Dog Trainer / Receptionist
Adventure is Barking | Hopkins, MN
Adventure is Barking is a structured dog training and enrichment company focused on helping dogs build confidence, skills, and calm behavior through intentional daycare, training, and real-world learning experiences. Our Social Club program is a small-group, training-first daycare environment where dogs don’t just play—they learn.
We are looking for a Dog Trainer / Receptionist who is confident, observant, organized, and excited to work in a structured, fast-paced environment. Depending on your experience, strengths, and interests, this role may focus primarily on hands-on dog training within our Social Club program, front desk reception and client care, or a combination of both. During the interview process, we’ll determine where you’re the best fit.
Every member of our team plays an important role in creating an exceptional experience for both dogs and their owners. This role blends dog training, group management, enrichment, client service, facility support, and optional dog transportation through our Doggie School Bus program.
About the Role
As a member of the Adventure is Barking team, you’ll help create a safe, structured, and engaging environment for both dogs and clients.
Some team members spend most of their day leading small groups of dogs through structured programming that includes obedience work, confidence building, controlled socialization, and enrichment activities. Others spend more time at the front desk welcoming clients, coordinating schedules, answering phones, and ensuring the daily operation of the facility runs smoothly. Many employees are cross-trained and enjoy responsibilities in both areas.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with both dogs and people, takes initiative, communicates well, and wants to build a long-term career in the pet care and dog training industry.
Key Responsibilities
Dog Training & Behavior Support
- Lead and support structured Social Club sessions
- Reinforce foundational obedience cues such as sit, stay, place, recall, heel, and disengagement
- Observe and interpret dog body language and group dynamics
- Support impulse control, confidence building, and engagement skills
- Redirect and manage arousal levels in group settings
- Implement structured enrichment and training exercises
Structured Group Management
- Facilitate safe, balanced play and social interaction
- Maintain calm, controlled group energy throughout the day
- Support rotation-based activities including training, enrichment, and rest periods
- Ensure dogs are set up for success in small-group environments
Enrichment & Training Activities
- Lead confidence-building obstacle work and structured engagement games
- Support use of training equipment including platforms, balance tools, and agility-style elements
- Provide mental enrichment through puzzles, scent work, and problem-solving activities
Reception & Client Experience
Depending on your role, responsibilities may include:
- Welcome clients and their dogs with a friendly, professional attitude
- Answer phones, emails, and text messages
- Schedule daycare, boarding, grooming, and training appointments
- Process payments and assist with retail sales
- Maintain accurate client and dog records
- Communicate clearly with clients regarding services, scheduling, and daily updates
- Keep the lobby and front office clean, organized, and welcoming
- Assist with administrative tasks and daily business operations
Facility Support
- Maintain clean, safe, and organized play and kennel areas
- Follow sanitation and cleaning protocols
- Assist with dog transitions, check-ins, and daily flow
- Communicate behavior notes and updates with team members
Doggie School Bus Driver (Optional / Additional Responsibility)
Team members interested in transportation may also participate in our Doggie School Bus program, supporting safe and reliable dog pick-up and drop-off services.
Responsibilities include:
- Safely transporting dogs to and from the facility using company vehicles
- Assisting with loading and unloading dogs in a controlled, safe manner
- Ensuring secure transport procedures are followed
- Providing calm, professional handling during pick-ups and drop-offs
- Communicating arrival times and updates with staff and clients
- Maintaining cleanliness and readiness of transport vehicles
A valid driver’s license and clean driving record are required for driving responsibilities.
Schedule
We are ideally seeking full-time team members:
- Five shifts per week (approximately 40 hours)
- Typical shifts may include:
- 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
- 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Weekend availability required (every other weekend rotation minimum)
Qualifications
- Experience working with dogs preferred (daycare, training, boarding, kennel, grooming, veterinary clinic, pet sitting, etc.)
- Customer service, receptionist, hospitality, or office experience is a plus
- Strong interest in dog behavior and training
- Calm, confident handling of dogs of all sizes and temperaments
- Excellent communication, organization, and observation skills
- Comfortable multitasking in a fast-paced environment
- Positive attitude with a willingness to learn multiple areas of the business
- Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record (required for transportation responsibilities)
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
- Standing, walking, bending, and active movement for extended periods
- Comfortable working in a high-energy, loud, and fast-paced environment
- Ability to safely handle multiple dogs throughout the day
Why Join Adventure is Barking?
- Work in a structured, training-focused dog program where dogs truly learn—not just play
- Gain hands-on experience in dog behavior, training, enrichment, and client service
- Be part of a supportive team that values consistency, communication, and personal growth
- Cross-train in multiple areas of the business and build a diverse skill set
- Opportunities for advancement into training, leadership, and operations roles
- Spend your day making a meaningful impact on both dogs and the people who love them
Pay: $19.00 - $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- On-the-job training
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- We are looking for a permanent (not temporary or seasonal) hire - does that fit what you’re looking for?
Work Location: In person
