Force Free Dog Trainer (Full-Time, W2)

Where Sit Happens is a growing training facility built around one simple idea: dog training should improve the lives of both dogs  and the humans who love them.

Our team is committed to fear-free, positive reinforcement training. We believe in thoughtful, ethical work that respects the emotional wellbeing of dogs while empowering their humans with the skills and confidence to support them. Our environment is collaborative, curious, and unapologetically dog-nerdy.

As our client community continues to grow, we’re looking to bring on a trainer who shares these values and wants to be part of a team that takes the work seriously while still enjoying the process.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who sees dog training as both a science and a responsibility. This role is ideal for someone who is thoughtful, observant, and motivated by the impact this work can have on families and their dogs.

The right person for this role is a strong communicator, comfortable leading a room, and capable of coaching both ends of the leash. They bring a calm presence when dogs are overstimulated, remain patient with learning humans, and contribute positively to a collaborative team environment.

You are someone who:

• Approaches training with strong ethics and a commitment to force-free, positive reinforcement methods
• Enjoys problem solving and thinking critically about behavior and training plans
• Feels comfortable guiding groups of people and clearly explaining concepts
• Can remain upbeat, patient, and professional even in challenging moments
• Is looking for a long-term professional home in the dog training industry, not a temporary role

Role Responsibilities

This trainer will support several areas of the training program depending on experience and skill level, including:

• Leading group training classes
• Assisting with or leading day school training programs
• Conducting private sessions when appropriate
• Coaching both dogs and their humans to build lasting training success
• Maintaining a safe, supportive, and positive environment in the training facility
• Supporting facility upkeep and shared team responsibilities

Professional Growth

We take professional development seriously and want our trainers to continue evolving in their craft.

Team members will have opportunities to:

• Learn from other experienced trainers on staff
• Participate in paid, continuing education opportunities
• Receive potential support for approved training certifications or courses
• Develop new specialties and areas of interest within the field

Qualifications

• Previous hands-on experience working as a dog trainer and/ o r completion of a certification program through a reputable, science-based organization that emphasizes force-free training methods (such as Karen Pryor Academy, Academy for Dog Trainers, Victoria Stilwell Academy, CCPDT, or similar).
• Candidates who hold a certification but have limited direct training experience should have meaningful professional experience working with dogs in another capacity (for example as a veterinary technician, professional dog walker, shelter behavior staff, daycare handler, or similar role).
• Strong commitment to fear-free, force-free, positive reinforcement training methods.
• Comfort working with a wide variety of dogs and temperaments.
• Ability to confidently guide a room of people, clearly explain training concepts, and coach both dogs and their humans.
• Excellent communication skills, emotional awareness, and the ability to remain calm and positive when dogs or humans are struggling.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative, supportive team culture.
• Availability to work some combination of:
  Sunday Mornings
  Monday Mornings
  Monday Evenings
  Tuesday Evenings
  Wednesday Mornings

 

Position Details

• Full-time position (typically 32-40 hours per week )
• W2 employee classification
• Paid training in WSH handling and training protocols
• Access to ongoing staff education and enrichment opportunities
• Opportunity for growth as the company continues to expand

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid time off
• Paid training