Dog Trainer & Client Care Specialist
Passion Four Paws – Lewis Center, OH
Part-Time | $20 per hour | Growth Potential
Passion Four Paws is hiring a confident dog professional for a blended position that combines dog training, client communication and office support, and hands-on kennel care.
The ideal candidate already has professional dog-training experience and a strong understanding of canine behavior, body language, learning theory, leash handling, reinforcement, and common behavioral challenges.
We are also open to candidates with substantial professional dog experience in daycare, boarding, veterinary care, grooming, rescue, or kennel operations—especially those with excellent communication and organizational skills who are interested in growing into a larger dog-training role.
This is not strictly a training position, office position, or kennel position. The right person must be willing to contribute in all three areas.
Responsibilities
- Actively train dogs using established training plans and daily goals
- Work on skills such as leash walking, recall, place, engagement, neutrality, impulse control, thresholds, and settling
- Adjust handling based on each dog’s temperament, behavior, and learning needs
- Document progress through written notes, photos, and videos
- Participate in client lessons, consultations, drop-offs, pick-ups, and take-home sessions as appropriate
- Respond professionally to client emails, messages, and phone calls
- Assist with scheduling, reservations, client records, and follow-up communication
- Update notes, accounts, reservations, and program information in our client-management system
- Prepare client updates, training notes, and take-home materials
- Feed, exercise, supervise, and provide enrichment for dogs
- Clean kennels, crates, training areas, dishes, and shared spaces
- Administer medications when instructed
- Monitor dogs for changes in behavior, appetite, bathroom habits, or physical condition
- Help maintain a clean, safe, organized, and calm environment
Qualifications
Professional dog-training experience is strongly preferred.
We may also consider candidates with substantial professional dog-handling experience who demonstrate:
- Strong knowledge of canine body language and safe handling
- Confidence working with dogs of different sizes, breeds, and temperaments
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organization, attention to detail, and follow-through
- Professional customer-service or administrative experience
- A genuine interest in learning and developing as a dog trainer
- Willingness to follow Passion Four Paws’ established training methods and procedures
- Reliability, punctuality, and the ability to work as part of a close team
Experience with a variety of training methods and tools is preferred.
Physical and Scheduling Requirements
Candidates must be able to:
- Safely handle dogs of different sizes, temperaments, and strength levels
- Stand, walk, bend, lift, and remain active throughout a shift
- Lift approximately 40–50 pounds when necessary
- Work indoors and outdoors in different weather conditions
- Tolerate barking, dog hair, cleaning products, dirt, bodily fluids, and unpleasant messes
- Work some weekends, evenings, and holidays based on business needs
Pay and Growth
Starting pay is $20 per hour.
This is a part-time position with the potential to grow into additional hours and responsibilities based on performance, reliability, experience, and business needs.
Growth opportunities may include:
- Independent dog training
- Private lessons
- Client consultations
- Training-plan development
- Program coordination
- Office and scheduling responsibilities
- Kennel leadership
- Staff coaching
- Social media and educational content
About Passion Four Paws
Passion Four Paws is a relationship-based dog-training company serving dogs and their families through puppy programs, day training, private lessons, immersion training, daycare, and boarding.
We are a hands-on, team-oriented environment where everyone contributes to the dogs’ training, daily care, client experience, cleanliness, organization, and overall success of the business.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume along with a brief introduction explaining:
- Your professional dog-training or dog-care experience
- The types of dogs and behavioral needs you have worked with
- The training methods and tools you are familiar with
- Your client-service or administrative experience
- Your general weekly availability
- Why this blended position interests you
Please note that this position requires more than simply loving dogs. The right candidate must be dependable, organized, professional, comfortable communicating with clients, willing to clean, and ready to contribute to every part of the dogs’ care and the business’s daily operations.
Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person
