Job Type: Part-Time (Flexible/Client-Scheduled)
Location: Bellevue/Omaha Metro Area (In-Home & Mobile)
Pay Structure: $22/hour + drive time + client prep/time spent on writing session notes + IRS mileage reimbursement.
(Example: $22/hour for 1-hour training session + 20 min drive time ($29.26 wage) + 10 mile drive @ $0.725 ($7.25 mileage) = $36.51 total pay for that training session).
Incentive opportunities for client retention and future apprentice mentorship.
Job Summary
Pawlished Pup is expanding! I am seeking an experienced, confident lead dog trainer to spearhead Pawlished Pup's brand-new private, in-home training program.
This is a mobile, field-based position with no physical "home base" or facility for client meet ups. You will meet directly with clients and their dogs inside private residences or at public locations (local parks, dog-friendly places, etc) across the Metro area.
Because this is a lead position, I am looking for a trainer who already has a solid foundation of experience and expertise - someone who can hit the ground running without needing to be taught how to train dogs. You will have full creative freedom: you may either follow an established framework or bring your own proven curriculum and methodology to design customized training plans for out clients.
Responsibilities
- Conduct private, one-on-one in-home behavioral evaluations, puppy foundation visits, and obedience sessions.
- Utilize proven, safe, and effective training methods to help dogs of all breeds and temperaments achieve their behavioral goals.
- Provide clear, supportive, and engaging guidance to owners, ensuring they feel comfortable, confident, and empowered during their training journey.
- Assess environments and real-world distraction levels (in client homes, neighborhoods, parks, and other dog-friendly places) to tailor real-life solutions.
- Maintain organized client notes, progress tracking, and open communication following visits.
- Implement training programs that promote trust and effective learning for pets of all ages.
- Handle dogs safely using animal restraint techniques, ensuring comfort and security during training activities.
- Communicate clearly with clients about training progress, behavioral issues, and recommended at-home exercises.
- Support pet behavioral assessments by observing animal behavior patterns and documenting progress for ongoing training plans.
Opportunities for Growth
As our training program grows, there is potential for this role to expand into a mentorship position, which will offer extra compensation for taking on and supervising apprentice trainers as demand increases.
Schedule & Location Details
- Flexible, Variable hours: This position does not have guaranteed set daily hours. Your schedule is built around booked client appointments - if clients are scheduled, you work; if no sessions are booked on a given day, you do not work. You have full control of what hours you are available to be scheduled.
- 100% Mobile Field Work: All sessions take place in the field (clients' homes or public locations).
- Paid Travel & Mileage: You will receive paid travel time for transit between appointments, plus official IRS mileage reimbursement.
Qualifications & Requirements
- 2+ years of professional dog training experience (CPDT-KA, KPA-CPT, or equivalent certification is a strong plus, but hands-on proven experience is required) with a strong understanding of obedience commands and behavioral modification techniques.
- Expertise working independently with a wide variety of dog breeds, sizes, and temperaments.
- Exceptional client communication, customer service, and coaching skills to educate pet owners effectively and empathetically.
- Reliable personal transportation, a valid driver's license, auto insurance, and a clean driving record.
- Must pass a standard background check.
- Physical ability to handle large/strong dogs safely in various environments.
- Knowledge of positive reinforcement methods and pet behavioral support strategies
- Strong commitment to animal care, safety protocols, and customer service standards
Join me in creating a positive environment where pets learn happily and owners gain confidence! I value energetic individuals who are dedicated to animal welfare and eager to share their expertise. This position offers an engaging work atmosphere where your skills directly contribute to happier pets and satisfied clients.
Pay: $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
Application Question(s):
- A client's 2 year old rescue dog displays leash reactivity toward other dogs (barking and lunging) during neighborhood walks. Describe step-by-step how you would evaluate and approach the first in-home session with this client?
- You show up to an appointment in a client's home and you notice that the owner is visibly overwhelmed. He is struggling to follow your instructions and unintentionally reinforcing the dog's unwanted behavior. How do you constructively handle this situation?
- Describe your primary training methodology. How do you adapt your approach if a dog doesn't respond to your initial training plan and/or shows high arousal/fear?
- Please list any professional dog training certifications, formal academies, or relevant continuing education you have completed.
Work Location: On the road
