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Professional Dog Trainer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Paws At Play

Dog Trainer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$18 - $26/hr

Full-Time Professional Dog Trainer Paws At Play Luxury Pet Resort is seeking an experienced, passionate, and motivated Full-Time Professional Dog Trainer to join our growing team! We're looking for ...

Paws Up Pet Nanny

Dog Walker

Durham, NC

$13.50 - $29/hr

We're a professional dog walking and pet sitting company serving South Durham and parts of Chapel ... Pay $13.50-$29.00 per hour ✔ Client tips ✔ Paid training ✔ Flexible scheduling ✔ ...

BarkSuds

Experienced Dog Groomer

Cary, NC · On-site

$200 - $300/day

Prior professional dog grooming experience preferred * Proficiency in breed-specific cuts and ... Grooming certification or formal training is a plus At Barksuds we are looking for a talented hard ...

BarkSuds

Experienced Dog Groomer

Cary, NC · On-site

$200 - $300/day

Prior professional dog grooming experience preferred * Proficiency in breed-specific cuts and ... Grooming certification or formal training is a plus At Barksuds we are looking for a talented hard ...

Pet Paradise

Pet Bather / Groomer in Training - Cary

Apex, NC · On-site

$13.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Learn to become a dog trainer! (We are currently expanding this service across many of our ... The Pet Paradise brand has grown to offer resort-style pet day camp and care, professional pet ...

Pet Paradise

Resort Associate - Cary

Apex, NC · On-site

$13.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our Dog Training Academy, with a scholarship to become a certified Dog Trainer (aka Canine Behavior Specialist)! * Our Grooming Academy, with a scholarship to become a certified Professional Pet ...

Pet Paradise Resort

Resort Associate - Cary

Apex, NC

$13.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our Dog Training Academy, with a scholarship to become a certified Dog Trainer (aka Canine Behavior Specialist)! * Our Grooming Academy, with a scholarship to become a certified Professional Pet ...

Raleigh Pawz

Pet Sitter / Dog Walker

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$9 - $22/hr

Raleigh Pawz is an award-winning, well-established professional pet care company with opportunities ... We offer: * Paid online training * Paid in-person training with a seasoned member of our team

Raleigh Pawz

Pet Sitter / Dog Walker

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$9 - $22/hr

Raleigh Pawz is an award-winning, well-established professional pet care company with opportunities ... We offer: * Paid online training * Paid in-person training with a seasoned member of our team

Pawz Sit N Stay

Pet Sitter / Dog Walker

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$9 - $22/hr

Raleigh Pawz is an award-winning, well-established professional pet care company with opportunities ... We offer: * Paid online training * Paid in-person training with a seasoned member of our team

Pawz Sit N Stay

Pet Sitter / Dog Walker

Raleigh, NC

$9 - $22/hr

Raleigh Pawz is an award-winning, well-established professional pet care company with opportunities ... We offer: * Paid online training * Paid in-person training with a seasoned member of our team

Pawz Pet Services

Pet Sitter / Dog Walker

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$9 - $22/hr

Raleigh Pawz is an award-winning, well-established professional pet care company with opportunities ... We offer: * Paid online training * Paid in-person training with a seasoned member of our team

Dog Gone Happy

Assistant General Manager

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$21.50 - $23.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

At Dog Gone Happy, we're seeking a dynamic and dedicated Assistant Manager to help lead our team ... Team Leadership and Development: Assist in hiring, training, and mentoring team members, from ...

Pet Paradise

Resort Associate - Cary

Apex, NC

$13.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... dogs secure and maintaining a high standard of pet safety by following and adhering to the training ... The Pet Paradise brand has grown to offer resort-style pet day camp and care, professional pet ...

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All JobsProfessional Dog Trainer JobsProfessional Dog Trainer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Professional Dog Trainer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$9

$18

$31

How much do professional dog trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional dog trainer in Raleigh, NC is $18.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.04 and $19.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Professional Dog Trainer vs Pet Groomer?

AspectProfessional Dog TrainerPet Groomer
CertificationsCPDT-KA, CCPDT, or similarPet grooming certifications (e.g., NAPCG, state licenses)
Work EnvironmentTraining facilities, client homes, outdoor spacesGrooming salons, pet stores, mobile grooming vans
Industry UsageBehavior modification, obedience training, socializationBathing, trimming, styling, hygiene care
Common Search IntentTraining techniques, behavior issues, obedience classesGrooming services, grooming tips, pet styling

While both roles involve working with dogs, a Professional Dog Trainer focuses on behavior, obedience, and training techniques, often requiring certifications like CPDT-KA. A Pet Groomer specializes in grooming, bathing, and styling pets, typically with grooming-specific certifications. Both careers are essential in the pet industry but serve different needs for pet owners.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional dog trainer?

To thrive as a Professional Dog Trainer, you need a solid understanding of canine behavior, training techniques, and animal care, often supported by certifications like CPDT-KA or similar credentials. Familiarity with training tools such as clickers, leashes, and behavior assessment software is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and problem-solving skills help trainers effectively work with both dogs and their owners. These abilities are crucial for fostering positive behavior changes, building client trust, and ensuring safe, successful training outcomes.

What is a professional dog trainer?

Professional Dog Trainers are individuals who specialize in teaching dogs obedience, specific behaviors, and skills using various training techniques. They work with dogs of all ages, breeds, and temperaments to address behavioral issues, provide basic training, or prepare dogs for specific roles such as service or therapy work. Many trainers also educate dog owners on how to effectively communicate and build a positive relationship with their pets. Professional Dog Trainers may work independently, at training centers, or in animal shelters, and often hold certifications from recognized organizations.

What are some common challenges faced by professional dog trainers when working with clients and their pets?

Professional dog trainers often encounter challenges such as managing varying levels of owner commitment, addressing deeply ingrained behavioral issues in dogs, and tailoring training techniques to suit different breeds and personalities. Building trust with both the dog and its owner is essential, as is clear communication to ensure consistency in training outside of sessions. Trainers also need to stay updated on new methods and adapt their approach to individual client needs for the best results.
What are the most commonly searched types of Dog Trainer jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Dog Trainer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Professional Dog Trainer jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Professional Dog Trainer jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Professional Dog Trainer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Professional Dog Trainer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Professional Dog Trainer jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Professional Dog Trainer job openings:
Professional Dog Trainer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Dog Trainer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,220 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Dog Trainer

Paws At Play

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$18 - $26/hr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Full-Time Professional Dog Trainer

Paws At Play Luxury Pet Resort is seeking an experienced, passionate, and motivated Full-Time Professional Dog Trainer to join our growing team!

We're looking for someone who believes in building confident, well-mannered dogs through positive reinforcement training and enjoys working closely with both dogs and their owners. If you're committed to creating lasting results while making training fun and rewarding, we'd love to meet you.

About the Role

As our Professional Dog Trainer, you'll lead our training programs while collaborating with our daycare and boarding teams. You'll work with puppies through adult dogs, helping them develop confidence, good manners, and reliable obedience in a positive, engaging environment.

You'll be responsible for conducting our Puppy Preschool, K9 Kindergarten and Play & Train Program, private training sessions, and Board & Train sessions, while educating owners on how to continue their dog's success at home.

Responsibilities

  • Lead Puppy Preschool and Play & Train programs

  • Conduct private training and Board & Train sessions

  • Develop individualized training plans for each dog

  • Teach basic obedience, manners, and life skills using positive reinforcement

  • Evaluate dogs for temperament, behavior, and training goals

  • Provide daily progress reports and homework for pet parents

  • Work collaboratively with daycare and boarding staff to reinforce training throughout the day

  • Maintain a safe, clean, and positive training environment

  • Deliver exceptional customer service and client communication

Qualifications

  • CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed) certification required

  • Minimum of 2 years of professional dog training experience preferred

  • Strong understanding of canine behavior, learning theory, and positive reinforcement training methods

  • Excellent communication and customer service skills

  • Ability to safely handle dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments

  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced daycare and boarding environment

  • Dependable, organized, self-motivated, and a collaborative team player

  • Weekend availability required

What We're Looking For

We're searching for someone who is:

  • Passionate about helping dogs and their families succeed

  • Patient, encouraging, and professional

  • Positive, energetic, and dependable

  • Committed to continuing education and staying current with modern, science-based training methods

  • Dedicated to providing exceptional care and customer service

Why Join Paws At Play?

At Paws At Play, we believe every dog deserves the opportunity to learn, play, and thrive. Our training philosophy focuses on building confidence, strengthening the human-animal bond, and creating lifelong success through positive reinforcement.

As part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to grow our training department, make a meaningful impact on the lives of dogs and their families, and work alongside a supportive team that is passionate about providing exceptional care.

If you're ready to make a difference and help shape the future of training at Paws At Play, we'd love to hear from you!

Please submit your resume, CPDT-KA certification, and a brief cover letter explaining why you're the right fit for our team.