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Guide Dog Trainer Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Member Associate

Hillsboro, OR ยท On-site

$17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... our training path to become a Scenthound Manager! Tasks: * Drive membership sales through dog ... Independently solve problems using Scenthound values and culture as a guide * Attention to detail

Member Associate

Sherwood, OR ยท On-site

$17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... our training path to become a Scenthound Manager! Tasks: * Drive membership sales through dog ... Independently solve problems using Scenthound values and culture as a guide * Attention to detail

Member Associate

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... our training path to become a Scenthound Manager! Tasks: * Drive membership sales through dog ... Independently solve problems using Scenthound values and culture as a guide * Attention to detail

Member Associate

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... our training path to become a Scenthound Manager! Tasks: * Drive membership sales through dog ... Independently solve problems using Scenthound values and culture as a guide * Attention to detail

Veterinarian - Portland, OR

Portland, OR

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Receive one-on-one surgical and procedural training * Develop confidence in dentistry and advanced ... Supports organizations including Guide Dogs for the Blind and Northwest Animal Companions Join Our ...

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Showing results 1-20

Guide Dog Trainer information

See Oregon salary details

$10

$20

$33

How much do guide dog trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for guide dog trainer in Oregon is $20.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $21.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a guide dog trainer?

Guide dog trainers are professionals who train dogs to assist visually impaired or blind individuals in navigating their environments safely and independently. They teach dogs specialized skills such as avoiding obstacles, stopping at curbs, and responding to various commands. Guide dog trainers also work closely with both the dogs and their future handlers to ensure a successful partnership. Their work requires patience, compassion, and a deep understanding of canine behavior.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a guide dog trainer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Guide Dog Trainer, you need a deep understanding of canine behavior, animal training techniques, and often a background in animal science or related fields. Familiarity with positive reinforcement tools, specialized harnesses, and sometimes certification from organizations like the International Guide Dog Federation is typical. Patience, strong observational skills, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for building trust with both dogs and visually impaired clients. These competencies ensure the safe, effective training of guide dogs and foster successful partnerships that enhance clients' independence.

What are some common challenges faced by guide dog trainers when matching dogs with clients?

Guide dog trainers often encounter challenges ensuring the perfect match between a guide dog and its future handler, as they must consider the individual's mobility needs, personality, and lifestyle. Dogs require tailored training to adapt to different environments, and trainers must carefully observe both dog and client during the matching process to guarantee compatibility. Additionally, trainers support clients during the transition period, offering guidance and troubleshooting as the new partnership develops. This collaborative and client-focused aspect of the job is both rewarding and demanding, requiring patience and strong communication skills.

What is the difference between Guide Dog Trainer vs Service Dog Trainer?

AspectGuide Dog TrainerService Dog Trainer
CertificationsOften requires canine training certifications, experience with mobility aidsRequires similar certifications, often with additional medical or disability-specific training
Work EnvironmentTraining centers, outdoor environments, mobility-focused settingsTraining centers, medical facilities, public spaces
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, guide dog organizations, mobility assistance providersNonprofits, healthcare organizations, disability support agencies

Guide Dog Trainers and Service Dog Trainers share similar certifications and work environments, focusing on training dogs for specific assistance roles. The main difference lies in the type of assistance provided: Guide Dog Trainers specialize in mobility and navigation for visually impaired individuals, while Service Dog Trainers train dogs to assist with a broader range of disabilities. Both roles are vital in supporting individuals with disabilities and often overlap in skills and training methods.

What are popular job titles related to Guide Dog Trainer jobs in Oregon?

For Guide Dog Trainer jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Guide Dog Trainer job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,660 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

National Client Manager

Paws for Purple Hearts

Canyonville, OR โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Paws for Purple Hearts (PPH) and Bergin College of Canine Studies (BUCS) are seeking a National Client Manager to support our mission of “Helping dogs help people.” This role serves as the primary point of contact for U.S. Veterans and mobility-limited individuals seeking Service Dogs, Facility Dogs, or Senior Service Dogs.

Working from our global-standard facilities in scenic Canyonville, Oregon, the National Client Manager will guide clients through the entire process—from initial inquiry and application to dog placement and long-term follow-up support. The role plays a vital part in creating successful, lifelong human-canine partnerships that foster independence, trust, healing, and social connection.

This position also supports research, program development, curriculum advancement, and collaboration between PPH and Bergin College Of Canine Studies to continually improve service dog training and placement programs.


This position is responsible for working with those individuals interested in or having
obtained a Service or Facility Dog from PPH or BUCS:
The position includes:
1. Client requests for a Service or Facility Dog
a. Responding to requests for information regarding the obtaining of a Service or Facility Dog;
b. client’s understanding of and ability to complete the applications;
c. Reviewing client applications;
d. Conducting client interviews;
2. Client placements with a Service or Facility Dog
a. Helping match Service and Facility Dogs with clients;
b. Scheduling clients’ attendance at “team trainings” to obtain a Service or Facility Dog;
c. Helping with travel housing to/at/from client training
d. Supporting clients during team trainings as requested;
3. Follow-up placement of a Service or Facility Dog
a. Supporting client-dog teams as they acclimate to the home environment and each other.
b. Conducting follow-ups of client-dog teams as required by ADI;
c. Serving as a conduit for communication between BUCS and PPH dog/client program
personnel;
4. Develop, upgrade, and implement services and materials that help manage client programs:
a. Researching and helping educate instructors in the latest findings and methods related to the
placement of Service and Facility Dogs with individuals with mobility limitations, mental
health issues or other disabling conditions:
b. Helping with curriculum development of the Service and Facility Dog team training:
i. Schedules and lecture materials
ii. Appropriate, new adaptations of, or innovative Service and Facility Dog
commands
iii. Incorporating evidence-based research methods in keeping with:
1. VA/DOD Clinical Practice Guidelines and ADI standards
c. Assist in creating a researchable design model for Canine-assistant Warrior Therapy(CAWT):
i. Implementing a data management system
ii. Identifying achievable measures to monitor outcomes
iii. Improving direct practices:
1. Contributing to the field
2. Enhancing the organization’s ability to access grants and funding.
5. Manage dog and client reports and files as per Paws for Purple Hearts and Bergin University of Canine Studies, and accreditation requirements;
6. Aid in the development of a network of supportive stakeholders to compliment and sustain the program;
7. Create local and national resource lists for staff:
a. To provide as referrals to clients who are in need of:
i. Canine care information
ii. Mental health or crisis support
b. To use as a general resource.
8. Other duties as assigned by the President/Chief Executive Officer or Program Supervisor.

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