Dog Daycare Play Yard Coach
Location: It’s A Dog’s Life Resort & Spa — Wixom, Michigan (Oakland County)
Department: Daycare & Enrichment • Reports to: Shift Leader / Operations Manager
Type: Full-time or Part-time (weekends/holidays required)
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About Us
It’s A Dog’s Life Resort & Spa is an upscale boarding, daycare, grooming, and training facility committed to excellence in dog care. Our mission is to provide a safe, enriching, and loving environment where dogs thrive mentally, emotionally, and physically while giving peace of mind to their owners.
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Position Summary
You’re the “lifeguard” of our play yards—creating a safe, structured, and enriching environment for off-leash dog groups. You’ll read canine body language, prevent conflicts through calm, proactive handling, deliver enrichment, maintain immaculate sanitation, and communicate clearly with teammates and pet parents.
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Key Responsibilities
Safety & Pack Management
 Supervise off-leash groups (size/energy-matched) with proactive redirection, rotations, and rest breaks.
 Read canine body language; identify arousal/stress; separate/escalate per protocol; document incidents.
 Run trial days/temperament screens and recommend cohort placement.
Enrichment & Welfare
 Deliver daily enrichment (sniff work, puzzles, agility/obstacles, bubbles/water play, “place” work).
 Track play style/behavior flags and welfare notes in Gingr; ensure decompression time.
Sanitation & Facility Care
 “Clean-as-you-go” standards: scooping, mopping, disinfectant dwell times, laundry, equipment resets.
 Complete scheduled cleaning checklists; maintain cross-contamination controls; restock supplies.
Client Communication
 Capture quick photos/video and write report-card notes that reflect each dog’s day.
 Support lobby handoffs and answer basic parent questions professionally; suggest appropriate add-ons (enrichment, bath/spa).
Teamwork & Training
 Model low-stress handling; assist with new-hire shadowing and skill checklists.
 Participate in drills and training (first aid/CPR, emergency response, sanitation).
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Requirements
 1+ year animal-handling experience (daycare, training, shelter/kennel, vet assistant, or strong volunteer history).
 Confident reading body language and managing multi-dog play.
 Reliable, coachable, and steady under pressure; clear communicator.
 Comfortable with Gingr (or similar), checklists, and basic photo/video on mobile.
 Physical: stand/walk 6–10 hrs; lift/move 50 lb; work indoor/outdoor in all seasons; tolerate noise.
 Preferred: Fear-Free/Low-Stress Handling familiarity; pet first aid/CPR (or within 60 days).
 Availability to work all our shifts, including holidays and weekends
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Summary of Duties (typical day)
Open/close yards and safety checks • structure playgroup rotations and rest cycles • deliver enrichment blocks • real-time cleaning and resets • document behavior/health concerns and incidents • create report cards/media • complete end-of-shift sanitation and restock.

Physical Requirements
 Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. (dogs, supplies, equipment).
 Comfortable standing, walking, bending, and being physically active for 6–8+ hours.
 Work in indoor/outdoor environments year-round, including hot, cold, or wet weather.
 Tolerance for loud noise, barking, and active play environments.

NOTE: This job description is not exhaustive. Responsibilities may be modified based on operational needs.