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Assistant Dog Trainer Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Care Companion

Healdsburg, CA · On-site

$23.50 - $26/hr

... approach. * Assist residents with mobility, grooming, bathing, eating, and other activities of ... Compliance & Training * Maintain current knowledge of Enso Village policies, procedures, and ...

Care Companion

Healdsburg, CA · On-site

$23.50 - $26/hr

... approach. * Assist residents with mobility, grooming, bathing, eating, and other activities of ... Compliance & Training * Maintain current knowledge of Enso Village policies, procedures, and ...

Care Companion

Healdsburg, CA · On-site

$23.50 - $26/hr

... approach. * Assist residents with mobility, grooming, bathing, eating, and other activities of ... Compliance & Training * Maintain current knowledge of Enso Village policies, procedures, and ...

Care Companion

Healdsburg, CA · On-site

$23.50 - $26/hr

... approach. * Assist residents with mobility, grooming, bathing, eating, and other activities of ... Compliance & Training * Maintain current knowledge of Enso Village policies, procedures, and ...

Care Companion

Healdsburg, CA · On-site

$23.50 - $26/hr

... approach. * Assist residents with mobility, grooming, bathing, eating, and other activities of ... Follow emergency procedures and participate in training and drills. * Reinforce and model Enso ...

Finance Manager

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site

$140K - $155K/yr

... plan. * Assist in developing and implementing an FP&A system. * Participate in finance and ... Office perks: dog-friendly, free catered lunch, a fully stocked kitchen, and free EV charging ...

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Assistant Dog Trainer information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$17.5K

$46K

$76.5K

How much do assistant dog trainer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant dog trainer in Santa Rosa, CA is $45,963.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26,200.00 and $55,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant dog trainer?

Assistant Dog Trainers are professionals who support lead dog trainers in teaching dogs obedience, agility, and other skills. They help with training sessions, work on reinforcing commands, manage dogs' behavior, and assist in maintaining a safe and positive training environment. Assistant Dog Trainers may also interact with dog owners, provide feedback, and help with administrative tasks related to training programs. This role is a great entry point for those interested in pursuing a career in animal training or behavior.

What does an assistant dog trainer do?

Assistant dog trainers help run coaching classes for pet owners and their dogs or help prepare service animals for their duties. As an assistant dog training, your responsibilities may include ensuring leashes are adequately secured and that all equipment and supplies, such as treats, obstacles, or training equipment, are accessible during the class. You learn to train dogs by observing the head dog trainer; once you have worked in the field for a while, the head dog trainer may allow you to perform some of the training techniques on dog clients. Other job duties may include administrative tasks, such as confirming client appointments, scheduling canine behavior classes, and cleaning up after the lessons.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant dog trainer?

To thrive as an Assistant Dog Trainer, you need knowledge of canine behavior, basic obedience training techniques, and often a high school diploma or relevant animal care experience. Familiarity with training tools like leashes, clickers, and positive reinforcement methods, as well as certifications from organizations such as the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), are commonly beneficial. Patience, strong communication, and a genuine passion for working with animals are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for effectively training dogs, ensuring safety, and fostering positive relationships with both pets and their owners.

What are some common challenges assistant dog trainers face when working with clients and their pets?

Assistant Dog Trainers often encounter challenges such as managing dogs with varying temperaments and behavioral issues, as well as addressing owners’ expectations and consistency in training. Building rapport with both the dog and the owner is crucial, as successful training depends on owner involvement and follow-through at home. Additionally, working under the guidance of a lead trainer means adapting to different training methods and being open to feedback, which can be an excellent learning opportunity for career growth.

What is the difference between Assistant Dog Trainer vs Dog Trainer?

AspectAssistant Dog TrainerDog Trainer
CertificationsBasic dog training certifications, on-the-job trainingAdvanced certifications, professional credentials (e.g., CPDT-KA)
Work EnvironmentAssisting in training sessions, kennels, training facilitiesLeading training sessions, client consultations, private or group classes
Employer & IndustryAnimal shelters, training centers, pet storesTraining centers, private businesses, doggy daycare

Assistant Dog Trainers support experienced trainers by assisting in training sessions and caring for dogs, often requiring basic certifications. Dog Trainers lead training programs, work directly with clients, and typically hold advanced credentials. Both roles are vital in the pet training industry, but Dog Trainers usually have more responsibility and specialized qualifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Dog Trainer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

The most popular types of Dog Trainer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Dog Trainer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

For Assistant Dog Trainer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Dog Trainer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Dog Trainer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Assistant Dog Trainer jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Assistant Dog Trainer job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Dog Trainer job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,963 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Care Companion

Enso Village

Healdsburg, CA • On-site

$23.50 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

About Enso Village
Enso Village is a Zen-inspired community with a focus on mindful aging, the joys of nature, sustainability and contemplative life and care for adults 60+. Enso Village is a collaborative endeavor between the Kendal Corporation-an esteemed, nationally recognized leader in senior living guided by the Quaker values of its founders-and the San Francisco Zen Center, one of the first Zen Buddhist organizations in the US, founded by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi.
As America's first and only Zen-inspired senior living community, Enso Village is a workplace like no other place you have ever worked. Here, our staff and residents engage fully and form close and meaningful relationships. We seek to uphold our professionalism and our humanity in equal measure. We listen with open minds and hearts. We learn something meaningful from every person and every experience. Sustaining others is what sustains us.
The Role
The Care Companion supports the well-being and daily living needs of residents in Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care, while embodying Enso Village's contemplative care approach. This role emphasizes presence, compassion, and person-centered service to enhance the quality of life for each resident.
Position Duties:
Resident Support & Care
  • Provide respectful, person-centered care and services to residents in Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care in alignment with Enso Village's contemplative care approach.
  • Assist residents with mobility, grooming, bathing, eating, and other activities of daily living based on individual needs.
  • Monitor and report changes in resident condition, behavior, or health concerns to appropriate staff or clinical teams.
  • Understand and document care needs in communication logs and electronic health records, maintaining awareness of alert status and protocols.

Resident Engagement & Companionship
  • Foster positive relationships with residents through genuine conversation, presence, and active listening.
  • Encourage and support resident participation in hobbies, social activities, and wellness programs.
  • Accompany residents to meals, appointments, or outdoor walks as appropriate.

Household & Environmental Support
  • Perform basic household tasks such as tidying resident rooms, assisting with laundry, or meal preparation when needed.
  • Ensure resident environments are clean, organized, and safe.
  • Identify and report safety hazards (e.g., fall risks, equipment concerns) and support adherence to cleanliness protocols.

Coordination & Communication
  • Coordinate with team members to support resident schedules, appointments, and transportation needs.
  • Maintain respectful communication and collaborative relationships with residents, families, and interdisciplinary team members.
  • Serve as a liaison for Independent Living residents requesting wellness or support check-ins.

Compliance & Training
  • Maintain current knowledge of Enso Village policies, procedures, and quality-of-care standards in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.
  • Follow emergency procedures and participate in training and drills.
  • Reinforce and model Enso Village's contemplative care practices and core values.

Qualifications and Requirements
  • High School Diploma or equivalent required.
  • Minimum two (2) years' experience in senior living, healthcare, or dementia care preferred.
  • Current CPR/First Aid/AED certification (or ability to complete upon hire).
  • Familiarity with aging-related conditions, including dementia and mobility limitations.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to document clearly and maintain confidentiality.
  • Calm and compassionate demeanor, with the ability to multitask and respond effectively in urgent or emotional situations.
  • Strong sense of presence, attentiveness, and empathy.
  • Must be able to work evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.

Physical & Environmental Requirements:
  • Ability to walk, stand, bend, and stoop for extended periods (90% of the workday).
  • Ability to safely lift and transfer up to 35 pounds.
  • Exposure to cleaning agents, bodily fluids, and typical workplace noise.
  • Requires close visual acuity for computer use and documentation.
  • Must be comfortable working in an environment where residents may have pets, including dogs and cats.

As a responsible and safety-conscious organization, we are committed to maintaining a secure and drug-free work environment. To ensure the well-being of our team members and uphold our values, we require candidates to undergo a background check and drug testing as part of our selection process. Selected candidates will also be required to complete an employee physical, including a TB test.
Compensation and Benefits:
Enso Village is committed to equal pay and transparency. The salary range for this position is $23.50-$26.00 per hour. Compensation is based on experience, education, skills, and business considerations.
We provide team members with a supportive and inclusive work environment focused on health and well-being. Full-time team members are offered a comprehensive benefits package, including:
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage available starting on your first day of employment.
  • Life & Disability Insurance: Company-paid life insurance and long-term disability coverage.
  • Retirement Savings: 403(b) plan with a generous employer match to help you plan for the future.
  • Generous Paid Time Off: Paid annual vacation, sick days, personal days, and holidays.
  • Healthy Meals: Subsidized organic, nutritious meals available daily.
  • Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing career growth and development within the organization.

We value applicants of all different backgrounds, experiences, and skill sets. If you think you could excel in this role (regardless of whether you meet all the qualifications), we encourage you to apply. Enso Village is an equal opportunity employer which means that we consider applicants for hire and make employment decisions without unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military or veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or other legally protected status. We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants who request accommodation.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.