JRK9 is looking for a dependable, hardworking person who wants to build a long-term career working with dogs.
This position begins with kennel technician responsibilities. The right person may gradually earn opportunities to assist with training and advance into a combined Kennel Technician and Apprentice Trainer position.
This is not a position where you immediately begin training dogs. Before someone can be trusted to train our clients’ dogs, they must demonstrate that they can reliably care for them, follow instructions, recognize changes in behavior or health, and maintain JRK9’s standards every day.
Initial responsibilities
- Cleaning and sanitizing kennels, crates, floors, equipment, and common areas
- Pottying dogs individually and safely
- Feeding dogs according to their individual instructions
- Washing bowls, bedding, laundry, and training equipment
- Monitoring dogs for changes in behavior, appetite, elimination, or health
- Maintaining accurate care records
- Preparing dogs and equipment for training sessions
- Following established handling and safety procedures
- Helping keep the facility clean, organized, and operating smoothly
Cleaning and kennel care are major parts of this job. Applicants must be willing to perform these responsibilities consistently—not only until training opportunities become available.
Training opportunities may include
Once reliability, judgment, and handling skills have been demonstrated, the apprentice may begin learning:
- Canine body language and safe handling
- Marker communication
- Leash handling and leash-pressure guidance
- foundational obedience exercises
- Proper use and care of JRK9 training equipment
- How to document training sessions
- How to follow an individual dog’s training plan
- How to work with dogs at different stages of a board-and-train program
Advancement is earned through consistency, coachability, safe decision-making, and demonstrated skill. It is not based solely on time employed.
We are looking for someone who
- Wants a long-term position and meaningful growth within JRK9
- Is genuinely interested in learning our training system
- Understands that excellent dog trainers must also understand daily kennel care
- Can work substantial and consistent hours
- Has dependable transportation
- Is available for some weekends and holidays
- Arrives on time and completes assigned work without constant supervision
- Can follow detailed instructions without improvising
- Accepts correction without becoming defensive
- Communicates promptly and professionally
- Remains calm around barking, messes, strong dogs, and difficult behavior
- Pays attention to small changes that could affect a dog’s safety or health
- Is comfortable working indoors and outdoors in varying Texas weather
- Can stand, bend, clean, walk, and perform physical work throughout a shift
- Can safely handle dogs of different sizes and strengths
This position may not be a good fit if you
- Only want to train dogs and do not want to clean kennels
- Are primarily looking for temporary experience before pursuing something else
- Frequently change jobs or have inconsistent availability
- Want to use personal training methods instead of following an established system
- Struggle with direct feedback, repetition, physical work, or detailed procedures
- Believe that enjoying dogs is the same as being prepared to work professionally with them
- Are uncomfortable working weekends, holidays, early mornings, or changing schedules
Experience
Professional dog experience is helpful but not required. Reliability, judgment, work ethic, and willingness to learn are more important than claiming extensive experience.
Applicants with personal dogs or prior training experience must still be willing to learn and consistently follow JRK9’s methods and procedures.
Compensation and advancement
- Starting kennel technician pay: $10 per hour
- Hands-on education and supervised skill development
- Opportunity to earn additional training responsibilities
- Potential advancement into a combined kennel technician and training role
- Advancement and future compensation are based on performance, reliability, skill development, business needs, and available responsibilities
This is a serious opportunity for someone who wants to gain a well rounded understanding of the operation—not simply collect dog-training experience.
Pay: $10.00 - $14.00 per hour
Benefits:
Language:
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Required)
- Night Shift (Required)
- Overnight Shift (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Denton, TX 76208 (Required)
Work Location: In person
