Dog Trainer

Job Description

Job Description:\n\nCompany: Sailor’s Dog Walking & Pet Care, LLC.Location: Annapolis, MD & Surrounding AreasJob Type: Dog Trainer - Part-Time/ As-Needed with Potential to Grow into Full-TimeExperience Required: 3–5 Years of Professional Dog Training ExperienceCompensation: Hourly Pay + Dog Training Commission + Flat Overnight Rate About Sailor’s Dog Walking & Pet Care Sailor’s Dog Walking & Pet Care, LLC. is an established, award-winning pet care company serving Annapolis, Maryland, and surrounding communities. We provide professional dog walking, cat care, day visits, overnight pet sitting, and private in-home dog training. We are expanding our dog training program and seeking an experienced, knowledgeable, and compassionate Professional Dog Trainer to join our growing team. Our training philosophy emphasizes balanced and/or force-free, positive reinforcement-based methods that help dogs develop practical skills while strengthening the relationship between dogs and their owners. We are looking for a professional who is passionate about canine behavior, confident working independently, and committed to providing exceptional service to clients and their pets. This is an opportunity to join an established pet care company and help grow a professional dog training program, with the potential to transition into a full-time training position as the business expands. About the Position This position focuses primarily on private, in-home dog training sessions. You will work directly with clients and their dogs to address individual training goals, develop customized training plans, and teach owners how to maintain progress between sessions. The ideal candidate has 3–5 years of professional dog training experience and is comfortable working with a variety of breeds, ages, temperaments, and training needs. We are seeking someone who can independently manage appointments, evaluate training challenges, communicate professionally with clients, and deliver structured, effective training programs. Initially, this position will also include as-needed dog walking, cat care, day visits, and overnight pet sitting while we continue building our dog training program. Our long-term goal is to grow our dog training program into a full-time position. As training appointments increase, we anticipate transitioning this role toward primarily, and potentially exclusively, dog training. The timing of this transition will depend on client demand and the continued growth of the program. Candidates must be comfortable supporting our broader pet care operations during this growth period and interested in developing a long-term role with our company. ***Here is our private dog training program: **This website page can be tweak to fit your experience, certifications, and your training methods. ** *We offer dog training packages ranging from puppy training to advanced obedience, with packages ranging from $600 to $1,575. Trainers earn a 15% commission on each training package after the first session is completed. This would equate to potentially $30-$34 an hour when combining base hourly pay + trainer’s commission for trainer services rendered.* Key Responsibilities 1. Dog Training & BehaviorConduct private, in-home dog training sessions throughout Annapolis and surrounding areas.Evaluate dogs' behavior, training needs, and individual learning styles.Develop and implement individualized training plans based on each dog's needs and the owner's goals.Work with puppies, adolescent dogs, and adult dogs.Teach basic obedience, advanced manners, loose-leash walking, recall, impulse control, and other practical skills.Address common behavioral concerns, including jumping, barking, leash pulling, and leash reactivity.Work within your professional qualifications and experience when addressing fear, anxiety, and more complex behavioral concerns.Demonstrate humane, reward-based training techniques and teach owners how to apply them consistently.Establish realistic expectations and communicate training progress and recommendations to clients.Recognize when a dog's needs warrant additional behavioral support or referral to a qualified professional. 2. Client Communication & Training Program ManagementIndependently manage scheduled training appointments.Maintain accurate training session notes and client progress reports.Provide clients with individualized homework and recommendations between sessions.Communicate professionally with clients regarding training progress, concerns, and follow-up.Maintain organized training records and follow company procedures.Collaborate with the owner to maintain consistent training standards.Help develop and improve training programs, resources, and client education materials.Maintain professional boundaries and protect client confidentiality.Provide a positive, professional experience that reflects the standards of Sailor’s Dog Walking & Pet Care. 3. Additional Pet Care Responsibilities While the dog training program continues to grow, this position will also include as-needed pet care services based on business needs and employee availability. Responsibilities may include:Dog walking services.Cat care and feeding visits.Drop-in visits and day visits for dogs and cats.Overnight pet sitting in clients' homes.Following established feeding, medication, exercise, and care instructions, as applicable.Completing accurate service reports and communicating important updates to clients.Maintaining the safety and well-being of pets while in your care.Following company policies, procedures, and professional standards. Candidates must be comfortable providing both professional dog training and general pet care services during the initial growth phase of the position. As the training program expands and client demand increases, our goal is to transition the role toward primarily dog training. 4. Professional ResponsibilitiesRepresent Sailor’s Dog Walking & Pet Care professionally in clients' homes.Maintain a professional appearance and follow company dress code requirements.Travel to client appointments throughout our service area.Follow all company policies, safety procedures, and client confidentiality requirements.Maintain reliable communication with the owner and team.Participate in continuing education and professional development as appropriate. Required Experience & Qualifications Candidates must meet the following qualifications:3–5 years of professional dog training experience, working directly with client-owned dogs and their owners.Completion of a professional dog training certification program through a recognized institution or established training organization is strongly preferred.Examples include Karen Pryor Academy, Catch Trainers Academy, Animal Behavioral College, Victoria Stilwell Academy, the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), or another reputable dog training education program.Demonstrated ability to develop and implement individualized training plans.Strong understanding of canine body language, behavior, learning theory, and positive reinforcement.Experience teaching owners how to reinforce training skills outside of sessions.Ability to work independently and manage appointments professionally.Strong communication, attention to detail, organization, problem-solving, and client education skills.Ability to assess training challenges and recognize when a dog requires additional behavioral support or referral to a qualified professional.Reliable transportation and willingness to travel throughout Annapolis and surrounding areas.Ability to pass a criminal background check.Willingness to provide dog walking, cat care, visits, and overnight pet sitting as needed while the training program grows.Commitment to maintaining the professional standards and force-free training philosophy of Sailor’s Dog Walking & Pet Care. Professional Certifications & Education A professional dog training certification is strongly preferred. Relevant certifications and credentials may include:KPA-CTP: Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner.CPDT-KA: Certified Professional Dog Trainer–Knowledge Assessed.CBCC-KA: Certified Behavior Consultant Canine-Knowledge AssessedPMCT: Pat Miller Certified Trainer.Other recognized professional dog training certifications demonstrating education and competency in humane, evidence-based training methods.Membership in a professional organization, such as the Pet Professional Guild (PPG), is also valued.Candidates actively pursuing a recognized certification may be considered if they have substantial professional experience and can demonstrate the necessary knowledge and practical skills.Continuing education in canine behavior, learning theory, and force-free training is highly valued. Preferred Experience The following qualifications are beneficial:Experience working with puppies, adolescent dogs, and adult dogs.Experience teaching basic obedience and advanced manners.Experience with loose-leash walking, recall, impulse control, and household manners.Experience working with fearful, anxious, or reactive dogs.Experience conducting private, in-home training sessions.Experience developing structured training programs and assigning client homework.Experience documenting training progress and maintaining professional client records.Experience managing client expectations and establishing realistic training goals.Experience working within a professional pet care or dog training business.Experience communicating training techniques clearly to owners with different experience levels. Our Training Philosophy Sailor’s Dog Walking & Pet Care is committed to balanced and/or force-free & reward-based training that prioritizes animal welfare and builds positive relationships between dogs and their owners. Our trainer must be comfortable explaining and demonstrating humane, evidence-based techniques to clients and helping owners understand why consistency, timing, reinforcement, and communication are essential to successful training. We believe a successful trainer does more than teach a dog commands. A successful trainer empowers owners with the knowledge and skills to maintain long-term progress. Candidates must share this philosophy and be committed to continuing their professional education. Compensation & Pay Structure Our compensation structure combines hourly wages for pet care services with commission opportunities for dog training packages. Dog Training CompensationHourly base wage plus 15% commission upon completion of first package training session or individual training session, and training walks.Commission applies exclusively to eligible dog training packages, individual sessions, and training walks.No training commission is paid on dog walking, cat care, day visits, or overnight pet sitting.Trainers are paid their applicable hourly wage for dog training sessions. We offer training sessions ranging from 6 to 15 sessions.Opportunity to increase overall earnings as the dog training program grows and client bookings increase. Dog Walking, Cat Care & Day VisitsEmployees are paid their applicable hourly base wage for dog walking, cat care, and day or drop-in visits.Weekday and weekend hourly rates may differ according to the company's compensation schedule.Pet care services are assigned based on client needs, employee availability, and business demand. Overnight Pet SittingFlat rate of $50 per nightOvernight assignments take place in clients' homes.Overnight services are scheduled based on client needs and employee availability. Additional OpportunitiesFlexible scheduling based on client appointments and business needs.Tips: Employees keep 100% of the tips they receive from clients.Monthly Gas Reimbursement: Employees receive gas reimbursement paid monthly to help offset fuel expenses associated with work-related travel, in accordance with company policy.Opportunity to work with a variety of dogs and training challenges.Opportunity to help develop and grow an established dog training program.Support from an established pet care company with an existing client base and marketing presence.Opportunities for additional pet care work while the training program develops.Potential to transition into a primarily full-time dog training role as client demand increases. Compensation note: Total earnings will depend on the hourly wage, pet care hours worked, overnight assignments, and qualifying dog training package commissions. The 15% commission applies exclusively to eligible dog training packages, individual sessions, and training walks. Employment RequirementsMust be able to travel to clients' homes throughout the service area.Must have a reliable vehicle and valid drivers license.Must maintain professional communication with clients, the Sailor’s team, and management.Must follow company policies, procedures, and training standards.Must complete a criminal background check.Must sign applicable company confidentiality and non-solicitation agreements. Must be committed to humane, balanced and/or force-free training practices. Must be willing to provide general pet care services as needed while the training program grows. Hiring Process Sailor’s Dog Walking & Pet Care, LLC. follows a structured hiring process to identify qualified, experienced dog trainers who align with our training philosophy and professional standards. Step 1: Complete the Job Application Applicants selected for consideration will receive a our fillable job application through Indeed Messenger or email. The application must be completed and submitted before moving forward in the hiring process. Step 2: In-Person Interview Qualified applicants will be invited to an in-person interview to discuss their professional dog training experience, certifications, training philosophy, behavioral experience, availability, and qualifications. We will also discuss the responsibilities of the position, including as-needed pet care services while our training program grows. Step 3: Hands-On Dog Training Assessment Candidates advancing to the third stage will participate in a hands-on training assessment with either their own dog or the owner's dog, who is currently one year old. The purpose of this assessment is to evaluate the candidate’s practical training skills, understanding of canine behavior, ability to apply balanced and/or force-free & positive training methods, and communication skills. During the assessment, candidates may be asked to demonstrate or explain:Training technique: Ability to use positive reinforcement, clear cues, appropriate timing, and effective rewards.Canine body language: Ability to recognize signs of stress, excitement, disengagement, and readiness to learn.Training progression: Ability to break a skill into manageable steps and adjust difficulty based on the dog’s response.Problem-solving: Ability to adapt training methods when a dog becomes distracted, confused,