Join the Coaching 4 Paws Team
Coaching 4 Paws is seeking an experienced Balanced Dog Trainer who is passionate about producing real-world results while building lasting relationships with clients and their dogs. We are looking for a confident trainer with strong handling skills, excellent communication, and a commitment to helping dogs and owners succeed through fair, structured, and effective training.
This is not an entry-level position. We are looking for someone with a minimum of 2 years of professional dog training experience using balanced training methods.
Responsibilities
- Conduct client evaluations to assess behavior, temperament, and training needs
- Develop individualized training plans based on each dog's goals
- Train dogs enrolled in our Board & Train programs
- Teach owners how to maintain and continue their dog's training after program completion
- Work with a wide variety of cases
- Safely handle dogs of all breeds, sizes, ages, and temperaments
- Utilize balanced training techniques appropriate to each individual dog
- Maintain detailed training notes and communicate progress with clients
- Provide exceptional customer service and build lasting client relationships
- Keep training areas clean, organized, and safe
- Work closely with fellow trainers and staff to ensure consistency in training
Qualifications
- Minimum 2 years of professional dog training experience (required)
- Experience with balanced training methods
- Comfortable using and educating clients on training tools such as food, slip leads, prong collars, e-collars, clickers and long lines
- Strong understanding of canine behavior, learning theory, and behavior modification
- Excellent communication and coaching skills
- Ability to confidently handle challenging or aggressive dogs safely
- Reliable, punctual, and professional
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
- Ability to lift 50+ pounds and remain active throughout the day
Preferred Experience
- Board & Train experience
- Conducting behavioral evaluations
- Working with reactive or aggressive dogs
- AKC, IGP, PSA, Ring Sport, or other working dog/sport dog background
- Experience training pet obedience and advanced off-leash reliability
What We're Looking For
The ideal candidate is someone who:
- Has a genuine passion for helping dogs and their owners
- Is motivated to continue learning and growing as a trainer
- Can think critically and adapt training to the individual dog
- Maintains professionalism under pressure
- Works well independently and as part of a team
- Takes pride in producing high-quality, lasting training results
Why Coaching 4 Paws?
At Coaching 4 Paws, we focus on creating clear communication, structure, and trust between dogs and their owners. Our trainers have the opportunity to work with a wide variety of cases, continue developing their skills, and make a meaningful impact on both dogs and families every day.
If you're an experienced balanced trainer looking to join a team that values results, professionalism, and continued growth, we'd love to hear from you.
Pay: $23.00 - $29.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Opportunities for advancement
Experience:
- dog training: 2 years (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Southington, CT 06489 (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
