Lead Dog Trainer & Enrichment Specialist

Position Overview:

As we expand our enrichment-focused dog daycare into a structured “dog school,” we’re seeking a Lead Dog Trainer and Enrichment Program Leader who’s excited to both develop and teach small-group dog training classes. You’ll design and personally lead group training classes—including puppy socialization, adolescent manners, and reactive dog courses—while supporting dogs throughout their daycare experience.

This is a hands-on role that blends training, enrichment, and client education—perfect for someone who enjoys both developing systems and leading dogs and people through them.

The position can start part-time (training-focused) or full-time for candidates who also want to lead daycare groups during non-class hours.

As we grow, we’re also open to discussing future partnership opportunities with the right candidate who shares our long-term vision.

Key Responsibilities:

• This is an onsite, in-person role with daily interaction with dogs and clients.
• Lead all group training classes (puppy, adolescent, and reactive dog) in a structured school setting
• Design and adapt curriculum based on client needs and canine progress
• Collaborate with management to design and evolve new class offerings
• Implement daily enrichment and behavior routines during daycare hours
• Reinforce training goals in real-time with daycare dogs
• Support daycare staff with handling techniques and enrichment strategies
• Assist with evaluations and behavior assessments
• Communicate progress and recommendations to pet parents
• Provide client education through progress updates, report cards, and training guidance

Requirements:

• Minimum 1+ year hands-on experience in a professional dog daycare setting, managing groups of off-leash dogs.
• Proven experience designing and leading group dog training classes and/or structured enrichment programs.
• Current certification from CPDT-KA, IAABC, KPA-CTP, Fear Free, or equivalent—or proof of active enrollment/testing within 6 months.
• Strong foundation in positive reinforcement training methods.
• Comfortable working with a wide range of behaviors, including reactivity.
• Confident communicator who can teach both dogs and people.
• Ability to mentor peers in a positive, supportive manner.
• Creativity, initiative, and drive to build and enhance programs from the ground up.
• Excellent communication skills with both teammates and clients.
• Physically able to supervise active dogs and maintain a safe environment.
• Excellent communication skills with both teammates and clients, including the ability to explain training plans and behavior observations clearly and supportively.

Compensation:

• $20–22/hour for all worked hours (daycare supervision, enrichment sessions, class prep, teaching, and administrative tasks).
• Tiered Commission Bonuses:
• 15% commission on gross revenue up to $999/month
• 17.5% commission on gross revenue $1,000–$1,999/month
• 20% commission on gross revenue $2,000+/month
• $10–20 bonus per enrichment upgrade sold to daycare clients.
• Merit-based raises as our Dog School program expands!

Why You'll Love Working With Us:

• Focus on doing what you love: training dogs and enriching their lives.
• Stability with hourly pay plus real financial reward tied to your program success.
• Administrative and marketing support — we handle the paperwork so you can focus on dogs.
• Be part of building something exciting from the ground up — your ideas and leadership matter here!
• Continuing education opportunities.
• Employee discounts on daycare, grooming, and training services.
• Bring your dog to work (after daycare evaluation approval).

Take the Lead — Build the Future of Dog Daycare and Training With Us!

Ready to join a team that values your skills, rewards your hustle, and believes in innovation in dog care?
Apply today and help us create something amazing at Four-Legged Fun Zone!