Professional Dog Trainer / Canine Behavior Specialist

The Dog Stop® – West Broad

9132 West Broad Street • Henrico, Virginia 23294

Position Type

Full-Time or Part-Time

Compensation

Commission-Based Position

Unlimited earning potential for motivated trainers. Income is based on training program sales, private lessons, group classes, board-and-train programs, puppy programs, and additional training services.

About The Dog Stop®

The Dog Stop® is a premium dog daycare, boarding, grooming, retail, and training facility dedicated to providing exceptional care and education for dogs and their owners.

We are seeking an experienced, professional Dog Trainer and Canine Behavior Specialist who is passionate about helping dogs and their families succeed through humane, science-based training methods.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an established trainer looking to grow their client base while working within a respected, high-traffic pet care facility.

The successful candidate is more than a trainer—they are an educator, communicator, marketer, and ambassador for The Dog Stop® brand.

Position Summary

The Professional Dog Trainer is responsible for developing, marketing, and delivering comprehensive training programs while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, customer service, and canine welfare.

This position requires someone who can confidently evaluate canine behavior, develop customized training plans, teach private lessons and group classes, conduct board-and-train programs, educate pet owners, and contribute to the continued growth of the training department.

Primary Responsibilities

Dog Training

• Conduct comprehensive behavioral evaluations.
• Develop individualized training plans for each dog.
• Conduct private one-on-one training sessions.
• Lead group obedience classes.
• Teach puppy socialization classes.
• Conduct advanced obedience programs.
• Conduct Board & Train programs.
• Work with dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments.
• Teach owners how to continue training at home.
• Utilize positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods.
• Document progress after every session.

Canine Behavior

• Evaluate canine temperament and behavior.
• Recognize fear, anxiety, stress, aggression, and reactivity.
• Develop behavior modification plans.
• Recommend appropriate training programs.
• Collaborate with daycare staff regarding canine behavior.

Sales & Business Development

• Market and promote all training services.
• Generate new training clients.
• Recommend additional services including daycare, boarding, grooming, and retail products.
• Conduct complimentary training consultations.
• Follow up with prospective clients.
• Meet monthly training revenue goals.
• Build long-term client relationships that encourage repeat business and referrals.

Customer Education

• Educate clients on canine behavior and learning theory.
• Demonstrate training techniques clearly and professionally.
• Provide written homework and follow-up recommendations.
• Answer client questions with confidence and professionalism.
• Deliver exceptional customer service before, during, and after each lesson.

Marketing

• Participate in community events.
• Conduct educational seminars.
• Assist with social media content featuring training tips, success stories, videos, and demonstrations.
• Help promote classes through marketing initiatives.
• Build relationships with veterinarians, rescue organizations, breeders, and local businesses.
• Represent The Dog Stop® professionally within the community.

Facility Responsibilities

• Prepare and organize all training equipment.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and professional training area.
• Ensure training supplies are stocked and maintained.
• Follow all facility safety and sanitation standards.
• Assist with general pet care when needed.

Required Qualifications

Candidates must possess:

• Minimum of 3–5 years of professional dog training experience.
• Experience teaching both group classes and private lessons.
• Experience conducting Board & Train programs.
• Extensive knowledge of canine learning theory and behavior.
• Strong understanding of breed characteristics and temperament.
• Experience handling dogs with behavioral challenges.
• Outstanding customer service skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Reliable transportation.
• Flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.

Preferred Certifications

Preference will be given to trainers holding nationally recognized certifications such as:

• Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
• Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge and Skills Assessed (CPDT-KSA)
• Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP)
• International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
• Animal Behavior College (ABC)
• Victoria Stilwell Academy
• Fear Free Certified Professional
• American Kennel Club (AKC) Evaluator
• Certified Canine Behavior Consultant or equivalent professional certification

Equivalent professional experience may be considered.

Preferred Experience

Experience working in:

• Professional training facilities
• Veterinary hospitals
• Animal shelters
• Boarding facilities
• Daycare facilities
• Grooming facilities
• Working dog programs
• Service dog organizations
• Rescue organizations

Physical Requirements

Applicants must be able to:

• Stand for extended periods.
• Lift up to 50 pounds.
• Safely handle dogs of all breeds and sizes.
• Work indoors and outdoors.
• Demonstrate training exercises repeatedly throughout the day.

We Are Looking For Someone Who Is

• Passionate about dogs and animal welfare.
• Honest and trustworthy.
• Self-motivated and entrepreneurial.
• Friendly and approachable.
• Highly organized.
• Detail-oriented.
• Professional in appearance and communication.
• Dependable and punctual.
• Patient and compassionate.
• Confident leading groups.
• Comfortable speaking in front of clients.
• A strong problem-solver.
• Goal-oriented and motivated by commission-based earnings.
• A team player who supports all departments.
• Committed to continuing education and staying current on best practices in canine behavior and training.

Schedule Expectations

Must be available to work:

• Weekdays
• Evenings
• Saturdays
• Sundays as needed
• Holiday periods when training demand requires

Hiring Process

Qualified applicants will participate in:

• Initial interview
• Practical working interview
• Live training demonstration
• Canine behavior assessment exercise
• Customer interaction evaluation
• Professional reference verification

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• Professional résumé
• Cover letter describing training philosophy
• Copies of certifications and credentials
• Three professional references (including at least one veterinary professional, trainer, or employer if available)
• Training portfolio, videos, or client testimonials (preferred)

Why Join The Dog Stop®?

Joining The Dog Stop® means becoming part of a growing, Veteran-Owned business committed to excellence in pet care. Our trainer plays a vital role in strengthening the bond between dogs and their owners while helping build one of the premier training programs in Central Virginia.

If you are an experienced, professional trainer looking for a long-term opportunity with unlimited earning potential, we'd love to meet you.

The Dog Stop® is an Equal Opportunity Employer.