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Training Director, Dog Training

Are you a proven training leader who knows how to develop high-performing trainers, drive revenue through service excellence, and deliver safe, effective results for dogs and their owners?

We are looking for a full-time Training Director to lead all canine training operations, elevate program quality, develop a strong team of trainers, and create an exceptional client experience. This is not just a hands-on training role. This is a leadership position responsible for training performance, team development, operational oversight, and business growth.

Who We Are

NVA Pet Resorts is part of National Veterinary Associates (NVA) — the largest private owner of veterinary hospitals and pet resorts in North America, with 1,300+ locations. We compete in an $8B+ and rapidly growing industry as pet parents continue to invest in premium care for their family members.

Our mission is simple:

Create safe, fun, and loving environments for pets while providing exceptional experiences for our clients and team members.

We are looking for a leader who can combine advanced canine behavior expertise with business ownership, team leadership, and community presence to continue building a trusted and high-performing training program.

The Role: Training Leader and Business Driver

As Training Director, you are the leader of the training department.

You are responsible for:

• Overseeing all canine training operations
• Maintaining and improving structured training programs
• Leading, developing, and coaching a team of trainers
• Driving training revenue and service growth
• Ensuring a high standard of client communication and satisfaction
• Upholding safety, animal welfare, and operational standards
• You own the quality of the training experience and the strategy that helps the department grow.

What You’ll Lead

Training Programs and Behavioral Outcomes

• Maintain, optimize, and elevate the execution of training programs, including obedience, socialization, and behavior modification
• Support the development of customized training plans for more complex behavioral issues, including aggression and anxiety
• Audit the training team on delivery quality and client communication, including intakes, outtakes, and follow-up consultations
• Evaluate training program effectiveness and adjust strategies based on outcomes and client feedback
• Ensure training methodologies align with company standards around positive reinforcement, force-free practices, and other approved training methods

Sales and Revenue Growth

• Support revenue goals through program development, upselling training services, and client retention
• Develop trainers’ client communication skills, sales mindset, and business-building practices
• Collaborate with front-of-house teams so they can confidently educate clients on training offerings
• Identify opportunities to expand services, packages, and specialty training programs
• Develop and implement new training offerings to grow the department’s service portfolio
• Oversee outreach and business-building practices through reporting and client follow-up
• Hold the team accountable for time management, scheduling, and calendar organization

Team Development

• Recruit, hire, onboard, and train both junior and senior trainers
• Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and performance evaluations
• Create weekly schedules and ensure proper staffing and service delivery
• Validate timekeeping and support accurate reporting related to commissions, tips, or other incentive structures if applicable
• Address employee concerns, resolve conflict, and foster a positive team culture
• Build a department that is accountable, professional, and focused on continuous improvement

Client Experience

• Oversee trainer consultations to understand client goals and behavioral concerns
• Ensure training plans, progress updates, and recommendations are communicated clearly and professionally
• Promote pet parent education around reinforcement techniques and long-term behavior management
• Build trust with clients through consistency, professionalism, and strong service execution
• Maintain a high level of client satisfaction throughout the training journey

Safety and Operational Excellence

• Enforce all safety protocols for staff and dogs within the training department
• Coach the team on dog signaling, body language, handling procedures, and socialization best practices
• Maintain compliance with company policies related to dog health and safety
• Monitor facility conditions to ensure a clean, safe, and organized environment
• Support operational excellence through strong oversight, professionalism, and attention to detail

Marketing and Community Engagement

• Support marketing initiatives through events, workshops, and community outreach
• Represent the organization as a subject matter expert in canine behavior and training
• Build and strengthen partnerships with local pet communities and organizations
• Help expand awareness of training services and reinforce the brand in the local market

What We’re Looking For

• We are seeking a leader who is:
• Deeply knowledgeable in canine behavior and learning theory
• Skilled in trainer development, coaching, and performance management
• Sales-minded and capable of growing service revenue
• Strong in client communication and relationship building
• Highly accountable, organized, and professional
• Passionate about animal welfare and safety
• Comfortable influencing change and leading department growth
• Visible, hands-on, and comfortable operating within the day-to-day resort environment

Required Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education and experience preferred
• Minimum 3-5 years of management experience, including profit and loss responsibility
• Minimum 7+ years of professional dog training experience, including advanced behavioral modification
• Strong financial and operational management ability
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and relevant scheduling, point of sale, or pet care management systems
• Strong client-facing skills and comfort operating within a resort environment

Preferred Certifications

• CPDT-KA or equivalent recognized certification
• Additional credentials in behavior or advanced training techniques

You Must Be Able To

• Work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Move throughout the resort for extended periods of time
• Lift and move dogs, equipment, or supplies within the physical requirements of the role
• Bend, stoop, reach, and work actively in a fast-paced, loud environment
• Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor with clients, team members, and leadership
• Perform basic math and understand finances and cost management
• Hold a valid driver’s license if required by the role
• Transport a pet in case of emergency if required by the role

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Competitive compensation: $25.00 - $29.00 per hour
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• 401(k) with employer match
• Career growth opportunities within a growing company
• A workplace centered around pet care, safety, service excellence, and team development

Equal Opportunity Employer

NVA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Folsom Dog Resort & Training Center is the most award-winning pet care facility it the greater Sacramento area. Since 2008, we've provided award-winning dog boarding, dog day care, dog training, and dog grooming services to thousands of clients and canine guests. Over 20 years of industry experience has resulted in a an expert, talented team that is passionate about delivering unmatched pet care and customer service. Our mission is to make pet ownership worry-free by providing outstanding pet care in a safe, healthy, happy environment for their dogs.