Assistant Dog Trainer & Hunting Guide

If you love bird dogs and have always had a dream to become a hunting guide, here is your chance!

Position Overview

Standing Stone Kennels is seeking a motivated, hardworking Dog Trainer, Dog Handler, and Hunting Guide to join our team. This position combines professional bird dog training, daily kennel operations, client communication, and guided upland hunting opportunities across Kansas, South Dakota, and Texas.

The ideal candidate is passionate about hunting dogs, enjoys working outdoors in all weather conditions, has strong people skills, and is committed to providing exceptional care for both dogs and clients.

This is a hands-on position requiring long hours during peak training and hunting seasons, frequent travel, and the ability to work independently while maintaining the standards and reputation of Standing Stone Kennels.

Primary Responsibilities

Dog Training & Handling

• Train and develop bird dogs using Standing Stone Kennels training methods and systems.
• Handle dogs in the field during training sessions, hunts, tests, and events.
• Assist with bird introduction, gunfire introduction, obedience training, retrieving work, and advanced hunting skills.
• Exercise and condition dogs to maintain peak physical performance.
• Monitor health, behavior, and performance of dogs in training.
• Maintain detailed records and provide updates on training progress.
• Safely transport dogs to training grounds, events, and hunting locations.
• Assist with NAVHDA and AKC preparation and testing activities.

Kennel Operations

• Feed, water, and care for dogs according to kennel protocols.
• Clean kennels, runs, vehicles, and training equipment.
• Assist with facility maintenance and property upkeep.
• Monitor dog health and notify management of any concerns.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment.

Hunting Guide Duties

• Guide upland bird hunts in Kansas, South Dakota, and Texas.
• Assist guests before, during, and after hunts.
• Provide firearm safety oversight and field instruction when appropriate.
• Handle hunting dogs during guided hunts.
• Scout hunting locations and assist with hunt planning.
• Clean and process harvested birds according to state and federal law.
• Assist with transportation, lodging operations, meal service, and guest hospitality when required.

Client Experience

• Interact professionally with clients and guests.
• Represent Standing Stone Kennels in a positive and professional manner.
• Communicate clearly regarding dog training progress and hunting activities.
• Assist with seminars, events, demonstrations, and promotional activities.
• Help create an outstanding experience for both training clients and hunting guests.

Qualifications

Preferred qualifications include:

• Experience training and handling hunting dogs, sporting dogs, or working dogs.
• Strong understanding of bird dog development and hunting applications.
• Upland hunting experience.
• Ability to safely handle firearms and work around hunting activities.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Strong work ethic and positive attitude.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record.

We offer on the job training, so dog training and guiding experience is not 100% required. However we do expect candidates to come with a strong work ethic, reliability and the desire to learn!

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 50 pounds regularly.
• Ability to walk several miles daily over uneven terrain.
• Ability to work outdoors in heat, cold, rain, snow, dust, and other environmental conditions.
• Ability to safely load, unload, and handle dogs and equipment.
• Ability to work long and flexible hours during hunting season.

Travel Requirements
This position would involve living for 8 months in Kansas assisting in training and handling our string of guide dogs. Then 4 months would be spent in South Texas assisting our head trainer and guide.

• 75% (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Pretty Prairie, KS

• 25% (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Charlotte, TXTravel may also include training events, seminars, hunting trips, testing events, and client-related activities.

Schedule:

• Days/Nights
• Holidays
• Weekend Availability

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation is based on experience and qualifications.Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) Matching
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Employee Discount
• PTO
• Housing Provided In TX

Additional benefits may include:

• Paid training and professional development opportunities
• Hunting & Travel opportunities
• Employee discounts on Standing Stone products
• Opportunities to raise, develop and train Standing Stone dogs for the breeding program and El Tesoro guiding program
• Industry networking opportunities
• Advancement opportunities within Standing Stone Kennels

Supplemental Pay:

• Tips

About Standing Stone Kennels

Standing Stone Kennels specializes in breeding, training, and developing versatile hunting dogs while helping owners build stronger relationships with their dogs through practical, proven training methods. Our team is dedicated to excellence in dog training, hunting, education, and customer service.

We are looking for individuals who share our passion for dogs, hunting, conservation, and helping others enjoy the outdoors.

We look forward to you joining our team!

Pay: From $45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• On-the-job training
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• dog training: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Pretty Prairie, KS 67570: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $45,000