Dog Daycare Assistant Manager (Dog Behavior)

OVERVIEW

Dogdrop is a fast-growing, dog care start-up building the largest network of dog daycares in the world. Our convenient physical locations and walk-up mobile services are designed to give pet parents flexible access to quality dog care from a brand they know and trust—anytime, anywhere.
 

As a Dogdrop Assistant Manager, your focus day-to-day will be to help the location manager oversee location operations, with a focus on all things related to the dogs and staff and an excellent member experience.

THE ROLE

Your primary responsibilities will be to ensure all dogs receive exceptional behavioral care in a safe, structured environment while serving as the manager's right hand when they are not on site. Specifically, you will:

• Lead behavioral assessments for new dog members, evaluating temperament, play style, and socialization capabilities to ensure proper playgroup placement
• Execute daily structured programming customized for different playgroups based on energy levels, play styles, and behavioral needs
• Train and develop staff on dog body language recognition, stress signals, and intervention techniques for group settings using our established curriculum
• Supervise playgroup dynamics to maintain balanced energy levels, prevent incidents, and ensure appropriate socialization for all dogs
• Implement dog handling protocols and behavioral management procedures
• Manage incident prevention with thorough documentation and clear parent communication
• Provide regular updates to dog parents on their dog's behavior and progress in a professional, knowledgeable manner
• Convert qualified dog visitors into members by expertly communicating Dogdrop's value proposition and matching services to their dog's needs
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing members to ensure high retention rates
• Support operational needs including scheduling, covering staff absences, and other location management duties as required
• Report regularly to upper management on behavioral trends, training effectiveness, and improvement opportunities
• KPI and metrics - outcome driven
• Facility - ensure facility is up to standards; outcome oriented 

QUALIFICATIONS

• 2+ years experience managing dog playgroups in a professional daycare environment
• Expert understanding of canine body language, with ability to identify subtle stress signals, arousal levels, and group communication patterns
• Proven experience implementing structured protocols for dog introductions, group formation, and rotation management
• Demonstrated ability to train staff in proper handling techniques for multiple dogs with diverse behavioral needs
• Comprehensive knowledge of breed characteristics, play styles, and energy levels in group environments
• Commitment to science-based, force-free methods (positive reinforcement)
• Team-oriented mindset with willingness to support colleagues and provide exceptional customer service
• Problem-solving skills with a calm, methodical approach to challenges
• Leadership qualities including patience, supportiveness, and effective demonstration abilities
• Outstanding communication skills with emphasis on solution-oriented approaches
• Formal education in dog behavior through certification programs such as CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, KPA-CTP, IAABC, Fear Free, or equivalent demonstrated expertise
• Not listed on the Office of Inspector General's List of Excluded Individuals/Entities

SUCCESS METRICS

• Safe playgroup management with minimal behavioral incidents and appropriate grouping (minimal dog incidents) 
• Effective assessment protocols that accurately predict daycare success
• High customer satisfaction evidenced by positive feedback, reviews, and retention rates
• Competent staff team demonstrating confidence in reading dog body language and managing group dynamics (minimal staff incidents) 
• Well-maintained documentation of behavioral protocols and incidents
• Clean, enriching environment with appropriate equipment that promotes positive behavior (facility maintenance) 
• Scheduling and coverage that meets Dogdrop’s standards (weekend availability required)