Professional Dog Trainer

Overview
Join our dynamic team as a Professional Dog Trainer and make a meaningful impact on the lives of dogs and their owners! In this energetic role, you will utilize your expertise in dog training, animal handling, and pet care to develop customized training programs that promote well-behaved, confident, and happy dogs. Your passion for animals and dedication to positive reinforcement will help foster stronger bonds between pets and their families. This paid position offers an exciting opportunity to grow your skills in a supportive environment committed to animal welfare and exceptional customer service.

Professional Dog Trainers will be expected to provide training and care for Board & Train dogs within their own home, as well a providing education to training to Pet Owners via Private Sessions, Group Classes, etc. Some additional kennel work may be requested, as needed.

Pay

Solaris K9 Dog Trainers are paid hourly + commission. Private Training Sessions, Group Classes, and any kennel work will be paid via a starting pay of $17.50-19.50 per hour, based on experience. Board & Trains will be paid via commission at a 40% rate.

Any travel between appointments will be reimbursed at a rate of $0.75 per mile.

NOTE: This is not a Kennel Technician position. Please do not apply unless you have prior experience professionally training dogs, as priority will be given to applicants who match our listed criteria. If interested in a kennel tech job, feel free to keep an eye out for future job postings in the event we have an opening. Thank you!

Responsibilities

• Design and implement effective training programs tailored to each dog’s temperament, age, and behavior needs for use in Training Sessions in client's homes, in the community, and for Board & Train programs.
• Utilize various techniques to teach obedience commands, leash manners, socialization skills, and work through problem behaviors
• Handle dogs safely during training sessions, ensuring proper restraint and comfort while maintaining control
• Assess dogs’ behavior and health status, collaborating with veterinary professionals when necessary
• Educate pet owners on training methods, behavioral management, pet grooming, and overall animal care practices
• Assist with pet sitting, kennel duties, and heavy lifting tasks related to animal transport or facility maintenance
• Maintain detailed records of training progress, behavioral assessments, and client interactions

Skills

• Proven experience in dog training with a strong understanding of canine behavior principles. 5 years of paid, professional experience is preferred, with a minimum of 2 years required for this position.
• Certifications or relevant education is preferred, but not required
• Skilled in animal handling, restraint techniques, and pet care procedures
• Knowledge of pet grooming, pet sitting, kennel operations, and heavy lifting requirements for animal transport or facility upkeep
• Excellent customer service skills with the ability to communicate effectively with pet owners and team members
• Ability to perform physical tasks involving heavy lifting while maintaining safety standards for animals and staff

Job Requirements:

• Minimum of 2 years of paid, professional Dog Training experience
• Ability to host Board & Train dogs within your home, providing high levels of sanitation and proper care and treatment at all times
• Skilled in communicating effectively to relay training and education to Pet Owners
• Reliable transportation for travel to Solaris K9 and necessary Training appointments at client's homes, within the community, or at SK9 with the added ability to transport dogs in a crash-tested kennel, as needed
• Ability to regularly lift 50+ pounds, as needed
• Organizational skills with progress logs, updates for care and training, and other needed paperwork
• Strong time management skills and reliability

Embark on a rewarding career where your passion for animals meets professional growth! We’re dedicated to supporting our team members with comprehensive training resources and a vibrant work environment that celebrates your dedication to animal well-being. This position is not intended at this time as an Apprenticeship position, but we would still love to hear from you for possible future openings in this program!

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $17.50 - $19.50 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program

Experience:

• Professional Dog Training: 2 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Indianapolis, IN 46226 (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 50% (Required)

Work Location: In person