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Dog Helper Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

The Dog Trainer Apprentice position is for staffing our Day Training Program.Canine Craze Website ... Lending a helping hand where needed is important for our company culture. * Continue to build on ...

Think of yourself as part detective, part strategist, part guard dog; helping us stay ahead of threats with layered defenses, real-time monitoring, and a strong culture of security awareness. Whether ...

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, proper check-in/out procedures, customer service, grooming ...

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, proper check-in/out procedures, customer service, grooming ...

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, proper check-in/out procedures, customer service, grooming ...

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, proper check-in/out procedures, customer service, grooming ...

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, proper check-in/out procedures, customer service, grooming ...

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, proper check-in/out procedures, customer service, grooming ...

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, proper check-in/out procedures, customer service, grooming ...

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, proper check-in/out procedures, customer service, grooming ...

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Dog Helper information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Dog Helper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dog Helper, you need basic animal care knowledge, experience handling dogs, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with leashes, harnesses, grooming tools, and sometimes pet care management apps is beneficial. Patience, strong observation skills, and effective communication with pet owners are important soft skills. These abilities ensure the safety, well-being, and positive experience for both the dogs and their owners.

What are some common challenges Dog Helpers face when working with different breeds and temperaments?

Dog Helpers often work with a variety of breeds, each with unique personalities and needs. Some dogs may be anxious, shy, or highly energetic, which can require patience and tailored approaches to care and training. Successfully adapting to these differences and building trust is essential for ensuring the dog’s safety and wellbeing. Effective communication with pet owners and colleagues also helps to address behavioral issues and provide consistent care.

What is the 7 7 7 rule for dogs?

The 7 7 7 rule for dogs is a guideline suggesting that dogs should be walked at least seven minutes for every month of their age, up to about 70 minutes for adult dogs. As a dog helper, understanding this rule can help in planning appropriate exercise routines to ensure proper physical and mental health for the dogs you care for.

Can dogs lower cortisol?

Dog helpers or handlers can contribute to lowering cortisol levels in humans by providing companionship and emotional support, which can reduce stress. Interacting with dogs has been shown to promote relaxation and decrease cortisol, especially in therapeutic or service settings. However, individual responses vary, and consistent interaction is key to experiencing these benefits.

What is the highest paid job working with dogs?

The highest paid jobs working with dogs typically include professional dog trainers, veterinary surgeons, and animal behavior specialists. Veterinary surgeons, in particular, earn the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures annually, especially with advanced certifications and experience.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

For a dog helper or similar roles, earning $4,000 a week typically requires specialized skills, experience, or working in high-demand environments such as private training, pet care businesses, or specialized animal services. Most entry-level or standard dog-related jobs do not offer such high weekly pay without additional qualifications or business ownership. High earnings in this field are often associated with entrepreneurship or advanced certifications.

What are Dog Helpers?

Dog Helpers are individuals who assist with the care, training, and general well-being of dogs. Their responsibilities can include walking dogs, feeding them, providing companionship, administering basic grooming, and sometimes helping with training or behavioral issues. Dog Helpers may work for pet owners, animal shelters, boarding facilities, or dog-walking services. Their main goal is to ensure that dogs are healthy, happy, and well-cared for, especially when their owners are unavailable.

What is the difference between Dog Helper vs Dog Trainer?

AspectDog HelperDog Trainer
Required CredentialsBasic knowledge of dog behavior, certifications varyCertifications in dog training, such as CPDT-KA
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, rescue organizations, pet care facilitiesPrivate training centers, pet stores, client homes
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal rescue groups, shelters, pet care servicesPet training companies, individual trainers, pet owners

Dog Helper roles typically involve assisting with basic care and support for dogs in shelters or rescue settings, often requiring less formal training. Dog Trainers focus on teaching dogs obedience and behavior modification, usually requiring specialized certifications. Both roles are essential in the pet industry but serve different functions based on training and environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Dog jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Dog jobs in Iowa are:
Infographic showing various Dog Helper job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.
Dog Trainer Apprentice

Dog Trainer Apprentice

Canine Craze

Urbandale, IA • On-site

$13 - $15/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

The Apprentice Trainer is an entry-level position designed to introduce developing professionals to dog behavior, handling, and foundational training principles within the Canine Craze Day School program. This role operates exclusively within Day School and provides structured support under the direct supervision of the Training Manager and/or Assistant Training Manager. Apprentice Trainers gain hands-on experience working with a variety of dogs while learning safe group management, proper dog-dog introductions, loose-leash walking instruction, and foundational impulse control concepts.

This position serves as the baseline launching point for individuals pursuing a professional dog training career within the Canine Craze program.


If you haven'tdone so, please check out our website to learn more about Canine Craze and what we do. The Dog Trainer Apprentice position is for staffing our Day Training Program.Canine Craze Website


What:Dog Trainer Apprentice

When:Hours are offered during the regular work-week

  • Monday - Thursday
    • AM Shift - 6:00am - 10:00am
    • Day Shift - 10:00am - 2:00pm
    • PM Shift - 2:00pm - 6:00pm
  • Friday
    • 8:00am - 12:00pm

Starting Pay:$13.00 - $15.00


Dog Trainer Apprentice is an entry level position and is the gateway to unlocking additional opportunities such as:

  • Assistant Trainer - continue work in Day School as well as eligibility to begin working as an assistant in training classes
  • Trainer - opportunities in the Day School, teaching classes, and working with clients 1-on-1 conducting Private Training
  • Senior Trainer - diving into behavior modification and more advanced training cases such as service dog training with Puppy Jake Foundation.


As a Dog Trainer Apprentice you will learn:

  • How to read dog body language
  • How to teach dog foundations
    • Teach dogs and puppies to emotionally regulate in social settings
    • Teach impulse control where puppies and dogs make better choices
    • Socialize puppies and acclimate adult dogs
    • Create a thinking dog - teaching puppies and dogs to learn how to learn
  • Essential handler foundations
    • Build healthy relationships with a variety of puppies and dogs
    • Be disciplined as a handler and follow through with what is in the best interest of the puppy or dog
    • Develop presence control with good leadership skills that dogs trust and respond to
    • The application of how dogs' learn and applying the practical work
  • The science behind how dogs' learn
    • Various strategies for teaching new behaviors
    • Add clear and effective cues
    • Create fluency with each dog's performance
    • Gain reliability and proficiency with each skill you teach


Some of the Essential Job Functions include:

  • Be able to work with and handle a variety of dog sizes and personalities. Using the skills acquired pivot training as necessary to set the dog up for success.
    • Applying appropriate behavioral management techniques
    • Follow all Day School program standards and safety protocols
  • Be a team player and work with other staff members to complete duties required for each shift.
    • Peer reviews are an essential part of the Canine Craze team. Lending a helping hand where needed is important for our company culture.
  • Continue to build on your training skills to be a lifetime learner
    • Each quarter you must do something to continue your education. This could include reading a book, doing a course, or working with a mentor. Growth is essential and stepping outside your comfort zone is a must.


Some of the Additional Job Duties include:

  • Have attention to detail, this is what sets the Good Dog Trainer apart from the GREAT Dog Trainer.
  • Doing your part in cleaning the facility at the end of the day or during our deep clean day.
  • Being flexible within the day to day operations and pivoting where necessary to help the day run smoothly and without a hitch.
  • Be able to lift 50+ pounds
  • Care for and walk dogs up to 150+ pounds


Benefits

  • Paid holidays - facility is closed (after 1 yr of employment)
  • Paid vacation (after probation period)
  • 50% off of training classes offered at Canine Craze
  • FREE online training classes and CTC membership


If you are interested in pursuing a career in Dog Training this is a great place to start! Offering a wide range of opportunities for growth, along with hands on experience working with 100+ different puppies and dogs that will for sure jump start your career.