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

Care Companion

Healdsburg, CA · On-site

$23.50 - $26/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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 ...

... 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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Dog Training Assistant information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

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$34

How much do dog training assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for dog training assistant in Santa Rosa, CA is $23.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $24.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Dog Training Assistant, you need a basic understanding of canine behavior, patience, and an enthusiasm for working with animals, often supported by hands-on experience or entry-level certifications. Familiarity with training tools such as leashes, clickers, and positive reinforcement systems is typically required. Strong communication skills, reliability, and the ability to build rapport with both dogs and their owners are important soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities help ensure safe, effective training sessions and foster positive relationships with clients and their pets.

What is the difference between Dog Training Assistant vs Pet Care Assistant?

AspectDog Training AssistantPet Care Assistant
CertificationsBasic dog training certifications, animal behavior knowledgePet first aid, general animal care certifications
Work EnvironmentDog training centers, kennels, pet storesAnimal shelters, veterinary clinics, pet boarding facilities
Job DutiesAssist trainers, manage training sessions, reinforce commandsFeed, clean, monitor animals, assist with daily care
Industry UsageCommonly used in dog training and behavior modificationBroader animal care settings including multiple species

While both roles involve working with animals, a Dog Training Assistant specializes in training and behavior modification of dogs, often working closely with trainers. A Pet Care Assistant provides general care for various animals, focusing on daily needs and health. The roles overlap in animal handling and basic care, but differ in training focus and work environments.

What is a dog training assistant?

Dog Training Assistants are professionals who support dog trainers in teaching dogs obedience, behavior modification, and various skills. They help set up training sessions, handle dogs, reinforce positive behaviors, and communicate with pet owners about training progress. Their role ensures a safe, structured environment for both dogs and trainers, and they often gain hands-on experience to advance their careers in animal care or dog training.

What are some common challenges faced by dog training assistants, and how can they be addressed?

Dog Training Assistants often encounter challenges such as handling dogs with varying temperaments, adapting to different training methods, and communicating effectively with pet owners. To address these, it's important to stay patient and observant, continuously learn from lead trainers, and practice clear, positive communication. Building rapport with both dogs and their owners helps create a supportive training environment, and seeking feedback from senior staff can enhance your skills and confidence over time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Care Companion

Kendal

Healdsburg, CA • On-site

$23.50 - $26/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Enso Village Care Companion

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 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:

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.