Full-Time Lead Dog Trainer
Peach on a Leash Dog Training – Milton, Georgia
Schedule: Sunday through Thursday, approximately 35 hours per week
Pay: $25–$30 per hour, based on professional training experience, qualifications, certifications, and demonstrated skill level
Employment Type: Full-time
Peach on a Leash Dog Training is seeking an experienced, dependable, and team-oriented Lead Dog Trainer to join our board-and-train team at our Milton location.
This is a hands-on training position for someone who can independently manage a caseload of dogs, create thoughtful and effective training plans, communicate clearly with clients, and work collaboratively with our assistant trainers and care team.
Our ideal candidate is confident in their training skills but remains open to feedback, continuing education, and collaboration. We are looking for someone who takes ownership of their dogs, schedule, client communication, and overall results without needing constant supervision.
Position Overview
Lead Trainers are responsible for overseeing each assigned dog’s training program from arrival through completion. This includes assessing the dog, establishing an individualized training plan, conducting daily training sessions, documenting progress, communicating with the client, and preparing the dog and family for a successful transition home.
Lead Trainers are generally responsible for a caseload of approximately five dogs at a time, with support from assistant trainers and the facility care team.
This position requires regular weekend availability. The standard schedule is Sunday through Thursday.
Primary Responsibilities
- Develop and carry out individualized training plans for assigned board-and-train dogs
- Conduct multiple purposeful training sessions with each assigned dog throughout the day
- Train dogs in the facility and in appropriate real-world environments
- Maintain responsibility for each dog’s progress, behavior, safety, and training outcomes
- Provide clear daily updates, videos, and written notes for clients
- Prepare for and conduct client drop-offs, go-home lessons, and follow-up sessions
- Maintain accurate training, scheduling, and client records
- Give clear direction and feedback to assistant trainers working with assigned dogs
- Collaborate professionally with fellow trainers, assistant trainers, the facility manager, and the care team
- Ensure training equipment, training rooms, and shared workspaces remain organized
- Identify concerns early and communicate promptly with leadership
- Follow all company safety, handling, sanitation, and documentation procedures
- Participate in staff education, case discussions, and continuing professional development
- Provide humane, ethical, and individualized training consistent with company standards
Training Philosophy
Peach on a Leash is committed to humane, evidence-based training practices. Our trainers use positive reinforcement and follow LIMA-based principles while considering the individual dog, family, environment, and training goals.
Candidates must be comfortable working within an established training philosophy and collaborating with other professionals. We are not seeking trainers who rely on intimidation, fear, pain, or harsh corrections.
Required Qualifications
- Professional dog training experience, preferably in a board-and-train, day-training, shelter, veterinary, daycare, or kennel environment
- Ability to independently evaluate dogs and develop appropriate training plans
- Strong understanding of canine body language, learning theory, reinforcement, and behavior
- Experience working with common concerns such as leash pulling, jumping, overexcitement, lack of impulse control, fearfulness, and mild to moderate reactivity
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Confidence communicating with clients and teaching human learners
- Ability to manage multiple dogs, appointments, deadlines, and daily responsibilities
- Ability to work independently while also functioning well within a team
- Reliable transportation and the ability to transport dogs when required
- Availability to work the full Sunday-through-Thursday schedule
- Ability to safely handle dogs of varying sizes, breeds, ages, and energy levels
- Ability to perform the physical requirements of the position, including standing, walking, bending, lifting, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions
Preferred Qualifications
- CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, VSA-CDT, IAABC, Fear Free, or comparable professional education or certification
- Experience conducting board-and-train go-home lessons and follow-up appointments
- Experience coaching or supervising assistant trainers
- Experience working with behavioral cases
- Strong video, written-update, and client-education skills
- A demonstrated commitment to continuing education
Certification is valued but is not a substitute for sound judgment, strong handling skills, professionalism, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
What Success Looks Like
A successful Lead Trainer at Peach on a Leash:
- Takes full ownership of their assigned dogs and client experience
- Begins training promptly and uses the workday productively
- Maintains clear, accurate, and timely communication
- Provides consistent direction to assistant trainers
- Notices problems before they become emergencies
- Accepts feedback professionally and makes adjustments
- Balances independence with collaboration
- Produces meaningful, realistic progress for both dogs and their families
- Treats dogs, clients, and coworkers with patience and respect
Compensation and Benefits
- $25–$30 per hour, based on experience and qualifications
- Approximately 35 hours per week
- Paid time off for eligible full-time employees
- Employer contribution toward health insurance
- Optional dental, vision, life insurance, and retirement benefits
- Continuing education and professional development opportunities
- Supportive team environment with opportunities for long-term growth
About Peach on a Leash
Peach on a Leash is a professional dog training company serving families throughout the greater Atlanta area. Our services include board-and-train programs, day training, private training, virtual training, and continued support for clients after their dogs return home.
We believe successful dog training requires excellent technical skills, thoughtful client education, strong communication, consistent care, and a team that takes pride in doing the job correctly.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume along with a brief introduction describing:
- Your professional dog training experience
- The types of dogs and behavior concerns you have worked with
- Your training philosophy
- Any professional certifications or continuing education you have completed
- Why you are interested in joining Peach on a Leash
- Confirmation that you are available to work Sunday through Thursday
Qualified candidates may be asked to participate in an initial interview, a working interview, and a practical evaluation of their dog-handling and training skills.
Peach on a Leash is an equal opportunity employer. Employment is at will and contingent upon successful completion of the company’s hiring and onboarding requirements.
Pay: $25.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
