwork
Organization
Planning
Public Speaking
Negotiation
Conflict Resolution
Research
Analytical
Attention to Detail
Self-Motivation
Stress Management
Collaboration
Coaching
Mentoring
Listening
Networking
Strategic Thinking
Negotiation
Emotional Intelligence
Adaptability
Flexibility
Reliability
Professionalism
Computer Literacy
Technical
Data Analysis
Project Management
Customer Service
Presentation
Written Communication
Social Media
Troubleshooting
Quality Assurance
Collaboration
Supervisory
Risk Management
Database Management
Training
Innovation
Documentation
Accounting
Financial Management
Visualization
Reporting
Business Acumen
Process Improvement
Documentation
Relationship Management.

How to Improve Your dog trainer Resume

Navigating resume pitfalls can mean the difference between landing an interview or not. Missing job descriptions or unexplained work history gaps can cause recruiters to hesitate. Let's not even talk about the impact of bad grammar, and forgetting your contact info could leave your potential employer hanging. Aim to be comprehensive, concise, and accurate.

Employment history

Lead Dog Trainer, ASPCA Los Angeles, California

July 2015 – May 2022

Teach basic obedience skills such as sit, stay, come, and heel
Assess the temperament and behavior of each dog
Monitor and evaluate the progress of dogs in training

Associate Dog Trainer, SeaWorld Orlando, Florida

July 2014 – June 2015

Teach basic obedience skills such as sit, stay, come, and heel
Educate pet owners on the importance of proper nutrition, health care, and exercise for their dogs
Assess the temperament and behavior of each dog

Jr. Dog Trainer, ASPCA Los Angeles, California

July 2013 – June 2014

Teach basic obedience skills such as sit, stay, come, and heel
Develop and implement training plans for individual dogs
Provide instructions and guidance to pet owners on how to care for their dogs

Education

University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin

Master of Science in Animal Care, May, 2013

University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin

Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, May, 2009

Skills

Negotiation

Professionalism

Time Management

Training

Animal Psychology

First Aid

Animal Grooming Techniques

Animal Welfare.

Provide your Contact Information and Address Year Gaps

Always explain any gaps in your work history to your advantage.

Key Insights

Employers want to know what you've accomplished, so make sure to explain any gaps using a professional summary.
Adding extra details and context to explain why you have a gap in your work history shows employers you are a good fit for the position.

How to Optimize Your dog trainer Resume

Keep an eye out for these resume traps. Neglecting to detail your job roles or explain gaps in your career can lead to unnecessary doubts. Grammar blunders can reflect negatively on you, and without contact information, how can employers reach you? Be meticulous and complete.

Professional Summary

An experienced Dog Trainer with a passion for animal care. Possesses a strong understanding of canine behavior, and is committed to providing positive training and enrichment to dogs and their owners.

Employment history

Chief Dog Trainer, Wildlife Conservation Society Bronx, New York

October 2014 – Present

Provide positiv reinforcement techniquess to encouragge desired behaviiorss.
Devellop, annd maintaine relationshipss with pet ownerss annd othher animal caree professionalls.
Edjucate pet owners on the importants of propur nutrition, helthcare, and exersise for their dogs.

Associate Dog Trainer, SeaWorld Orlando, Florida

April 2013 – September 2014

Maintane a cleen an organised work enviroment.
Ensuer that all saftey proceduers are followedd.
Assesss the temperment and behavour of each dog.

Jr. Dog Trainer, Denver Zoo Denver, Colorado

April 2012 – March 2013

Education

Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas

Master of Science in Animal Behavior, March, 2012

Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas

Bachelor of Science in Animal Health, March, 2008

Skills

Data Analysis

Stress Management

Supervisory

Documentation

Animal Welfare.

Animal Nutrition

First Aid

Animal Behavior

Include Job Descriptions and Avoid Bad Grammar

Avoid sending a wrong first impression by proofreading your resume.

Key Insights

Spelling and typos are the most common mistakes recruiters see in resumes and by simply avoiding them you can move ahead on the hiring process.
Before submitting your resume, double check to avoid typos.

dog trainer Cover Letter Example

A cover letter can be a valuable addition to your job application when applying for an dog trainer position. Cover letters provide a concise summary of your qualifications, skills, and experience, also it also gives you an opportunity to explain why you're the best fit for the job. Crafting a cover letter that showcases your relevant experience and enthusiasm for the Accounts Payable role can significantly improve your chances of securing an interview.

Lead Dog Trainer
Houston Zoo
Houston, Texas

Houston Zoo Recruitment Team

I am writing to express my interest in the Lead Dog Trainer role at Houston Zoo. As a Dog Trainer with 2 years of experience, I am confident that I possess the necessary skills and qualifications to excel in this position.

My diverse life experiences have taught me the importance of adaptability, creativity, and resilience. Whether it was on the job, or simply on my day to day, I have learned to navigate challenges and find innovative solutions. I am confident that I possess the skills and expertise necessary to excel in the position at Houston Zoo and I am excited about the opportunity to grow with a team that values these qualities and contribute to your organization's growth and success.

I appreciate the opportunity to apply for the Lead Dog Trainer position. I am confident that I can make a valuable contribution to your organization and that together there is no challenge that we cannot overcome. I will be waiting, hopeful for what the future will bring.

Your time is appreciated,
Barry Adams
801-623-5355
[email protected]

Barry Adams

CUSTOMIZE THIS COVER LETTER

Showcase your most significant accomplishments and qualifications with this cover letter.
Personalize this cover letter in just few minutes with our user-friendly tool!

Related Resumes & Cover Letters