Job Description
Job Title: Dog Trainer / Pet Care Team Member (Full-Time/Part-Time) Location: Hopewell Junction, NY 12533 Work Setting: In person – pet store and training facility ABOUT THE ROLE We are looking for a reliable, hands-on Dog Trainer who is also excited to be a team member on the floor. When you are not actively training, you will be helping with customer service, caring for animals, supporting rescue dogs, sales for training programs, and keeping the facility clean and safe. This role is ideal for someone who loves working with dogs all day, enjoys talking with pet parents, and is willing to jump in wherever the team needs help. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES – TRAINING Lead private dog training sessions and group classes (puppy training, basic obedience, manners). Work with dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes, including rescue dogs. Evaluate dog behavior and create customized training and behavior modification plans. Teach basic obedience commands (sit, down, stay, come, heel, leash walking) and address issues like jumping, barking, reactivity, fear, aggression, and separation anxiety. Use positive reinforcement methods (reward-based training, clicker/marker training) and safe handling techniques. Coach owners on training techniques, consistency at home, and follow-up exercises. Maintain accurate notes and training records for each dog’s progress. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES – TEAM MEMBER DUTIES (WHEN NOT TRAINING) Provide friendly, helpful customer service to pet parents in-store and over the phone. Help with sales for dog training programs by explaining class options, packages, and benefits to customers. Assist with daily care for all animals in the facility (feeding, potty breaks, enrichment, socialization, monitoring health and behavior). Help train and socialize rescue dogs to get them ready to be adopted into new, welcoming homes. Maintain a clean, safe environment by helping with daily cleaning tasks, including laundry, dishes, kennels, and play areas, as well as general store upkeep. Work as part of the team to ensure smooth operations on the sales floor and in the kennel and training areas. QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS Minimum 1 year experience in dog training, animal care, dog daycare, kennel, dog walking, pet sitting, grooming, shelter, rescue, or veterinary assistant/technician role (preferred). Strong understanding of canine body language, dog behavior, and behavior modification. Comfortable handling and safely restraining dogs of all sizes. Able to work in a fast-paced environment and switch between training, customer service, and animal care. Professional, dependable, and safety-focused. Strong communication and customer service skills with pet parents and coworkers. Formal dog trainer certification (CPDT, ABCDT, IAABC, or similar) is a plus but not required. Experience with puppy socialization, crate training, leash training, and housebreaking is a plus. COMPENSATION Base pay: $16.50 per hour. 20% commission on all dog training class sales. JOB TYPE Full-time, in person. EXPERIENCE Dog training: 1 year (Preferred). Animal care / kennel / dog daycare: 1 year (Preferred). TRANSPORTATION AND RELOCATION Ability to commute to: Hopewell Junction, NY 12533 (Required). Ability to relocate to Hopewell Junction, NY 12533 before starting work (Required). If you are a motivated Dog Trainer who also enjoys being part of a team helping customers, caring for animals, and growing the training program, we would love to hear from you. Apply today to join our training and pet care team. Pay: $16.50 - $100.00 per hour Benefits 401(k) 401(k) matching Employee discount On-the-job training Opportunities for advancement Application Question(s): Have you taught any group dog classes before? If so, how many average dogs per class? How often? What gets you hyped about coming to work for us? What made you want to become a dog trainer? Work Location: In person