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Professional Dog Trainer Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Interact professionally and effectively with pet parents, provide optimal customer service, address ... Weeks 1-3: Learning and On-the-Job Training * Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, proper check ...

Interact professionally and effectively with pet parents, provide optimal customer service, address ... Weeks 1-3: Learning and On-the-Job Training * Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, proper check ...

Interact professionally and effectively with pet parents, provide optimal customer service, address ... Weeks 1-3: Learning and On-the-Job Training * Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, proper check ...

Interact professionally and effectively with pet parents, provide optimal customer service, address ... Weeks 1-3: Learning and On-the-Job Training * Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, proper check ...

Interact professionally and effectively with pet parents, provide optimal customer service, address ... Weeks 1-3: Learning and On-the-Job Training * Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, proper check ...

Interact professionally and effectively with pet parents, provide optimal customer service, address ... Weeks 1-3: Learning and On-the-Job Training * Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, proper check ...

Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Provide protective ... Professional credentials and certifications * College credit hours toward a bachelor's or associate ...

Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Provide protective ... Professional credentials and certifications * College credit hours toward a bachelor's or associate ...

MASTER-AT-ARMS

Pomona, CA

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Conduct waterborne ... Professional credentials and certifications * College credit hours toward a bachelor's or associate ...

MASTER-AT-ARMS

Pomona, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Conduct waterborne ... Professional credentials and certifications * College credit hours toward a bachelor's or associate ...

Military Security Officer

Cherry Valley, CA

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

... working dogs, harbor security, corrections, investigations, or protective services. Key ... Pathways, Training & Advancement Recruit Training followed by Master-at-Arms Class A School at ...

Military Security Officer

Pomona, CA

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

... working dogs, harbor security, corrections, investigations, or protective services. Key ... Pathways, Training & Advancement Recruit Training followed by Master-at-Arms Class A School at ...

Military Security Officer

Yorba Linda, CA

$18.50 - $23.50/hr

... working dogs, harbor security, corrections, investigations, or protective services. Key ... Pathways, Training & Advancement Recruit Training followed by Master-at-Arms Class A School at ...

Showing results 21-40

Professional Dog Trainer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$10

$20

$33

How much do professional dog trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional dog trainer in Riverside, CA is $20.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.05 and $21.30 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 Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Dog Trainer jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Professional Dog Trainer jobs in Riverside, CA? For Professional Dog Trainer jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Professional Dog Trainer jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Professional Dog Trainer jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Professional Dog Trainer jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Professional Dog Trainer job openings:
Infographic showing various Professional Dog Trainer job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,094 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Junior Groomer

Petco

Orange, CA • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Petco rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 637 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

457th of 731 rated retailers


Job description

Want to help pets live their best lives?
We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet people go. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you.
Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and people.
  • Pet First - Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.

  • Foster the Fun - Connect & Bond. Our Passion for pets brings us together! We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through distinct experiences, products, and services.

  • Let's Go! Own & Commit. We are stronger as One Petco team. We bring our unique superpowers and champion authenticity in everyone to drive success.

About Petco:
We're proud to be "where the pets go" to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years - from their favorite meals and toys, to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood - the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies and everything in between. And we're here for it. Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are 29,000+ strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than 1,500 Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we founded Petco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events.
Your Petco Grooming Career:
Begin your Petco journey as a Junior Pet Stylist in Grooming!
During this ten-week training period as a Junior Pet Stylist, you will learn fundamental grooming tasks such as brushing, bathing, drying, cutting nails, and more! Gaining hands-on experience with guidance from seasoned groomers, our industry leading program is designed to develop essential grooming skills and set the foundation for your future career with Petco Grooming.
In addition to our commitment to continuous training, development, and career growth, we also offer:
  • Competitive base pay
  • Medical, dental, vision and more
  • 401k and more
  • Paid Time Off
  • Petco Discounts
  • All the supplies & equipment you need, including, brushes, nail trimmers, clippers, blades, shampoo, sprays, tools, etc.
  • State of the art equipment, including bathing system, kennels, tables, and dryers

Purpose:
The Junior Pet Stylist's primary purpose is to learn how to perform the following services: bathing, drying, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning, alongside seasoned groomers. In addition to bathing and drying services, the Junior Pet Stylist will assist in the grooming process, prioritizing the comfort, safety, and well-being of the pets in our care and delivering optimal customer services to pet parents. This is an excellent opportunity for those passionate about animals and grooming to start their career in the pet care industry.
Essential Job Functions:
The incumbent must be able to consistently perform all the following duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Under close supervision of experienced groomers, perform limited grooming services including bathing, drying, nail trimming, brushing, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning according to the pet parents' instructions and in adherence to company policies and procedures
  • Ensure the well-being and safety of every animal in the salon at all times
  • Interact professionally and effectively with pet parents, provide optimal customer service, address grooming related inquiries and provide timely resolution
  • Maintain a clean and safe grooming area and salon, disinfect and sanitize grooming tools and equipment, perform daily and weekly cleaning duties in the salon and in adherence to Petco hygiene and sanitation policies, other cleaning and maintenance tasks as assigned, including but not limited to cleaning air filters, vents, and drains
  • Schedule grooming appointments, manage paperwork, and maintain accurate grooming records
  • Learn and adhere to Petco's grooming policies, standards, and guidelines to ensure safety, quality, and consistency in all activities and areas of the grooming business

Training Program Outline:
  • Weeks 1-3: Learning and On-the-Job Training
    • Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, proper check-in/out procedures, customer service, grooming policies, and begin on-the-job training in bathing and drying techniques
  • Weeks 3-10: Performing and Achieving Productivity
    • Perform bathing and walk-in services while achieving weekly productivity goals

Education/Experience:
  • 0-1 year of animal related experience, including shelter volunteering or pet sitting, prior grooming salon assistance is preferred
  • High-school diploma or GED is preferred, though not required
  • Genuine passion for animals and a desire to pursue a career in pet grooming
  • Basic understanding of dog breeds, behavior, and common grooming practices
  • Capable of handling pets of all sizes and temperaments with care and empathy
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills for interactions with pet parents and grooming team members
  • Availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays, as required by the Pet Care Center's grooming schedule

Work Environment:
The majority of job duties are conducted indoors in the grooming salon. Position requires bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 30 pounds, as necessary) and standing for long periods of time. Position may require exposure to heights using a two-step ladder or other support tools, such as vacuums, to perform assigned cleaning and maintenance duties. A large amount of this partner's time will be spent in direct contact with our pet parents and their dogs, and the remaining time will be with the other salon partners. The work environment can be noisy and wet.
Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.
The pay ranges outlined below are presented in accordance with state-specific regulations. These ranges may differ in other areas and could be subject to variation based on regulatory minimum wage requirements. Actual pay rates will depend on factors such as position, location, level of experience, and applicable state or local minimum wage laws. If the regulatory minimum wage exceeds the minimum indicated in the pay range below, the regulatory minimum wage will be the minimum rate applied.
$10.00 - $21.50
Hourly or Salary Range will be reflected above. For a more detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards, including health and financial benefits, 401K, incentives, and PTO -see https://careers.petco.com/us/en/key-benefits
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