Assistant Puppy Wrangler
The Part-Time Assistant Wrangler supports our team with a mix of administrative tasks, cleaning and facility care, and—most importantly—the safe, humane handling, socialization, and training of dogs. This is an entry-level, part-time position working with a wide variety of puppies and adult dogs, both one-on-one and in small group settings, as well as interacting with their human guardians. This role offers hands-on experience and on-the-job training under experienced staff, with opportunities to build practical skills and grow within the company over time.
The ideal Assistant Puppy Wrangler is non-judgmental toward dogs of all breeds and backgrounds, values people as much as pups, and is comfortable pitching in with all aspects of the job—including the less glamorous ones, like cleaning and tidying up after dogs. Successful candidates are reliable, communicative, and willing to follow established guidelines for dog handling, training, and client communication. Our business is deeply committed to force-free, humane training and handling practices. Employees are expected to uphold these ethical standards at all times and to treat every dog in our care with patience, respect, and compassion.
Duties are performed at our facility in Burlington, VT, and offsite depending on the training or enrichment service. Part-time, 12-22 hours per week, currently looking for someone with a driver’s license and reliable car who can work Monday-Sat 9:30am-1pm or Sun-Thurs 9:30am-1pm with one morning a week starting at 8am. Preference given to those available Tuesdays and Thursdays 8am-1pm. Driving using your own vehicle for the job is required; at least one weekend day is required; evening hours assisting classes are possible and can be negotiated. Starting rate $16, negotiable depending on experience.
SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS
- Willingness to learn
- Able to hold the leash of a large dog and walk the dog
- Able to lift 50lbs
- Able to be standing/moving for 3-4 hours at a time
- Car, driver’s license, good driving record, & willingness to transport dogs
PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES
- Timeliness
- Attention to detail
- Organized
- Professional communication skills
- Willingness to adhere to health & safety guidelines for our business
- Enjoys being a part of a team but able to work independently when needed
- Compassion for the human end of the leash - not just the dogs
JOB DUTIES
- Provide client dog transportation as-needed
- Clean up accidents indoors, assist in keeping outdoor potty areas clean/safe for puppies, and pick up any dog waste that occurs while on walks or socialization excursions
- Clean the facility (vacuuming, mopping, dishes, folding laundry & other tasks assigned)
- Assist staff with dog handling & training tasks as-needed
- Take dogs/puppies for potty breaks, exercise and socialization outings
- Assist with off-leash playgroups (both puppies and older dogs)
- Administrative duties as assigned (e.g., filing, answering emails, organizing, etc)
- Document tasks completed
- Assist with keeping all work spaces tidy/organized
- Cut and prepare training treats
- Hold a video camera or camera-phone to record videos or take pictures for the business
ABOUT FETCH THE LEASH
Fetch the Leash is a dog training business located in downtown Burlington, Vermont. We provide positive, reward-based training for puppies and adult dogs, specializing in helping guardians raise behaviorally-healthy, happy, confident dogs - dogs with polite leash manners, a good recall, and the ability to gracefully handle people, noises, bustle, and other dogs. We offer small class sizes and various drop-off and private training services.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply for this position, please send a resume and cover letter to Maria Karunungan via email: maria@fetchtheleash.biz - with the subject line “Application for Assistant Puppy Wrangler Position”