What are the responsibilities and job description for the Puppy Coach / Apprentice Trainer position at Hillary's Hound House, Inc?
Puppy Coach / Apprentice Trainer
Hillary’s Hound House
Hillary’s Hound House is a puppy training center focused on early development, socialization, and real-world skills. We are seeking a Puppy Coach / Apprentice Trainer to join our team and grow within our training program.
This role is ideal for someone who has formal training education and is looking to develop into a skilled, professional trainer in a structured, supportive environment.
About the Role
The Puppy Coach / Apprentice Trainer supports daily puppy training, socialization, and care while progressing through our Apprentice Trainer Program.
You will work closely with our Lead Trainer, gaining hands-on experience while helping maintain a calm, structured environment where puppies can learn and thrive.
What You’ll Do
- Supervise puppies and maintain a safe, structured environment
- Support training throughout the day—not just during formal sessions
- Reinforce key behaviors such as calmness, proximity, and polite interaction
- Assist with structured play, enrichment, and training exercises
- Monitor puppy behavior, development, and wellbeing
- Maintain detailed notes on each puppy’s progress
- Support daily routines including feeding, rest, and transitions
- Help maintain a clean, organized facility
You’ll also learn to:
- Read puppy body language and group dynamics
- Intervene early and appropriately during play
- Guide puppies toward calm, regulated behavior
- Apply consistent training methods across all puppies
Training & Growth
All team members participate in a structured Apprentice Trainer Program:
- Tier 1: Observation and foundational skills
- Tier 2: Practice and skill development
- Tier 3: Increased independence and training responsibility
This is a hands-on learning role designed to develop confident, capable trainers over time.
Qualifications
- You are currently enrolled or have graduated from a professional dog training program, or
- Are working toward professional certification (e.g., CPDT-KA, CPDT-KSA, KPA-CTP, or equivalent)
- Prior hands-on experience training dogs
- Strong interest in developing as a trainer or handler
- Ability to stay calm, observant, and engaged in a fast-paced environment
- Strong interest in developing as a trainer
- Reliable, professional, and team-oriented
Compensation & Schedule
- $22–$24/hour (depending on experience)
- 8:30 am to 3:00 pm Mon thru Thurs (will expand to 30–32 hours/week)
- Located in San Rafael, CA
To Apply
Please send:
- Resume and
- A short cover letter telling us about your experience and what you are passionate about, your strengths, and experience working with puppies and/or dogs
- This is an opportunity to grow into a professional training role within a supportive, structured system.
Pay: $22.00 - $24.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
Salary : $22 - $24