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Good Dog Foundation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Canine Craze

Dog Trainer Apprentice

Urbandale, IA · On-site

... Foundation. As a Dog Trainer Apprentice you will learn: * How to read dog body language * How to ... Develop presence control with good leadership skills that dogs trust and respond to * The ...

Canine Craze

Dog Trainer Apprentice

Urbandale, IA

$13 - $15/hr

... Foundation. As a Dog Trainer Apprentice you will learn: * How to read dog body language * How to ... Develop presence control with good leadership skills that dogs trust and respond to * The ...

Canine Craze

Dog Trainer Apprentice

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

... Foundation. As a Dog Trainer Apprentice you will learn: * How to read dog body language * How to ... Develop presence control with good leadership skills that dogs trust and respond to * The ...

Top Dog Country Club

Animal Care Manager

New Germany, MN · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

... good social skills. Now, we're hiring a full-time Animal Care Manager to help make every day great ... Top Dog Foundation to help rescue older dogs whose owners can't care for them anymore. Our ...

Canine Craze

Dog Trainer Apprentice

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

... Foundation. As a Dog Trainer Apprentice you will learn: * How to read dog body language * How to ... Develop presence control with good leadership skills that dogs trust and respond to * The ...

Top Dog Country Club

Animal Care Manager

New Germany, MN · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

... good social skills. Now, we're hiring a full-time Animal Care Manager to help make every day great ... Top Dog Foundation to help rescue older dogs whose owners can't care for them anymore. Our ...

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All JobsGood Dog Foundation Jobs

Good Dog Foundation information

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$9

$14

$18

How much do good dog foundation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for good dog foundation in the United States is $14.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $15.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Good Dog Foundation vs Dog Trainer?

AspectGood Dog FoundationDog Trainer
CertificationsBasic obedience and behavior certificationsVaries; often includes certifications like CPDT-KA or CCPDT
Work EnvironmentNon-profit, community-based, educational settingsPrivate, commercial, or shelter environments
Employer & IndustryNon-profit organizations, animal shelters, educational programsPet training companies, independent trainers, shelters

While both roles focus on dog behavior and training, the Good Dog Foundation emphasizes community education and non-profit work with a focus on foundational training. Dog Trainers may work in various settings, often with more specialized or commercial training services. Certifications and work environments differ, but both aim to improve dog behavior and strengthen owner-dog relationships.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Good Dog Foundation therapy dog handler, and why are they important?

To thrive as a therapy dog handler with the Good Dog Foundation, you need a strong understanding of animal behavior, dog training techniques, and often certification for both handler and dog from an accredited therapy animal organization. Familiarity with therapy dog evaluation protocols and record-keeping systems is important for ongoing compliance and scheduling. Patience, empathy, and excellent interpersonal communication help build trust with clients and facility staff during visits. These skills ensure safe, effective, and compassionate animal-assisted therapy experiences for those in need.

What is the Good Dog Foundation and what does it do?

The Good Dog Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to training and certifying therapy dog teams to provide animal-assisted therapy in various settings, such as hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. Their mission is to promote the use of therapy dogs to improve the health and well-being of people dealing with illness, trauma, or other life challenges. Volunteers and their dogs undergo a rigorous training and evaluation process before being placed in programs that help comfort and support individuals in need. The Foundation also raises awareness about the benefits of animal-assisted interventions and works to expand access to therapy dog services.

What are some common challenges faced by volunteers working with the Good Dog Foundation, and how can they prepare for them?

Volunteers with the Good Dog Foundation often encounter challenges such as managing dogs' behavior in new environments and interacting with people from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities or special needs. Preparing for these situations involves participating in the Foundation's thorough training programs, staying patient and adaptable, and being attentive to both the dog's and participants' comfort levels. Volunteers also benefit from ongoing support and collaboration with experienced handlers and staff, which helps them navigate any unexpected situations during therapy sessions.

How to get paid to work with dogs?

To get paid to work with dogs, roles such as dog trainer, dog walker, or pet care provider typically require relevant experience, certifications, and a love for animals. Employment can be found through pet service companies, independent clients, or organizations that train and place service or therapy dogs. Building skills in animal behavior and obtaining certifications like CPDT-KA can improve job prospects and earning potential.

How much do you get paid to train therapy dogs?

Training therapy dogs is often done by organizations or individuals who may receive compensation, but pay rates vary widely depending on the program, location, and level of training provided. Some trainers work as paid employees or contractors, earning hourly wages or stipends, while others volunteer or receive certification without direct pay. The Good Dog Foundation and similar organizations may offer paid training opportunities or stipends for certified handlers, but specific amounts depend on the program and role.

What is the 7 7 7 rule for dogs?

The 7 7 7 rule for dogs is a guideline used in training and behavior management, suggesting that a dog should be walked at least seven minutes for every month of age, up to about 7 months old, to ensure proper exercise and mental stimulation. It emphasizes consistent, age-appropriate activity to promote healthy development and reduce behavioral issues.

What is the highest paying job working with dogs?

The highest paying jobs working with dogs typically include professional dog trainers, veterinary surgeons, and animal behavior specialists, with salaries ranging from $50,000 to over $100,000 annually depending on experience, certifications, and location. Advanced roles often require specialized training, certifications, and extensive experience in animal care or behavior modification.
What are the most commonly searched types of Good Dog Foundation jobs? The most popular types of Good Dog Foundation jobs are:
What states have the most Good Dog Foundation jobs? States with the most job openings for Good Dog Foundation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Good Dog Foundation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Good Dog Foundation jobs are:
Good Dog Foundation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Good Dog Foundation job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,511 per year, or $14.2 per hour.
Dog Trainer Apprentice

Dog Trainer Apprentice

Canine Craze

Urbandale, IA • On-site

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Salary: $13 - $15

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.