Full Time Dog Walker, Notting Hill, circa £45k gpa

Description

Live Out Dog Walker & Trainer for Private Household, Notting Hill, circa £45k gpa depending on experience

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced dog walker and trainer to join a private household in Notting Hill on a permanent, full-time basis.

The role centres around the care and training of 1 dog, a lively 1-year-old, and would suit someone who is not only passionate about dogs but also happy to be a valued, flexible member of the wider household team.

About the Role

The dog is the heart of this household, and we are looking for someone who will invest in building a real bond with her, providing consistency, structure and plenty of love. The dog has already received professional training and it is essential that the successful candidate is able to understand, respect and maintain the existing programme, reinforcing established behaviours and commands.

The daily routine will include walks of approximately 3 hours per day, with the remainder of the day spent on enrichment, reinforcement and general dog care duties.

The client travels regularly and may sometimes take the dog along; when this is not the case, the successful candidate will have the use of a three-bedroom flat in Notting Hill, acting as a 'proxy parent' to ensure the dog is never without company, stimulation and routine. Any flexibility required, such as additional hours or live-in periods, will always be planned and communicated well in advance. With the exception of unexpected, last minute travel changes.

We are also looking for someone who is happy to be part of the household team more broadly, pitching in when an extra pair of hands is needed, whether that's driving, running errands, light housekeeping, gardening, assisting in the office or other ad hoc tasks. This is a home that values a can-do attitude and someone who feels comfortable wearing more than one hat.

Duties & Responsibilities

Walking the dog approximately three hours per day, tailoring exercise to her age and energy levels
Maintaining and reinforcing the dog's existing training programme with consistency
Liaising closely with the Principal regarding the dog's wellbeing and progress
Managing food stock and orders
Arranging and attending vet appointments and routine check-ups. Dealing with pet insurance claims
Working closely with the Personal Assistant in the maintenance of vet records and diarising recurring appointments (vaccinations, worming, flea treatments)
Arranging grooming appointments
Living in and acting as primary carer when the client is travelling without the dog
Supporting the household team with in other capacities, such as driving, errands, light housekeeping, office assistance or other tasks as needed

Requirements

Proven experience in dog training – a training qualification is a must
Ability to understand and maintain an existing training programme without introducing conflicting methods
Excellent, checkable references
Warm, patient and reliable with a genuine love of dogs
Flexible and willing to live in when the client is travelling, all arrangements agreed well in advance
Comfortable being part of a busy private household and pitching in where needed
FULL UK DRIVING LICENCE ESSENTIAL

Hours & Days

5 days per week, 8hrs per day, (with flexibility during the week to allow for weekend cover)
Live-in at the client's Notting Hill flat when the client is travelling

Salary & Benefits

Circa £45k gpa depending on experience
Pension scheme
Private medical insurance
Discretionary annual bonus
28 days annual leave (including bank holidays)

Job ref: SB2442

Ad ID: 5418358438