Nowadays, you will hardly be asked standard questions like “why should we hire you?” and “where do you see yourself in 5 years?”.
Employers now assess candidates through different means, asking direct questions and listening intently to determine undercurrents. And this is why a lot of emphasis is placed on listening to the question properly, understanding its purpose, and then answering it carefully.
Most questions for dog trainer interviews are job-related, however, some may even be aimed at determining what kind of a person you are. It is important for you to fit into the employer’s requirements – you can only do this if you are aware of what you will be assessed on.
If you are being interviewed for a dog trainer position, you will be mainly tested on your love for animals, dogs in particular, and how you can implement different strategies to train them. Inability to edict either may cause you to be considered a “not so viable candidate”.
Dog Trainer Interview Questions and Answers
1. Why did you choose to work as a dog trainer as a career?
I have an inherent love for animals, specifically for dogs. Walking dogs of neighbors and friends eventually led to an interest in this work as I realized that I was quite good with them and could get them to do a lot of things!
2. In your career, what types of training have you imparted?
My specialty is training sniffer dogs, but I have also trained disability companions, guard dogs, and pets as well.
3. Tell us of a particular achievement that you are proud of as a dog trainer?
My own dog, Bessie, has been trained as a sniffer dog. For the 3-year-old Heather May Douglas disappearance case in May last year, it was Bessie who sniffed out Heather from deep inside the Blair Woods and saved her life. I am particularly proud of training Bessie to be able to do this as we all feared that Heather might not survive if left out in the cold for a few more hours.
4. How do you ensure the efficacy of your training methods?
I believe that dogs are extremely intelligent people and generally like being disciplined. But only if it does not involve negativity. All my training sessions are based on respect for dogs and a well-placed rewards system!