Working Dog (Herding) Trainer – Full Time

About this job

FULL-TIME WORKING DOG (HERDING) TRAINER
Shimmy Downs Kelpies | Busselton, Western Australia
Salary: $82,000–$85,000 per annum + superannuation

Shimmy Downs Kelpies is a family-owned working dog training facility and Kelpie stud located near Busselton in Western Australia’s South West.

We’re looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Working Dog Trainer to join our growing team.

We specialise in training herding breeds using sheep, working with everything from young dogs and family-owned working breeds through to practical farm dogs. A large part of our approach involves teaching owners how to understand and work effectively with their dogs.

The Role:
– Training and developing working dogs on livestock.
– Conducting private training sessions and small group classes with dogs and their owners.
– Assessing dogs and adapting training to suit individual abilities and experience.
– Working with dogs in our Board & Train program.
– Assisting with livestock handling, animal care and general farm duties.
– Providing practical training advice and support to clients.

About You:
– Hands-on experience training working dogs, preferably herding breeds.
– Confident and capable around sheep and other livestock.
– Good understanding of dog behaviour and training principles.
– Able to communicate effectively and teach dog owners.
– Reliable, practical and comfortable working outdoors.
– Willing to learn and develop within the Shimmy Downs Kelpies training approach.

We’re looking for someone who brings genuine working dog experience but is also open to learning how we do things at SDK.

What We Offer:

A full-time position within a growing family business, working with a wide variety of dogs, livestock and clients. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside our experienced head trainer and further develop your skills.

Location:
Busselton, WA. Applicants from other regions are welcome, but relocation would be required. Accommodation is not provided.

To Apply:
Please send your resume and a brief introduction outlining your working dog training and livestock experience to:

michelle@shimmydownskelpies.com.au

Shortlisted applicants may be invited to undertake a practical working dog training assessment.