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Professional Dog Trainer Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times. * Work cross functionally with the ... Dog Training Apprentice: 6-weeks weeks of instructor led learning and development. * Stage 2 : Dog ...

Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times. * Work cross functionally with the ... Dog Training Apprentice: 6-weeks weeks of instructor led learning and development. * Stage 2 : Dog ...

Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times. * Work cross functionally with the ... Dog Training Apprentice: 6-weeks weeks of instructor led learning and development. * Stage 2 : Dog ...

Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times. * Work cross functionally with the ... Dog Training Apprentice: 6-weeks weeks of instructor led learning and development. * Stage 2 : Dog ...

Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times. * Work cross functionally with the ... Dog Training Apprentice: 6-weeks weeks of instructor led learning and development. * Stage 2 : Dog ...

Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times. * Work cross functionally with the ... Dog Training Apprentice: 6-weeks weeks of instructor led learning and development. * Stage 2 : Dog ...

Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times. * Work cross functionally with the ... Dog Training Apprentice: 6-weeks weeks of instructor led learning and development. * Stage 2 : Dog ...

Mobile Dog Groomer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

At least one year of professional dog grooming experience and a valid driver's license are required ... Your first week includes comprehensive training and ride-alongs to ensure a successful start.

Mobile Dog Groomer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

At least one year of professional dog grooming experience and a valid driver's license are required ... Your first week includes comprehensive training and ride-alongs to ensure a successful start.

Sales Associate

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$15 - $20.25/hr

... successful dog training experience. * Keep accurate records of training sessions, progress, and pet parents' feedback. * Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times. * Work cross ...

Weekday Dog Walker

Washington, DC

$17 - $23.25/hr

Follow the client-provided care instructions, including training preferences * If needed, ensure ... Uphold an honest, patient, positive, and professional demeanor when entering clients homes, walking ...

Weekday Dog Walker

Washington, DC

$16.50 - $22.75/hr

Follow the client-provided care instructions, including training preferences * If needed, ensure ... Uphold an honest, patient, positive, and professional demeanor when entering clients homes, walking ...

Weekday Dog Walker

Washington, DC

$17 - $23.25/hr

Follow the client-provided care instructions, including training preferences * If needed, ensure ... Uphold an honest, patient, positive, and professional demeanor when entering clients homes, walking ...

Weekday Dog Walker

Washington, DC · On-site

$16.50 - $22.75/hr

Follow the client-provided care instructions, including training preferences * If needed, ensure ... Uphold an honest, patient, positive, and professional demeanor when entering clients homes, walking ...

Weekday Dog Walker

Washington, DC · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

Follow the client-provided care instructions, including training preferences * If needed, ensure ... Uphold an honest, patient, positive, and professional demeanor when entering clients homes, walking ...

Dog Bather

Rockville, MD · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Paid training and onboarding * Amazing team atmosphere Job Type Full-time Salary $18-$20/hour ... Professional, reliable, and team-oriented with strong attention to safety and cleanliness

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Professional Dog Trainer information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

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How much do professional dog trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional dog trainer in Silver Spring, MD is $20.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $21.11 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 Silver Spring, MD?

The most popular types of Dog Trainer jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What are popular job titles related to Professional Dog Trainer jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

For Professional Dog Trainer jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Professional Dog Trainer jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Professional Dog Trainer jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Professional Dog Trainer jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Professional Dog Trainer job openings:

Infographic showing various Professional Dog Trainer job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,711 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

BALANCED DOG TRAINER & CERTIFIED PET PROFESSIONAL | Washington DC Metro Area

DC Dog Sitter

Washington, DC

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Company Description

DC Dog Sitter is a leading provider of professional pet care services in the DC Metro area. Focused on disrupting the status quo and bringing a higher level of care and interaction, we believe in being outside, getting fresh air, swimming, dog adventures, running, playing, and doing hikes. DC Dog Sitter is redefining the pet care industry providing a hands-on, highly interactive, and engaging service that caters to each pet's unique personality and temperament.

DC Dog Sitter has been named by Washingtonian as 'Top Pet Professionals + Adventures' in the DC Metro Area. Our level of service and team of Certified Pet Professionals rank among the best in the DMV. Our people possess the perfect combination of professionalism, compassion, and attention to detail. Our overall mission is to enrich the lives of our furry companions by providing care for all stages. Our determination shows through in everything we do from hiring the best, most qualified people, to creating a dynamic work environment where ongoing educational opportunities to further enhance the level of pet care are a top priority.


What makes us special...

Washington, DC is one of the most pet-friendly cities in the nation. Additionally, you are in the hub of activity. Close to the Capitol, the Supreme Court, Library of Congress, and all of the employment, cultural, and entertainment benefits that DC provides. With this in mind, DC Dog Sitter caters to the needs of busy pet parents with demanding careers and lifestyles who desire the very best care and companionship for their furry companions.

Benefits include an hourly base plus commission, earned paid time off, and much more!

DC Dog Sitter is a member of the nation's leading nonprofit organization of professional pet care services, National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS). Additionally, DC Dog Sitter has been awarded best dog walkers and top pet professionals + adventures. Join our mission to Elevate The Care!

Job Description

Job Summary

The Balanced Dog Trainer and Certified Pet Professional is responsible for conducting one-on-one and group training sessions with clients' dogs. The Dog Trainer's responsibilities include evaluating dogs' dispositions and temperaments, providing regular progress updates to clients, and teaching clients how to reinforce good behavior. The Balanced Dog Trainer should also be able to answer clients' questions regarding training, behavioral issues, and identify the best method of training for a particular pup. 

Dog Trainer Responsibilities:
Consulting with clients to discuss behavioral concerns and training needs.
Identifying additional behavioral concerns and communicating them to clients.
Developing suitable training plans for dogs and documenting their progress.
Teaching dogs to obey basic commands using various training techniques that are best suited to each dog's personality and attributes.
Implementing appropriate training programs to address and resolve problem areas, including aggression, separation anxiety, hyperactivity, and biting.
Teaching clients appropriate training methods to enforce and maintain behaviors and skills learned by their dogs during training sessions.
Contacting clients to schedule training appointments, verify bookings, and provide updated information specific to their situation.

Reports to Administration through General Manager.

The Balanced Dog Trainer and Certified Pet Professional assumes an active role in delivering excellent pet training services. She/he is responsible for meeting defined goals and expectations, complying with DCDS policies and procedures, playing a supportive role to the team, and having a great time with each furry friend and assignment.

Balanced Dog Trainer

Various Locations in the DC Metro Area (DMV), Washington, DC, United States

Description

SCHEDULE: Part-time to Full-time hours available
SHIFT: Monday to Friday, with occasional mornings, evenings, and weekends

Balanced Dog Trainer
Part-Time, Monday to Friday, Flexible according to group training schedule and individual training schedule
DC Dog Sitter - Various Locations in the DC Metro Area
Washington, DC

Qualifications

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree is Preferred

  • Certification through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) is advantageous.

  • Be 21 years or older

  • One to Three Years of Experience in the pet professional field

  • License/Certification (Specify) or ability to complete our Certification Program (paid by DCDS)

  • Sound knowledge of dog training techniques as well as animal behavior and body language

  • Proven experience working as a Dog Trainer

  • Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and time management skills

  • Strong dog handling skills

  • Effective communication skills

  • A love for dogs and helping pets to live their best life

  • Patient and enthusiastic

  • Available according to group training classes as well as individual sessions

  • Be available some holidays and weekends

  • Possess great communication skills and understand the importance of complete and grammatically correct sentences and timely responses

  • Must love dogs!

  • Have excellent references

  • Have your own mobile/smartphone with the ability to text, email, and send photos

Balanced Dog Trainer 

Various Locations in the DC Metro Area, Washington, DC, United States

Description

SCHEDULE: Part-time to Full-time

SHIFT: Flexible according to group training classes and individual training

Balanced Dog Trainer

Part-Time Days, Monday to Friday, Flexible according to the training schedule

DC Dog Sitter - Various Locations in the DC Metro Area

Washington, DC

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.