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Protection Dog Trainer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Petco

Dog Trainer

Branson, MO · On-site

Pet First - Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and ... In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Heber, UT

Pet First - Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and ... In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Parsippany, NJ · On-site

Pet First - Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and ... In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Hollywood, CA · On-site

Pet First - Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and ... In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Casper, WY · On-site

Pet First - Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and ... In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Reno, NV · On-site

Pet First - Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and ... In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Waldorf, MD · On-site

Pet First - Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and ... In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

Pet First - Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and ... In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

York, PA

$1K/wk

Pet First - Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and ... In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree ...

New

Petco

Dog Trainer

Las Cruces, NM

Pet First - Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and ... In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Merced, CA · On-site

Pet First - Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and ... In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Canandaigua, NY · On-site

Pet First - Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and ... In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

West Seneca, NY

Pet First - Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and ... In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree ...

Petco

Pet First - Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and ... In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Puyallup, WA · On-site

Pet First - Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and ... In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Allentown, PA

Pet First - Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and ... In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Rockwall, TX · On-site

Pet First - Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and ... In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Halfmoon, NY · On-site

Pet First - Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and ... In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Clifton, NJ · On-site

Pet First - Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and ... In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

California, MD · On-site

Pet First - Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and ... In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree ...

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Protection Dog Trainer information

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How much do protection dog trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for protection dog trainer in the United States is $19.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Protection Dog Trainer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Protection Dog Trainer, you need deep knowledge of canine behavior, obedience training techniques, and animal handling, often supported by relevant certifications in dog training or animal behavior. Familiarity with training tools such as leashes, bite sleeves, e-collars, and record-keeping software is typically required. Patience, strong observation skills, and clear communication with both dogs and clients are essential soft skills for success in this role. These competencies ensure the safe and effective development of protection dogs while building trust with clients and maintaining animal welfare standards.

What are some common challenges faced by Protection Dog Trainers during the training process?

Protection Dog Trainers often encounter challenges such as balancing obedience with protective instincts, ensuring the dog can distinguish between real threats and normal situations, and maintaining consistent behavioral standards. Working with different breeds and temperaments can require tailored approaches, and building trust between the trainer, dog, and eventual handler is essential. Trainers must also stay updated on legal and ethical considerations to ensure safe and responsible training outcomes.

What are protection dog trainers?

Protection dog trainers are professionals who specialize in training dogs to provide security and protection for individuals, families, or properties. They teach dogs specific skills such as obedience, controlled aggression, and the ability to respond to threats on command. These trainers use positive reinforcement and consistent training techniques to ensure the dogs are both safe and reliable. Their work is essential in preparing dogs for roles in personal security, law enforcement, or military service.

What is the difference between Protection Dog Trainer vs Security Dog Handler?

AspectProtection Dog TrainerSecurity Dog Handler
CertificationsDog training certifications, protection training credentialsSecurity licenses, canine handling certifications
Work EnvironmentTraining facilities, outdoor training groundsSecurity sites, client locations, patrol areas
Industry UsagePrivate training, protection services, personal securitySecurity firms, law enforcement support, private security

Protection Dog Trainers focus on training dogs for protection, obedience, and attack responses, often working in training facilities. Security Dog Handlers manage trained dogs in real-world security settings, patrolling and protecting clients or property. While both roles require canine handling skills and certifications, Protection Dog Trainers primarily prepare dogs, whereas Security Dog Handlers deploy and oversee dogs in active security environments.

More about Protection Dog Trainer jobs
What states have the most Protection Dog Trainer jobs? States with the most job openings for Protection Dog Trainer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Protection Dog Trainer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Protection Dog Trainer jobs are:
Protection Dog Trainer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Protection Dog Trainer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 37% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 60% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,348 per year, or $19.4 per hour.
Dog Trainer

Dog Trainer

Petco

Branson, MO • On-site

Part-time

Posted 17 days ago

Petco rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 625 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

448th of 712 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 district 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.
Position Overview
As a Petco Certified Dog Trainer, you will play a vital role in furthering Petco's mission as a Pet Health and Wellness company by enhancing the bond between pet parents and their dog companions. Your expertise in modern dog training techniques and positive reinforcement methods will help pet parents develop well-behaved, happy, and healthy dogs. You will provide one-on-one training sessions, group classes, and offer advice on basic training, environmental management, and customized training plans to address specific training goals. In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree personalized solutions for the unique needs of pets and pet parents. You'll positively impact the health and wellness of pets by providing recommendations on healthy nutrition, world class services and essential supplies.
Position Responsibilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
The Dog Trainer role consists of 2 core responsibilities:
Provide World Class Dog Training Services
  • Attend and successfully pass Petco's 6-week Dog Trainer Instructor Program led by a Petco Certified Dog Trainer Mentor/Academy Instructor.
  • Complete all assigned Workday Learning modules and DTIP Student Workbook materials per the DTIP roadmap.
  • Recommend and sell appropriate dog training classes, training, and supplies to ensure pet parents and their dogs have the necessary resources for a successful dog training experience.
  • Keep accurate records of training sessions, progress, and pet parents' feedback.
  • Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
  • Work cross functionally with the grooming and veterinary teams to provide holistic whole health solutions for all pet parents.
  • Complete and apply ongoing training programs to maintain a high level of expertise in the role.

Provide 360-Degree Solutions for all Petco Guests
  • Provide an outstanding guest experience by actively engaging with guests in the recommendation and selection of merchandise and services in accordance with their identified needs.
  • Generate future business through a deep understanding of the guest and their pet(s) and connection to our digital platforms.
  • Demonstrate a high level of awareness and knowledge for the health, welfare, and proper handling of all animals.
  • Perform related duties to support the Pet Care Center in achieving its performance goals.
  • Ensure merchandise is stocked, priced, and displayed to enhance the shopping experience for pet parents.
  • Complete cash register transactions and support guests with their OMNI shopping experience as needed.
  • Adhere to established operational guidelines, policies, and procedures.
  • Promote a positive culture of teamwork, inclusion, and collaboration.
  • Complete other duties and special projects as assigned.
  • Evaluate guest inquiries and refer to the Leader on Duty as needed.

Other Essential Duties
  • UTILIZE SELLING BEHAVIORS. You're the key to providing an amazing guest experience within our Pet Care Center Locations. Utilizing the behaviors within our Sales Model is critical to being able to identify and solve for their needs both today and in the future.
  • CONTRIBUTE TO A SAFE ENVIRONMENT. You'll be empowered through our training programs to maintain our safety protocols. Bottom line, the safety of partners, guests and pets is our #1 priority.
  • BE A PART OF A COLLABORATIVE CULTURE. Being a great teammate is key to creating a culture that is centered around solving for the health and wellness needs of pets.
  • ENGAGE IN YOUR CAREER. As you develop your skills and knowledge, you will have the opportunity to participate in developmental programs to support your continued growth throughout your career.

Certification Requirements
  • Stage 1: All candidates are required to complete the 'Dog Training Instructor Program (DTIP)' to become Petco Certified Dog Trainer consisting of the following:
    • Dog Training Apprentice: 6-weeks weeks of instructor led learning and development.
  • Stage 2: Dog Trainer: Successfully run and grow the dog training business in one of Petco's Pet Care Centers with local and national marketing support, with access to internal partner resources, networking, and client acquisition through our state-of-the-art online booking and scheduling systems.
  • Stage 3: Complete the Health & Wellness Certification Program for Dog.
  • Note: Approved candidates with prior experience that can pass both skill and knowledge assessments may be eligible for accelerated training.

Basic Qualifications
  • Passion for animal care, training, and welfare and a genuine interest for improving the lives of pets and their pet parents.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with pet parents and provide clear instructions, demonstrations and applicable selling techniques.
  • Demonstrated ability to handle and work with dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds in a safe and humane manner.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize responsibilities effectively.
  • Flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed to accommodate the training schedule and store operations.
  • Physical stamina to stand, walk, bend, and lift heavy objects (up to 50 pounds) associated with dog training equipment and supplies.
  • Familiarity with computer systems and software to manage training records, schedules, and communication with pet parents.

Supervisory Responsibility
  • None

Starting Rate:
$15.00
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