Dog Helper Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

A Dog’s Best Friend is looking for an experienced Dog Trainer to join our team!

We are looking for a confident, compassionate trainer with at least 2 years of professional dog training experience. The right person understands that dog training is not one-size-fits-all and is comfortable using a variety of tools and techniques based on the individual dog.

This position is a great fit for someone who loves working with dogs but also enjoys coaching people. Strong communication, good time management, and the ability to work collaboratively are just as important as your hands-on training skills.

What You’ll Do

• Train dogs in obedience, leash manners, impulse control, confidence building, reactivity, and other individualized goals while incorporating play, enrichment and structure throughout their day

• Work within our Day Training, Board & Train, private lesson, and group training programs based on experience

• Assess dogs and help develop individualized training plans

• Use balanced, fair, and humane training methods

• Coach owners through hands-on lessons and video homework

• Provide clear progress updates and document training

• Safely handle dogs of different breeds, sizes, temperaments, and behavioral needs

• Collaborate with other trainers and members of our daycare and boarding teams

• Maintain a clean, safe, and structured training environment

Requirements

• 18 years of age or older

• Minimum 2 years of professional dog training experience

• Strong understanding of canine behavior and body language

• Experience with obedience training and behavior modification

• Comfortable and experienced with balanced training tools, including prong collars, e-collars, long lines, markers, and food and/or toy engagement strategies

• Confident handling dogs of all sizes and temperaments

• Strong client communication and coaching skills

• Reliable, organized, and able to manage your time independently

• Open to feedback, continued education, and learning from other trainers

• Flexible availability, including some mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays

• Reliable transportation and ability to work at either of our two locations

Preferred Experience

• Experience with Board & Train, structured Day Training, leash reactivity, private lessons, or group classes

• Experience with play-based training and using play, toys, movement, and engagement to build motivation, relationship, and training skills

• Experience working in dog daycare, boarding, veterinary clinics, shelters, or rescue environments

• Experience coaching dog owners and helping them successfully transfer training skills into everyday life

Who We’re Looking For

You enjoy working with the dog in front of you rather than following the exact same formula for every dog. You can read body language, adjust your approach when something isn't working, and understand how timing, communication, motivation, pressure, and reinforcement work together.

You understand that training can include structure and accountability while also incorporating play, engagement, relationship building, and fun. You are comfortable finding what motivates an individual dog and using that motivation to help them learn.

You are equally comfortable working with people. You can explain training concepts clearly, coach owners without judgment, and help them feel confident continuing their dog's training at home.

We are looking for someone who is dependable, motivated, open-minded, and interested in continuing to grow as a trainer while being part of a collaborative training team.

At A Dog’s Best Friend, we’re not just a training facility; we're a vibrant community of passionate dog lovers dedicated to fostering clear and confident communication between dogs and their humans. We offer expert daycare, caring boarding services, and innovative dog training programs using a balanced, results-driven approach. We pride ourselves on continual learning, mentorship, and a team culture built on respect and accountability. If you're committed to helping dogs thrive and envision a career that evolves with you, we’d love to meet you!