Dog Trainer – Puppy & Foundation Classes
Are you a creative, confident and passionate dog trainer who loves helping puppies, adolescent dogs and their humans start off on the right paw?
Future Proof Training Academy is looking for a Dog Trainer to run and grow our Puppy Classes and Foundation Classes, with the potential to expand into other training programs over time.
This role is perfect for someone who enjoys teaching people, understands dog behaviour, can think creatively, and is confident working independently while still being part of a supportive team.
About the Role
You will be responsible for delivering engaging, fun and practical classes for puppies, young dogs and beginner-level handlers.
The main focus of this role will be:
Puppy Classes
Early learning, confidence building, socialisation skills, handling, basic cues, calmness, engagement and owner education.
Foundation Classes
Core obedience, lead skills, focus, impulse control, recall foundations, settling, confidence and practical life skills.
Over time, there may be opportunities to assist with or develop other classes, workshops and training programs.
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for someone who is:
- Fun, engaging and confident in front of a group
- Creative and able to make classes enjoyable and practical
- Self-sufficient and able to manage tasks without constant supervision
- Organised, reliable and task-focused
- Passionate about puppy development and early behaviour support
- Comfortable teaching humans as well as training dogs
- Clear and professional in communication
- Able to think on their feet and adapt to different dogs and owners
- Interested in growing puppy and foundation programs with us
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver puppy and foundation classes in line with FPTA training standards
- Prepare class plans, equipment and training areas before each session
- Teach owners how to train, support and understand their dogs
- Provide clear demonstrations and practical coaching
- Monitor dog behaviour, arousal, confidence and stress levels during classes
- Adjust exercises to suit individual dog and handler needs
- Maintain safe, positive and structured learning environments
- Complete class notes, attendance records and client follow-up information
- Communicate with the team about dogs that may need extra support or referral
- Help grow and improve the puppy and foundation class programs
- Contribute ideas for new class content, handouts, workshops or client resources
Required Experience
The successful applicant should have experience in at least some of the following:
- Delivering puppy classes, group classes or private training sessions
- Coaching dog owners in basic obedience or life skills
- Understanding puppy development, socialisation and early learning
- Reading canine body language and recognising stress, fear, frustration and arousal
- Using positive, reward-based training methods
- Managing dogs in a group learning environment
- Communicating clearly with clients and team members
Formal qualifications in dog training, animal behaviour, veterinary nursing, animal studies or a related field are highly regarded, but practical experience and the right attitude are also important.
Training Philosophy
Future Proof Training Academy uses modern, ethical and evidence-informed training approaches. We focus on positive reinforcement, welfare, emotional safety, clear communication and practical skill development.
We are not looking for trainers who rely on punishment-based methods, intimidation, check chains, e-collars or dominance-based handling.
The Ideal Person
You might be a great fit if you:
- Love working with puppies and beginner handlers
- Can bring energy and structure to a class
- Enjoy creating fun learning experiences
- Are confident, but still open to feedback
- Want to help build something, not just turn up and teach
- Can follow systems while also bringing fresh ideas
- Are reliable, professional and easy to work with
- Want to grow with a behaviour-focused training academy
Why Join Us?
At Future Proof Training Academy, we are passionate about improving the lives of dogs and their people through better education, better handling and better behavioural support.
This role has room to grow. For the right person, there may be opportunities to develop additional classes, workshops, enrichment programs or progress into more advanced training roles.
Hours
This is a casual or part-time role, with classes likely to be held during evenings and/or weekends.
Exact hours will depend on class demand, availability and program growth.
How to Apply
Please send through your resume and a short cover letter telling us:
- Your experience with puppy or foundation training
- Your training approach
- Why you would be a good fit for Future Proof Training Academy
- Any ideas you have for making puppy and foundation classes fun, engaging and effective
We are looking for someone who is excited to grow with us and help shape the next stage of our puppy and foundation training programs.
Pay: $30.00 – $50.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
