Job Overview
Join our dynamic team as a Dog Trainer and unleash your passion for animal care and training! In this energetic role, you will work closely with dogs and their owners to develop obedient, well-behaved pets through positive reinforcement techniques. Your expertise will help enhance the bond between animals and their families, ensuring safety, happiness, and proper socialization. This paid position offers an exciting opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of dogs and their owners every day.
This role does require previous professional dog training experience and you should be able to comfortably create a curriculum for the program
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement Tailspin's training program
- Design and teach puppy socialization and foundational skills classes
- Create beginner, intermediate, and advanced obedience programs
- Develop and manage a Board & Train program
- Conduct private training sessions and consultations
- Provide guidance and coaching to pet parents
- Evaluate dogs for training program placement
- Assist with light behavior modification cases, including common issues such as leash manners, reactivity, impulse control, and confidence building
- Collaborate with our daycare, boarding, and grooming teams to provide a well-rounded experience for guests
- Help grow the training program through community outreach, events, and educational opportunities
- Conduct training sessions to teach dogs basic commands, obedience skills, and behavioral modifications using humane, reward-based methods
- Assess each dog’s temperament, behavior, and training needs to develop personalized training plans
- Handle dogs safely during training activities, ensuring proper animal restraint and handling techniques
- Educate pet owners on effective training practices, pet care routines, and behavioral management strategies
- Maintain detailed records of training progress, behavior notes, and client interactions to track development
Requirements
- Proven experience in dog training with a strong understanding of canine behavior and training techniques
- Ability to perform heavy lifting when necessary for animal transport or kennel duties
- Excellent customer service skills to communicate effectively with pet owners and team members
- Knowledge of pet grooming, pet sitting, and general animal care practices is a plus
- Prior kennel experience or animal shelter work demonstrating responsible animal handling is advantageous
- Minimum 3 years of professional dog training experience
- Strong understanding of canine behavior and learning theory
- Experience teaching group classes and working one-on-one with clients
- Ability to confidently handle dogs of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments
- Excellent communication and customer service skills
- Self-motivated and capable of building programs independently
- Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Professional certifications (CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, IAABC, etc.) are preferred but not required
The ideal candidate is an entrepreneur at heart—someone who sees the opportunity to build something special rather than simply stepping into an existing role. You'll have the support of an established pet care facility while maintaining significant input into the direction and growth of the training program.
Compensation is flexible and will be based on experience, qualifications, and program structure. We are open to discussing hourly, salary, commission, or hybrid compensation models for the right candidate.
Ready to build something from the ground up? We'd love to hear your vision for what a training program at Tailspin could become.
Pay: $25.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
