Head Dog Training Instructor

The Academy of Pet Careers is a trade school that teaches pet lovers how to build real careers in the pet industry. We are looking for a force‑free, positive‑reinforcement Dog Training Instructor to lead our in‑person Dog Training School.

This is not a “just train dogs” role. You will:

• Teach adults how to become employable, professional dog trainers
• Manage and evolve the curriculum
• Oversee 1–2 other instructors
• Drive student results, retention, and graduation outcomes

If you love teaching humans, reading dogs, and leading programs, this is the job.

RESPONSIBILITIES

You will take charge of the in‑person dog training program Monday–Friday in St. Charles, MO:

• Teach & Coach
• Teach hands‑on program daily (class hours: 8:30am–2:30pm)
• Coach students to proficiency in required skills and real‑world professionalism
• Give structured feedback, skills check‑offs, and support struggling students
• Program Management
• Plan and run the day‑to‑day agenda for each cohort
• Maintain and update curriculum, lesson plans, and assessments
• Ensure all training aligns with positive reinforcement, force‑free and our Pet Empowerment philosophy (no force, fear, pain, or coercion)
• Team & Student Outcomes
• Lead and mentor 1–2 other instructors
• Hold a 90% graduation rate and 90% student retention
• Focus on graduates being employable and job‑ready as professional dog trainers
• Communication & Admin
• Attend regular leadership meetings
• Track and report key metrics (graduation, retention, student feedback)
• Maintain a safe, professional, and inclusive learning environment

Schedule: 40 hours/week, Monday–Friday, flexible start/finish as long as you are on campus for class hours (8:30am–2:30pm).

REQUIREMENTS

Must‑Haves

• Minimum 3 years of practical, professional dog training experience
• Strictly positive reinforcement / force‑free training approach
• Deep, textbook‑level understanding of:
• Applied animal behavior
• Dog body language
• Classical and operant conditioning
• Comfortable teaching adults, giving clear feedback, and holding high standards
• Strong communication, organization, and leadership skills
• Willing and able to work 100% on‑site in St. Charles, MO

Nice‑to‑Haves (Preferred)

• Certificate from The Academy of Pet Careers or another reputable training school
• Certifications such as:
• CCPDT (CPDT‑KA, CPDT‑KSA, CBCC‑KA)
• Fear Free Certification
• Memberships/experience with organizations like APDT
• Prior experience managing a program, team, or training facility

If you’re an aversive, balanced, or compulsion‑based trainer, this role is not a fit. We are 100% committed to force‑free, Pet Empowerment‑based training.