Do you want more than “just a job with dogs”?
Dog Academy LLC is offering a real career path for the right person—one built on education, mentorship, accountability, and growth. This is not a shortcut program and not a volunteer role. This is a paid apprenticeship designed to develop future professional dog trainers from the ground up.
If you are passionate about dogs, eager to learn, and serious about building long-term skills, this opportunity may be for you.
A Career Path — Not Just a Position
At Dog Academy LLC, advancement is earned, not given.
Our apprenticeship program is structured, performance-based, and designed to take you from beginner to professional trainer over time. Safety, professionalism, and coachability matter just as much as experience.
Phase 1: Apprentice I — Foundations
Timeframe: Weeks 1–8
Status: Closely supervised
This phase builds your foundation in dog handling, daily operations, and professional standards within our daycare, boarding, and training environment.
You will learn and assist with:
• Daily operations and facility care
• Cleaning indoor and outdoor dog areas
• Dog handling and care (leash handling, bathing, brushing, nail trims, kennel routines and medication administration)
• Assisting trainer during sessions (setup, breakdown, managing dogs)
• Administrative tasks such as invoicing, scheduling, and customer communication
• Observing training sessions and learning client communication
• Following all Dog Academy LLC safety and professionalism standards
To advance, you must demonstrate:
• Consistent punctuality and reliability
• Safe, confident dog handling
• Coachability and ability to apply feedback
• Professional behavior with clients
• Understanding of basic training terminology and session flow
Phase 2: Apprentice II — Assisted Training
Timeframe: Months 2–12 (performance-based)
Status: Supervised, hands-on involvement
This phase moves you from observer to active participant in training.
You will:
• Continue all Apprentice I responsibilities
• Assist during lessons by coaching basic cues
• Handle dogs during training exercises
• Practice training techniques under supervision
• Begin explaining simple concepts to clients (with approval)
• Support group classes and structured programs
• Maintain accurate training notes and feedback
To advance, you must demonstrate:
• Consistent timing and handling skills
• Understanding of training progression
• Clear, professional communication
• Calm, confident energy around dogs
• Ability to manage dogs with minimal oversight
Phase 3: Junior Trainer
Timeframe: Year 2 (performance-based)
Status: Semi-independent
At this level, you begin leading portions of sessions and taking ownership of results.
Responsibilities include:
• Leading specific training exercises
• Training dogs through basic obedience programs under oversight
• Assisting with behavior modification plans
• Communicating training plans and homework to clients
• Handling dogs independently within approved limits
• Supporting operations as needed
Phase 4: Trainer
Timeframe: Based on readiness, not tenure
Status: Independent Trainer
Full responsibility for training sessions, client success, and mentorship.
Trainers at Dog Academy LLC:
• Conduct private lessons and group classes independently
• Create and execute training plans aligned with our methods
• Manage client communication and follow-up
• Uphold all safety, facility, and business standards
Compensation & Growth
• Apprentice I: $15/hour
• Apprentice II: Hourly + 5% (based on competency)
• Junior Trainer: Hourly + 10% (based on competency)
• Trainer: Increased hourly rate + 20% commission
Promotions are tried to documented skills learned and executed.
Schedule begins part-time and increases to full-time. Weekends, evenings, and overnights are required.
Who This Is For
This position is ideal for someone who:
• Is serious about a long-term career with dogs
• Values structure, accountability, and growth
• Can handle physical work and fast-paced days
• Wants mentorship—not shortcuts
🚫 Who Should NOT Apply
We want to be very clear about who this role is not for.
Please do not apply if:
• You are looking for a short-term or temporary job
• You only want to work with “easy” or “cute” dogs
• You are uncomfortable with cleaning, physical labor, or kennel work
• You dislike structure, feedback, or accountability
• You believe you already know how to train dogs and don’t want mentorship
• You expect to train dogs independently right away
• You struggle with punctuality, consistency, or following procedures
• You are not available for weekends, evenings, or occasional overnights
• You want a flexible, set-your-own-hours position
• You are uncomfortable communicating with clients and team members
This apprenticeship is earned, structured, and professional. It requires humility, effort, and long-term commitment.
If that excites you, keep reading.
🐾 A Day in the Life of a Dog Trainer Apprentice
Dog Academy LLC
No two days are exactly the same—but here’s what a typical day might look like.
Morning
• Arrive on time and check in with the team
• Help with kennel routines and dog care
• Clean indoor and outdoor dog areas
• Prepare training spaces and equipment
Midday
• Assist trainers during private lessons or group classes
• Handle dogs during sessions and practice leash skills
• Observe training techniques and client coaching
• Support scheduling, invoicing, and customer messages
Afternoon
• Continue assisting with training sessions
• Bathe, brush, or complete nail trims as needed
• Take notes on sessions and dog progress
• Learn how training plans are structured and adjusted
Evening
• Support later sessions or classes
• Help reset spaces and care for dogs staying overnight
• Review feedback from trainers
• Leave knowing you learned something new—and earned it
This role is hands-on, fast-paced, and demanding—and incredibly rewarding for the right person.
Who Thrives at Dog Academy LLC?
• People who want a career, not a hobby
• Those who value structure, mentorship, and growth
• Individuals who take pride in doing hard work well
• Dog lovers who understand professionalism matters
Thinking About Applying to Dog Academy LLC?
Here Are Answers to Our Most Common Questions
We’ve had a lot of interest in our Dog Trainer Apprentice Program, and we want to make sure applicants fully understand what this opportunity involves before applying.
Do I need prior dog training experience?
No. This is an apprenticeship designed to teach you from the ground up. That said, this is not a casual learning environment. We’re looking for people who are coachable, reliable, and serious about developing professional skills.
Is this just playing with dogs all day?
No. Working with dogs is rewarding—but it’s real work. Daily responsibilities include cleaning, dog care, handling, customer communication, and administrative tasks alongside training. This role requires physical effort, mental focus, and professionalism.
Is this a paid position?
Yes. This is a paid apprenticeship with structured pay increases and commissions as you advance through the program.
How long does it take to become a trainer?
Advancement is performance-based, not time-based. Some individuals progress faster than others depending on reliability, skill development, and professionalism. There are no guaranteed timelines but 3 years is a good estimate.
What does the schedule look like?
The schedule starts part-time and increases to full-time. Weekends, evenings, and overnights are required. Flexibility is essential.
What kind of dogs will I work with?
You will work with dogs of various breeds, sizes, and temperaments. This includes well-mannered dogs and dogs that are still learning appropriate behaviors.
Will I be training dogs on my own right away?
No. All apprentices are closely supervised. Independence is earned through demonstrated safety, skill, and trust.
What kind of training methods do you use?
We use humane, structured, results-driven training methods focused on clear communication, consistency, and accountability for both dogs and owners.
What are you looking for in an apprentice?
We value:
• Reliability and punctuality
• Coachability and willingness to learn
• Professional communication
• Calm, confident energy around dogs
• Long-term commitment to growth
Is this a long-term opportunity?
Yes. This program is designed for individuals seeking a career, not a temporary position. Our goal is to develop trainers who grow with Dog Academy LLC.
What is the hiring process like?
Qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview. A paid working interview will be required to ensure a good fit for both sides.
Ready to Apply?
Send us:
• A brief resume
• A short message explaining why you want to become a dog trainer and why Dog Academy LLC interests you to DogAcademy.LLC@icloud.com
We are selective by design. This program is built to develop professionals. Only motivated, coachable candidates will be considered. A paid working interview will be required.
*Housing Opportunity could be considered for the right applicant.