Zahraa Bester

• Evaluated dogs progress during training sessions, adjusting techniques according to unique temperaments and learning styles.
• Consulted with owners to discuss behavioural concerns and determine final goals.
• Instructed owners and dogs on basic obedience commands using different techniques to match dogs drives for reward.
• Maintained clean training arena for group classes.
• Reduced dog behavioural issues through consistent application of positive reinforcement techniques.
• Talking with customers to solve issues or concerns they have with their dog to create loyal clientele to the company.
• Provided valuable knowledge on nutrition and exercise routines to clients, contributing to overall canine health and behaviour improvement.
• Maintained a calm, positive attitude when dogs got overwhelmed and overstimulated

I love working with dogs and decided to open my own business. I run this alongside working part-time.

The training I offer via my business is very different to the content covered in the Puppy School classes I run at Petstock.

• Cleaning up after dogs and properly disposed of waste to keep community clean and free of potential hazards.
• Provided dogs with exercise and fresh air to promote dog health.
• Led dogs away from hazards, obstacles, and other animals to protect safety.
• Fed, walked, and cared for dogs during owners absences and out-of-town trips.
• Made owners comfortable with care by following instructions and meeting dog needs.
• Provided dog with water for adequate hydration on longer walks.
• Developed strong personal relationships and trust with dogs through vocal affirmations, petting, and pre-approved treats.
• Adapted walking routines according to weather conditions to ensure the safety of all pets under my care.
• Provided basic training reinforcement for dogs during walks, improving behaviour both on-leash and at home.
• Safeguarded client homes while picking up or dropping off pets, ensuring doors were locked upon departure.
• Built trust with clients by consistently maintaining clear communication regarding their pets needs and progress.
• Monitored animal behaviour to keep owners informed on progress and any issues.

• Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
• Helped with stocktakes.
• Ran reports to see what stock is missing on shelf and needs to be restocked.
• Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
• Managed returns, exchanges and refunds in accordance with store policy.
• Maintained calm demeanour and professionally managed issues in busy, high-stress situations.
• Collaborated with team members to improve overall store performance, sharing best practices, and offering support as needed.
• Prepared merchandise for sales floor by pricing or tagging.
• Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other stores.
• Answered customer questions about sizing, accessories, and merchandise care.
• Rotated stock and restocked shelves to maintain product availability and store appearance.
• End of day cash counting
• Handling adoptions with cats and kittens from Paws4Life, as well as guinea pigs, rabbits, birds and fish
• Cleaning animal enclosures and fish tanks
• Cleaning and organising shop floor and stock rooms
• Monitoring animals health throughout the day
• Basic care for the animals in store: fresh food and water, clean blankets etc
• Being vigilant with customers animals in store, making sure I am safe when interacting by paying attention to body language and signs of stress/fear related aggression
• Moving heavy stock up to 20kg
• Monitored customers for signs of security concerns and or theft and escalated issues to management.
• Worked to meet or exceed special targets for special donations and specific product promotions.
• From time to time I have also helped our groomers when their staff call in sick, bathing and blow drying dogs, assuring dogs are not to stressed/anxious.

• Carefully trained and supervised staff.
• Correctly calculated inventory and ordered appropriate supplies.
• Promoted a positive work environment making each team member feel included and safe.
• Cash handling and counting
• Food handling
• Cleaning bathrooms, tables, seats and kitchen
• Assigned tasks to employees and oversaw opening and closing of restaurant, sometimes done alone.
• Excelled in every store position, customer service, cleaning, cooking etc
• Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently managing front-of-house operations and addressing guest concerns promptly.
• Coached crew during food preparation.
• Maintained a clean and welcoming dining environment, conducting regular inspections to ensure adherence to health and safety standards.