ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Service Dog Trainer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Canine Craze

Dog Trainer Apprentice

Urbandale, IA

$13 - $15/hr

Senior Trainer - diving into behavior modification and more advanced training cases such as service dog training with Puppy Jake Foundation. As a Dog Trainer Apprentice you will learn: * How to read ...

Canine Craze

Dog Trainer Apprentice

Urbandale, IA

$13 - $15/hr

Senior Trainer - diving into behavior modification and more advanced training cases such as service dog training with Puppy Jake Foundation. As a Dog Trainer Apprentice you will learn: * How to read ...

Zoom Room Ybor

Dog Trainer

Tampa, FL · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Facilities - Spacious, climate-controlled indoor areas designed for dog training, agility, and play - Clean, well-maintained, and odor-free facilities Services - Positive reinforcement dog training ...

Off Leash K9 Training

Dog Trainer

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

Do you possess great customer service skills? We are a part of the fastest growing dog training company in the country- Off Leash K9 Training, LLC. We are looking to add one more trainer in/near San ...

The Dog Wizard

Experienced Dog Trainer

Fort Myers, FL · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

With 18 years in business, we provide professional dog training services including Board & Train, Private Lessons, and Group Classes -- all delivered from our modern, state-of-the-art training ...

Off Leash K9 Training

Dog Trainer

Monterey, CA · On-site

Do you possess great customer service skills? We are a part of the fastest growing dog training company in the country- Off Leash K9 Training, LLC. We are looking to add one more trainer in/near ...

Off Leash K9 Training

Dog Trainer

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$70K/yr

Do you possess great customer service skills? We are a part of the fastest growing dog training company in the country- Off Leash K9 Training, LLC. We are looking to add three more trainers in the ...

Off Leash K9 Training

Dog Trainer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$70K/yr

Do you possess great customer service skills? We are a part of the fastest growing dog training company in the country- Off Leash K9 Training, LLC. We are looking to add three more trainers in the ...

Off Leash K9 Training

Dog Trainer

Mount Pleasant, SC · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

Do you possess great customer service skills? We are a part of the fastest growing dog training company in the country- Off Leash K9 Training, LLC. We are looking to add three more trainers in the ...

Off Leash K9 Training

Dog Trainer

Madison, WI · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

Do you possess great customer service skills? We are a part of the fastest growing dog training company in the country- Off Leash K9 Training, LLC. We are looking to add three more trainers in the ...

BISCUITS & BATH COMPANIES

Dog Trainer

Manhattan, NY

$20/hr

You are primarily responsible for delivering the training services at your assigned locations. This ... Performing New Dog Integrations, Behavior Evaluations, and Walk Assessments independently

Off Leash K9 Training

Dog Trainer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$70K/yr

Do you possess great customer service skills? We are a part of the fastest growing dog training company in the country- Off Leash K9 Training, LLC. We are looking to add 1 more trainers in the ...

Off Leash K9 Training

Dog Trainer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

Do you possess great customer service skills? We are a part of the fastest growing dog training company in the country- Off Leash K9 Training, LLC. We are looking to add three more trainers in the ...

Off Leash K9 Training

Dog Trainer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$70K/yr

Do you possess great customer service skills? We are a part of the fastest growing dog training company in the country- Off Leash K9 Training, LLC. We are looking to add three more trainers in the ...

Off Leash K9 Training

Dog Trainer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

Do you possess great customer service skills? We are a part of the fastest growing dog training company in the country- Off Leash K9 Training, LLC. We are looking to add three more trainers in the ...

Off Leash K9 Training

Dog Trainer

Houston, TX · On-site

$70K/yr

Do you possess great customer service skills? We are a part of the fastest growing dog training company in the country- Off Leash K9 Training, LLC. We are looking to add three more trainers in the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsService Dog Trainer Jobs

Service Dog Trainer information

See salary details

$9

$19

$31

How much do service dog trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for service 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 is the difference between Service Dog Trainer vs Therapy Dog Trainer?

AspectService Dog TrainerTherapy Dog Trainer
CredentialsCertifications in dog training, specialized in assistive tasksDog training certifications, focus on socialization and obedience
Work EnvironmentAssist individuals with disabilities, training in various settingsHospitals, schools, nursing homes, training in social environments
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government agencies, private trainersHospitals, therapy organizations, private trainers
Search & Comparison IntentPeople seeking assistance dog training servicesPeople interested in social or emotional support dog training

Service Dog Trainers focus on preparing dogs to assist individuals with disabilities, requiring specialized skills and certifications. Therapy Dog Trainers prepare dogs to provide comfort and support in social settings, emphasizing obedience and socialization. While both roles involve dog training, their environments, goals, and certifications differ significantly.

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

To thrive as a Service Dog Trainer, you need a solid understanding of canine behavior, animal training techniques, and often a background in animal science or related certifications. Familiarity with clicker training, positive reinforcement methods, and sometimes specialized software for tracking progress is typically required. Patience, strong observation skills, and effective communication with both dogs and clients are essential soft skills. These abilities ensure that trainers can successfully teach complex tasks to service dogs and support their handlers' unique needs.

What are Service Dog Trainers?

Service dog trainers are professionals who specialize in training dogs to assist people with disabilities or special needs. They teach dogs specific skills such as guiding the visually impaired, alerting individuals to medical conditions, or providing mobility assistance. Trainers also work closely with clients to ensure the dog’s training matches the handler’s unique requirements. Their work involves understanding both canine behavior and the needs of people who rely on service animals. Certification and experience in dog training and disability awareness are often essential for this role.

What are some common challenges faced by Service Dog Trainers when matching dogs to clients, and how are they addressed?

Service Dog Trainers often encounter challenges in matching the right dog to a client's unique needs, lifestyle, and personality. These challenges include assessing a dog's temperament, training progress, and specific skill set, as well as understanding the client's requirements and home environment. Trainers address these challenges through thorough evaluations, ongoing communication with clients, and tailored training plans to ensure both the dog and the handler are set up for success. Collaboration with other trainers, healthcare professionals, and the client’s support network is also key to a successful match.

What Is a Service Dog Trainer?

A service dog assists people who have disabilities, and service dog trainers teach dogs how to help people. As a service dog trainer, you teach dogs how to perform behaviors that assist those with auditory or visual impairments. Service dog trainers must be good with dogs and people, have strong teaching skills, and be attentive, patient, and adaptable. You may have a background in animal care or dog training. Your job may include matching service dogs with people and helping to build their relationships.

More about Service Dog Trainer jobs
What cities are hiring for Service Dog Trainer jobs? Cities with the most Service Dog Trainer job openings:
What states have the most Service Dog Trainer jobs? States with the most job openings for Service Dog Trainer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Service Dog Trainer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Service Dog Trainer jobs are:
Service Dog Trainer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Service Dog Trainer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,348 per year, or $19.4 per hour.
Dog Trainer Apprentice

Dog Trainer Apprentice

Canine Craze

Urbandale, IA

$13 - $15/hr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

The Apprentice Trainer is an entry-level position designed to introduce developing professionals to dog behavior, handling, and foundational training principles within the Canine Craze Day School program. This role operates exclusively within Day School and provides structured support under the direct supervision of the Training Manager and/or Assistant Training Manager. Apprentice Trainers gain hands-on experience working with a variety of dogs while learning safe group management, proper dog-dog introductions, loose-leash walking instruction, and foundational impulse control concepts.

This position serves as the baseline launching point for individuals pursuing a professional dog training career within the Canine Craze program.


If you haven'tdone so, please check out our website to learn more about Canine Craze and what we do. The Dog Trainer Apprentice position is for staffing our Day Training Program.Canine Craze Website


What:Dog Trainer Apprentice

When:Hours are offered during the regular work-week

  • Monday - Thursday
    • AM Shift - 6:00am - 10:00am
    • Day Shift - 10:00am - 2:00pm
    • PM Shift - 2:00pm - 6:00pm
  • Friday
    • 8:00am - 12:00pm

Starting Pay:$13.00 - $15.00


Dog Trainer Apprentice is an entry level position and is the gateway to unlocking additional opportunities such as:

  • Assistant Trainer - continue work in Day School as well as eligibility to begin working as an assistant in training classes
  • Trainer - opportunities in the Day School, teaching classes, and working with clients 1-on-1 conducting Private Training
  • Senior Trainer - diving into behavior modification and more advanced training cases such as service dog training with Puppy Jake Foundation.


As a Dog Trainer Apprentice you will learn:

  • How to read dog body language
  • How to teach dog foundations
    • Teach dogs and puppies to emotionally regulate in social settings
    • Teach impulse control where puppies and dogs make better choices
    • Socialize puppies and acclimate adult dogs
    • Create a thinking dog - teaching puppies and dogs to learn how to learn
  • Essential handler foundations
    • Build healthy relationships with a variety of puppies and dogs
    • Be disciplined as a handler and follow through with what is in the best interest of the puppy or dog
    • Develop presence control with good leadership skills that dogs trust and respond to
    • The application of how dogs' learn and applying the practical work
  • The science behind how dogs' learn
    • Various strategies for teaching new behaviors
    • Add clear and effective cues
    • Create fluency with each dog's performance
    • Gain reliability and proficiency with each skill you teach


Some of the Essential Job Functions include:

  • Be able to work with and handle a variety of dog sizes and personalities. Using the skills acquired pivot training as necessary to set the dog up for success.
    • Applying appropriate behavioral management techniques
    • Follow all Day School program standards and safety protocols
  • Be a team player and work with other staff members to complete duties required for each shift.
    • Peer reviews are an essential part of the Canine Craze team. Lending a helping hand where needed is important for our company culture.
  • Continue to build on your training skills to be a lifetime learner
    • Each quarter you must do something to continue your education. This could include reading a book, doing a course, or working with a mentor. Growth is essential and stepping outside your comfort zone is a must.


Some of the Additional Job Duties include:

  • Have attention to detail, this is what sets the Good Dog Trainer apart from the GREAT Dog Trainer.
  • Doing your part in cleaning the facility at the end of the day or during our deep clean day.
  • Being flexible within the day to day operations and pivoting where necessary to help the day run smoothly and without a hitch.
  • Be able to lift 50+ pounds
  • Care for and walk dogs up to 150+ pounds


Benefits

  • Paid holidays - facility is closed (after 1 yr of employment)
  • Paid vacation (after probation period)
  • 50% off of training classes offered at Canine Craze
  • FREE online training classes and CTC membership


If you are interested in pursuing a career in Dog Training this is a great place to start! Offering a wide range of opportunities for growth, along with hands on experience working with 100+ different puppies and dogs that will for sure jump start your career.

Apply