Dog Walker

Welcome to Dog Adventures Northwest! A premium off-leash adventure service unlike any other pet care provider in the industry!

• Premium, door‑to‑door off‑leash adventures, private training, puppy playgroups, boarding, board‑and‑learn, and pet sitting.
• Positive, force‑free trainers; max 4 client dogs per trainer.
• Satellite GPS tracking for every dog on every Adventure.
• Exclusive access to 70 acres of fenced private woodlands, meadows, rivers, and ponds near Downtown Portland.
• Licensed, bonded, and insured; safe transportation, pick‑up/drop‑off, towel‑dry and paw cleaning included.
• Focus: structured socialization, fitness, and reinforcement-based behavior work (no shock collars).
• Strong ops/support team: client onboarding, scheduling, billing, CRM, and marketing handled centrally.
• Supportive community of trainers, continuing education, and pathways for trainers‑in‑training to log hours toward certification.

Job Details / Duties

• Lead high‑energy group walks and guided hikes (city and trail environments).
• Maintain trainer-to-client-dog ratio (max 4:1) and run 2‑hour “Paws on the Ground” Adventures.
• Use positive‑reinforcement methods: recall practice, enrichment, and behavior management.
• Assess dog behavior, manage group dynamics, and prioritize safety for dogs and people.
• Communicate client updates, training observations, and behavior notes via app.
• Transport dogs safely; use company GPS collars during outings.
• Maintain records and follow all company safety protocols.
• Contractors set their own schedules; occasional weekends/peak shifts helpful.

Ideal Candidate

• Certified trainer preferred (CPDT, IACP‑CDT, CDBC, FFCP) — experienced trainers and trainers‑in‑training welcome.
• Substantial professional or extensive volunteer experience handling group dynamics.
• If you have prior professional dog walking, dog daycare, dog kennel, or vet experience, we encourage you to apply. This is the next step in a career journey!
• Strong knowledge of canine behavior, body language, and reward‑based methods.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle required.
• Must operate as an independent contractor with a business license, business insurance, and business bank account. These steps can be completed after our initial virtual interview.
• Willingness to relocate to Portland considered.

What We Offer

• Most staff will earn $23 to $45 per hour.
• For example: Four dogs is the largest group. Running up to 5 hours. Starting at $45 per hour. Two dogs is the smallest group. Running up to 4 hours. Starting at $23 per hour.
• We offer a commission-based model (starting at 60% with higher rates available based on certification and experience level).
• Starts at 60% commission. +7% if dog training certified, +3% for staying for three years, +5% for advanced behavior certification.
• Most staff select to work 20 to 30 hours per week.
• Highly flexible schedule — accept as much work as you want; large existing client waitlist.
• 100% client gratuity.
• Work outdoors in natural settings.
• Supportive trainer community.
• Strong back‑office systems.
• This is a contract-based, 1099 opportunity. With Dog Adventures Northwest, you decide WHEN you work, WHERE you work, with WHO you work, and HOW you work. As long as you provide the advertised service DANW offers—through ethical, rewards-based training—you get to call the shots!

Pay: $23.00 - $45.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Work Location: In person