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Dog Behavior Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ufuria

Daycare Attendant

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$13.25 - $16.50/hr

Some knowledge of basic dog obedience and dog behavior and body language is necessary. Daycare Attendants must be physically healthy and strong, and able to stand for extended periods of time. Due to ...

ufuria

Daycare Attendant

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

$13.25 - $16.50/hr

Some knowledge of basic dog obedience and dog behavior and body language is necessary. Daycare Attendants must be physically healthy and strong, and able to stand for extended periods of time. Due to ...

Top Dog SF

Small Dog PlayCare Attendant

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Observe dogs for any changes in behavior or health and report concerns to management. * Engagement: Facilitate play and enrichment activities to stimulate dogs physically and mentally. * Customer ...

Top Dog SF

Doggie Ranch Manager

Montara, CA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Monitor dog behavior, health, and group dynamics to ensure safety * Conduct incident tracking as needed, including daily and weekly company-wide communication * Support new dog trials and group ...

Off Leash K9 Training

Dog Trainer

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Day to day requirements: -Handling and training small and large breeds from puppy to adult. -Working with dogs needing behavior modification from anxiety to aggression. -Interacting with the public ...

Off Leash K9 Training

Dog Trainer

Monterey, CA · On-site

Day to day requirements: -Handling and training small and large breeds from puppy to adult. -Working with dogs needing behavior modification from anxiety to aggression. -Interacting with the public ...

Off Leash K9 Training

Dog Trainer

Salinas, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Day to day requirements: -Handling and training small and large breeds from puppy to adult. -Working with dogs needing behavior modification from anxiety to aggression. -Interacting with the public ...

Off Leash K9 Training

Dog Trainer

Carmel, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Day to day requirements: -Handling and training small and large breeds from puppy to adult. -Working with dogs needing behavior modification from anxiety to aggression. -Interacting with the public ...

Off Leash K9 Training

Dog Trainer

Morgan Hill, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Day to day requirements: -Handling and training small and large breeds from puppy to adult. -Working with dogs needing behavior modification from anxiety to aggression. -Interacting with the public ...

K9 City

Be Seen First

Dog Groomer

San Juan Capistrano, CA · On-site

$27K - $34K/yr

Monitor each dog's health and report any abnormalities, injuries, skin issues, or behavioral concerns. * Clean and sanitize grooming tools, tubs, tables, kennels, and work areas throughout the day.

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsDog Behavior JobsDog Behavior Jobs in California

Dog Behavior information

See California salary details

$43.4K

$51.8K

$58.7K

How much do dog behavior jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for dog behavior in California is $51,812.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $55,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What degree do you need to be a dog behaviorist?

A dog behaviorist typically holds at least a bachelor's degree in animal behavior, psychology, biology, or a related field. Many professionals also pursue certifications from organizations like the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) or the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) to enhance their credentials and skills.

What is a dog behaviorist?

A dog behaviorist is a professional who specializes in understanding and addressing canine behavior problems. They assess dogs exhibiting issues like aggression, fear, separation anxiety, or excessive barking, and develop tailored behavior modification plans. Dog behaviorists use knowledge of animal psychology and learning theory to help dogs and their owners improve communication and resolve unwanted behaviors. Their work often involves working directly with both the dog and the owner to ensure lasting results.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in dog behavior, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in dog behavior often encounter challenges such as working with dogs that have severe anxiety, aggression, or fear-based behaviors. Managing these situations requires patience, a thorough understanding of canine body language, and the ability to educate and support pet owners through the behavior modification process. Collaboration with veterinarians, trainers, and sometimes animal shelters is common, ensuring a holistic approach to each case. Ongoing professional development and self-care are essential to prevent burnout in this emotionally demanding field.

What is the difference between Dog Behavior vs Dog Training?

AspectDog BehaviorDog Training
CertificationsBehaviorist certifications, animal psychologyTraining certifications, obedience instructor
Work EnvironmentConsultations, behavior assessments, clinicsClasses, one-on-one sessions, obedience schools
Industry UsageBehavior modification, resolving issuesTeaching commands, obedience skills

Dog Behavior focuses on understanding and modifying a dog's actions through assessment and behavioral interventions. Dog Training emphasizes teaching dogs obedience and commands through structured lessons. While both roles aim to improve the dog-owner relationship, behavior specialists address complex issues, whereas trainers focus on obedience and skill development.

How do you become a dog behaviorist?

To become a dog behaviorist, individuals typically pursue a background in animal behavior, psychology, or a related field, often earning certifications from organizations like the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants or the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or working with animals is also important, along with developing skills in training, observation, and communication.

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

To thrive as a Dog Behaviorist, you need a deep knowledge of animal behavior, psychology, and training techniques, usually supported by relevant coursework or certifications in animal behavior. Familiarity with assessment tools, behavior modification software, and safety equipment is important for effective practice. Patience, strong observational skills, and excellent communication are essential soft skills for building trust with both dogs and their owners. These capabilities are vital to accurately assess issues, implement tailored training strategies, and foster positive outcomes for dogs and their families.

How to work on dog behavior?

A dog behavior specialist works on improving a dog's actions through training, positive reinforcement, and behavior modification techniques. They often use tools like clickers and require knowledge of canine psychology, patience, and consistency to effectively address issues such as aggression or anxiety.
What are popular job titles related to Dog Behavior jobs in California? For Dog Behavior jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Dog Behavior jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Dog Behavior jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Dog Behavior jobs? Cities in California with the most Dog Behavior job openings:
Dog Behavior jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dog Behavior job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,812 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Canine Welfare Training Technician

Guide Dogs for the Blind

San Rafael, CA • On-site

$26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Description
Training a guide dog starts with expert care.
At Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB), our mission depends on the care and conditioning of exceptional dogs in training. As a Canine Welfare Training Technician at our San Rafael, CA campus, you'll play a vital role in ensuring the physical health, mental enrichment, and daily well-being of the adult dogs preparing for a life of service.
This role is hands-on, physically demanding, and team-oriented, requiring attention to detail and a strong sense of purpose. You'll use your expertise to support daily routines while contributing to a positive, structured environment where dogs can thrive. In return, we offer a generous starting pay rate, a collaborative culture, and a clear path for professional growth, including the potential to build a career in canine welfare or guide dog training.
What you'll do:
  • Provide daily expert care, including feeding, bathing, administering medications, exercising, and grooming adult dogs in training
  • Monitor dog behavior and health, and report observations accurately
  • Support kennel cleanliness and sanitation to uphold high standards
  • Assist in basic obedience reinforcement and training enrichment
  • Collaborate with trainers, veterinary staff, and volunteers
  • Maintain detailed digital records and documentation

What you'll love:
  • Our mentorship training program, including opportunities for continued education
  • A collaborative work environment where you'll form long-lasting friendships
  • Supporting dogs in formal training and those preparing for alternate careers
  • Having a career with an impact, creating partnerships between guide dogs and people
  • A generous benefits package that includes vacation & holidays, health insurance, retirement savings plan and more

The experience and skills you'll need:
  • Previous experience caring for dogs in a kennel, veterinary, or training environment preferred
  • Physical stamina to be on your feet for most of the day and perform activities like bending, lifting, hosing, and scooping
  • Comfort using digital tools and learning new systems to track care
  • A team-first attitude, strong communication skills, great work-ethic and dependable attendance

This is a full-time position requiring work on weekends including 4 day shifts and 1 evening shift per week. Some holiday shifts are also required.
Meet our Canine Welfare Training Technicians:
https://www.guidedogs.com/meet-our-cwtts
Guide Dogs for the Blind
At Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB), we believe that everyone deserves to move through the world safely and confidently - to live the life they want to live. As the largest guide dog school in North America, we have graduated more than 16,000 guide dog teams from across the U.S. and Canada since our founding in 1942. GDB not only improves mobility for our clients, we further inclusion. Join our team of more than 300 employees and share your passion for our mission.
At Guide Dogs for the Blind, we respect, value, and appreciate all differences. We welcome all qualified candidates irrespective of your race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Individuals with disabilities, especially those who are blind or visually impaired, are encouraged to apply. If you have a disability and need assistance and/or accommodation with applying for a job, please feel free to contact our Human Resources department.
Pay Range
$26.00/hour

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