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Certified Dog Trainer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Petco

Dog Trainer

Indio, CA

Position Overview As a Petco Certified Dog Trainer, you will play a vital role in furthering Petco's mission as a Pet Health and Wellness company by enhancing the bond between pet parents and their ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Ashville, OH · On-site

Position Overview As a Petco Certified Dog Trainer, you will play a vital role in furthering Petco's mission as a Pet Health and Wellness company by enhancing the bond between pet parents and their ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Lisbon, CT

Position Overview As a Petco Certified Dog Trainer, you will play a vital role in furthering Petco's mission as a Pet Health and Wellness company by enhancing the bond between pet parents and their ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Plano, TX

Position Overview As a Petco Certified Dog Trainer, you will play a vital role in furthering Petco's mission as a Pet Health and Wellness company by enhancing the bond between pet parents and their ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Saint Augustine, FL · On-site

Position Overview As a Petco Certified Dog Trainer, you will play a vital role in furthering Petco's mission as a Pet Health and Wellness company by enhancing the bond between pet parents and their ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Arroyo Grande, CA · On-site

Position Overview As a Petco Certified Dog Trainer, you will play a vital role in furthering Petco's mission as a Pet Health and Wellness company by enhancing the bond between pet parents and their ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Fairbanks, AK · On-site

Position Overview As a Petco Certified Dog Trainer, you will play a vital role in furthering Petco's mission as a Pet Health and Wellness company by enhancing the bond between pet parents and their ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Spartanburg, SC

Position Overview As a Petco Certified Dog Trainer, you will play a vital role in furthering Petco's mission as a Pet Health and Wellness company by enhancing the bond between pet parents and their ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Ewa Beach, HI · On-site

Position Overview As a Petco Certified Dog Trainer, you will play a vital role in furthering Petco's mission as a Pet Health and Wellness company by enhancing the bond between pet parents and their ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Arroyo Grande, CA · On-site

Position Overview As a Petco Certified Dog Trainer, you will play a vital role in furthering Petco's mission as a Pet Health and Wellness company by enhancing the bond between pet parents and their ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Fredericksburg, VA

Position Overview As a Petco Certified Dog Trainer, you will play a vital role in furthering Petco's mission as a Pet Health and Wellness company by enhancing the bond between pet parents and their ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Los Angeles, CA

Position Overview As a Petco Certified Dog Trainer, you will play a vital role in furthering Petco's mission as a Pet Health and Wellness company by enhancing the bond between pet parents and their ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

Position Overview As a Petco Certified Dog Trainer, you will play a vital role in furthering Petco's mission as a Pet Health and Wellness company by enhancing the bond between pet parents and their ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Monrovia, CA · On-site

Position Overview As a Petco Certified Dog Trainer, you will play a vital role in furthering Petco's mission as a Pet Health and Wellness company by enhancing the bond between pet parents and their ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Rockford, IL · On-site

Position Overview As a Petco Certified Dog Trainer, you will play a vital role in furthering Petco's mission as a Pet Health and Wellness company by enhancing the bond between pet parents and their ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Tyler, TX · On-site

Position Overview As a Petco Certified Dog Trainer, you will play a vital role in furthering Petco's mission as a Pet Health and Wellness company by enhancing the bond between pet parents and their ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Bridgeport, CT · On-site

Position Overview As a Petco Certified Dog Trainer, you will play a vital role in furthering Petco's mission as a Pet Health and Wellness company by enhancing the bond between pet parents and their ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

State College, PA · On-site

Position Overview As a Petco Certified Dog Trainer, you will play a vital role in furthering Petco's mission as a Pet Health and Wellness company by enhancing the bond between pet parents and their ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Bowie, MD · On-site

Position Overview As a Petco Certified Dog Trainer, you will play a vital role in furthering Petco's mission as a Pet Health and Wellness company by enhancing the bond between pet parents and their ...

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Certified Dog Trainer information

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How much do certified dog trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for certified dog trainer in the United States is $20.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $26.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a certified dog trainer?

To excel as a Certified Dog Trainer, you need a solid understanding of canine behavior, learning theory, and training methodologies, typically supported by certification from organizations like the CCPDT or APDT. Familiarity with positive reinforcement tools, clickers, and training software is often utilized in the role. Patience, effective communication, and strong interpersonal skills help trainers work successfully with both dogs and their owners. These competencies are essential for ensuring safe, effective training outcomes and fostering positive relationships with clients.

What is a certified dog trainer?

A Certified Dog Trainer is a professional who has completed specialized education and training in canine behavior, learning theory, and obedience techniques, and has passed certification exams from recognized organizations. These trainers work with dogs and their owners to address behavior issues, teach commands, and improve the overall relationship between pets and people. Certification ensures that the trainer meets industry standards for knowledge and humane training methods, giving clients confidence in their expertise.

What are some common challenges faced by certified dog trainers in their daily work?

Certified Dog Trainers often encounter challenges such as working with dogs that have behavioral issues, building trust with nervous or aggressive animals, and communicating effectively with pet owners to ensure training consistency at home. Additionally, trainers must adapt their techniques to suit different breeds, temperaments, and learning speeds. Success in this role requires patience, strong observational skills, and the ability to educate and motivate both dogs and their owners to achieve positive results.

What is the difference between Certified Dog Trainer vs Professional Dog Trainer?

AspectCertified Dog TrainerProfessional Dog Trainer
CertificationsTypically requires certification from organizations like CCPDT or APDTMay or may not hold formal certifications; focus on experience and skills
Work EnvironmentDog training centers, pet stores, private homes, sheltersSimilar settings, often including private training sessions and group classes
Industry UsageRecognized credential in the industry, often preferred by clientsGeneral term for practitioners, may or may not be certified

Certified Dog Trainers have formal certifications that validate their expertise, often making them more recognized in the industry. Professional Dog Trainers may have extensive experience but might not hold official credentials. Both roles work in similar environments, but certification can influence client trust and job opportunities.

More about Certified Dog Trainer jobs
What cities are hiring for Certified Dog Trainer jobs? Cities with the most Certified Dog Trainer job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Certified Dog Trainer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Certified Dog Trainer jobs are:
Certified Dog Trainer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Certified Dog Trainer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,965 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Certified Dog Trainer

Potter League for Animals

Middletown, RI • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Organization Overview:
The Potter League for Animals is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting, protecting, and advancing the well-being of Rhode Island's companion animals. As the most comprehensive animal welfare organization in RI, we impact more than 10,000 companion animals annually. For more than 95 years, we have been committed to serving the needs of people and animals in the RI community and across New England as a 4-star Charity Navigator-rated nonprofit, ranking in the top 1% nationally.
Position Description:
Position: Contract Certified Dog Trainer
Department/Location: Behavior & Training - Potter League Dog Training Center (Rhode Island)
Classification: Independent Contractor (approximately 10-12 hours/week)
Reports To: Behavior & Training Manager
Role Overview
The Potter League for Animals is seeking a Certified Dog Trainer to join our Behavior & Training team on a contract basis. This contractor will teach group classes, facilitate canine playgroups, and provide one-on-one private consultations for dogs and their guardians, using positive, humane, evidence-based training methods.
This is a great opportunity for a trainer who values relationship-based, cooperative training and enjoys working with both people and dogs in a supportive, mission-driven environment.
Scope of Work / Primary Responsibilities
  • Teach group dog training classes (e.g., foundations, manners, specialty classes) using positive reinforcement and humane, science-based methods.
  • Facilitate safe, structured dog-dog playgroups, including assessment of play styles, body language, and suitability for group play.
  • Conduct private consultations with clients to address basic manners, enrichment, and common behavior concerns.
  • Communicate clearly and compassionately with guardians, providing homework, written follow-up, and practical coaching.
  • Maintain timely and accurate class rosters, attendance, and consultation notes as requested.
  • Collaborate with Potter League staff and volunteers to ensure a positive experience for clients and dogs and alignment with organizational training philosophy.
  • Represent the Potter League in a professional, friendly, and inclusive manner with all staff, volunteers, and members of the public.
Qualifications
  • Current dog training certification from a recognized organization (e.g., CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, IAABC, or equivalent) required.
  • Demonstrated experience teaching group classes and/or providing private consultations for dog guardians.
  • Strong knowledge of canine body language, behavior, and learning theory, with a commitment to positive reinforcement and humane, low-stress handling.
  • Excellent people skills: able to explain concepts clearly, coach guardians with patience, and create a welcoming environment.
  • Comfortable working with a variety of dogs, including those who may be overexcited, shy, or mildly reactive, and knowing when to refer more complex cases.
  • Reliable, punctual, and able to manage a class schedule that includes evenings and weekends.
  • The Potter League is looking for a Certified Dog Trainer to teach group classes, facilitate playgroups and provide private consultations.
Contract Details
Time Commitment: Approximately 10-12 hours per week, including evenings and weekends based on class and consultation schedules.
Contract Status: This is an independent contractor (1099) role, not employment with the Potter League for Animals.
Requirements:
  • Registration with the State of Rhode Island as an independent contractor.
  • Proof of current professional liability insurance.
  • Ability to provide your own transportation to and from class and consultation locations.

Compensation: Competitive per-class and/or per-consultation rates, commensurate with experience and credentials (to be discussed during the interview process).
Physical & Environmental Considerations:
  • Ability to safely handle and work around dogs of various sizes and strength.
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move for the majority of class time.
  • Work is performed in a training center environment with frequent exposure to dogs, cleaning products, and moderate noise levels.
How to Express Interest
If you are interested in contracting with the Potter League for Animals as a Certified Dog Trainer, please contact:
Alisha Brzozowy, Behavior & Training Manager at ABrzozowy@potterleague.org
Please include:
  • A brief statement of interest
  • Your resume
  • Relevant certifications
  • A summary of your training philosophy and experience teaching group classes and/or private lessons
  • Proof of (or plans to obtain) Rhode Island independent contractor registration and professional liability insurance

Apply