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Guide Dog Trainer Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Guide Dogs for the Blind

Per Diem Nurse

Boring, OR · On-site

$41 - $46/hr

As a RN on our beautiful campus in Boring, OR you'll care for people who are blind or visually impaired as they visit our campus for training with their assigned guide dog. During their stay, you may ...

BSUE DOGS CORP

Member Associate

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$17.50/hr

... 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

BSUE DOGS CORP

Member Associate

Sherwood, OR · On-site

$17.50/hr

... 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

BSUE DOGS CORP

Member Associate

Portland, OR · On-site

$17.50/hr

... 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

BSUE DOGS CORP

Member Associate

Portland, OR · On-site

$17.50/hr

... 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

Luckydog

Canine Care Specialist

Springfield, OR · On-site

... professional dog care deserves professional training, clear standards, and a team committed to ... Choice winner, Luckydog is guided by positive reinforcement, force-free principles, and a ...

Vetcor

Veterinarian - Portland, OR

Portland, OR

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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All JobsGuide Dog Trainer JobsGuide Dog Trainer Jobs in Oregon

Guide Dog Trainer information

See Oregon salary details

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$33

How much do guide dog trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 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 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 qualifications do I need to be a service dog trainer?

To become a guide dog trainer, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, experience with dog training or working with people with disabilities, and knowledge of canine behavior. Certification from a recognized organization or completing specialized training programs can enhance job prospects and credibility.

How do I become a trainer for guide dogs?

To become a guide dog trainer, individuals typically need experience with dog training, often starting as a professional dog trainer or working with service animals. Certification from organizations such as the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) or completing specialized guide dog training programs is often required. Strong skills in animal behavior, patience, and communication are essential for success in this role.

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.

How much do training guide dogs pay?

Guide dog trainers typically earn between $25,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Salaries may increase with certifications, specialized skills, and years of service in the field.

What are guide dog trainers?

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.

How much does a guide dog trainer make?

Guide dog trainers typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Certification and specialized skills can influence salary levels, and some trainers work for non-profit organizations or private companies with varying pay scales.

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 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:
What job categories do people searching Guide Dog Trainer jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Guide Dog Trainer jobs in Oregon are:
Guide Dog Trainer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Guide Dog Trainer job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,660 per year, or $20.5 per hour.
Apprentice Guide Dog Instructor

Apprentice Guide Dog Instructor

Guide Dogs for the Blind

Boring, OR • On-site

$27.18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Description
Let your teaching heart guide you here.
Being an Apprentice Guide Dog Mobility Instructor with Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) on our Boring, OR campus is a special role that requires intelligence, emotional fortitude, and a love for both people and animals. What could be more rewarding than training a dog to fulfill its purpose as a guide, then working closely with a client and dog to secure the bond and ensure the team's success? You'll enjoy a sense of accomplishment every day knowing that your work is a crucial part of our mission.
Our paid, three-year Guide Dog Mobility Instructor Apprentice Program offers direct mentorship, intense on-the-job training, and a comprehensive academic curriculum. You will learn how to train dogs and clients, support teams in the field, and assess applicants alongside qualified instructors. We are committed to your success by investing the time, resources, and training necessary for you to become a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor based on the requirements of the International Guide Dog Federation and State of California Guide Dog Instructor program.
What sets us apart?
  • GDB offers a stable, professional career in dog training, with the potential for longevity and ongoing learning and growth. You can potentially step up into higher levels of the Instructor role and even into a Supervisory position.
  • You'll have the resources and training you need, plus exceptional support from your mentor, manager, and team through frequent meetings and communication.
  • You will see amazing things happen as dogs rise to their role as a guide through your training. Once a dog has been trained and matched with a person who is visually impaired or blind, you'll help the team work together, gain confidence, and create a special bond. You even get to travel to visit our clients in their homes for additional training and evaluation.
  • You'll stay in shape as you clock many miles each day that you are training a dog or working with a client and guide dog team. You should love working outdoors in all kinds of weather.
  • Our generous benefits package includes medical/dental/vision/life/disability insurance, 403(b), tuition reimbursement, and great wellness perks like yoga, circuit training, and an onsite gym.
  • You can bring your dog to work!

The qualifications you'll need:
  • Experience as a Kennel Technician at GDB or equivalent
  • High school diploma or equivalent; some college preferred
  • Ability to safely handle a variety of large-breed dogs
  • Current driver license and insurability at non-risk rates
  • Ability to work some weekends, evenings, and holidays

Guide Dogs for the Blind
At Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB), we believe that everyone deserves to move through the world safely and confidently - to live the life they want to live. As the largest guide dog school in North America, we have graduated more than 16,000 guide dog teams from across the U.S. and Canada since our founding in 1942. GDB not only improves mobility for our clients, we further inclusion. Join our team of more than 300 employees and share your passion for our mission.
At Guide Dogs for the Blind, we respect, value, and appreciate all differences. We welcome all qualified candidates irrespective of your race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Individuals with disabilities, especially those who are blind or visually impaired, are encouraged to apply. If you have a disability and need assistance and/or accommodation with applying for a job, please feel free to contact our Human Resources department.
Pay Rate
$27.18/hour

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