What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dog Trainer position at Every Dog Behavior and Training?
About Every Dog
Every Dog Behavior and Training is a 5-year-old nonprofit dedicated to making dog training and behavior resources inclusive and accessible to the Austin community. Our certified trainers and behavior consultants offer group classes and private training throughout the area.
We’re not your typical training organization! Our mission is to make training accessible for all, offering financial assistance across our programs to ensure cost never prevents families from accessing the support they need. We host free webinars on a variety of topics, including a BIPOC Speaker Series to increase representation within the dog training industry. We also reserve free spots in our classes for shelter dogs and provide financial assistance for families who face barriers in accessing veterinary behaviorist support.
At Every Dog, we prioritize meeting people where they are. Our non-judgmental, inclusive approach reflects our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), fostering a welcoming environment for all.
Job Description
We are looking for a passionate Dog Trainer (Part or Full TIme) to join our team. The Dog Trainer is responsible for providing positive reinforcement based group classes and private training instruction for Every Dog’s clients. The Dog Trainer also assists customers through email, phone calls, and messages, keeps our training spaces clean, and goes the extra mile to break down barriers for clients.
The ideal candidate is a trainer who is passionate about offering top-notch training services, and truly loves working with people. They want to really serve their community and are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Responsibilities
- Teach group dog training classes and private training sessions.
- Maintain open communication with dog owners about their dog’s progress.
- Maintain notes on details of training progress for each client.
- Maintain expert level knowledge of all Every Dog classes, services, pricing, promotions, service providers, client policies and procedures.
- Manage client communications including phone calls/voicemails, emails and in person communications.
- Assist clients with purchase of retail products.
- Monitor and respond to emails and voicemails, providing excellent customer service.
- Keep training spaces clean, including vacuuming and mopping/sanitizing of the training room, training equipment, and other spaces.
- Actively seek ways to include, including making the space and activities welcoming for folks with disabilities, neurodivergence, or from different cultures.
- Assist in recruiting, training and managing volunteers.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Who We’re Looking For
- You love working with people and have a strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
- You’re passionate about meeting clients where they are, without judgment.
- You’re an advocate for rewards-based, positive reinforcement, force-free training methods.
- You’re a proactive problem-solver who isn’t afraid to jump in where needed.
- You’re open to feedback and eager to grow.
- You can manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a high level of service.
- You have strong communication skills and can collaborate effectively with clients, team members, and volunteers
Experience and Skills
- At least 1 year of professional positive-reinforcement dog training experience is required.
- Exceptional verbal communication skills and comfort speaking in front of groups as large as 10 to 12 people.
- CPDT-KA or similar certification preferred.
- Experience with business-facing dog facility booking software packages.
- Working knowledge of personal computer and office equipment use, including Google Workspace.
- Ability to manage a high volume of interaction and tasks with unscheduled interruptions while maintaining quality of both service and deliverables.
- Ability to troubleshoot and problem-solve client, computer, and minor equipment issues.
- Self-motivated team player willing to take instruction and comfortable with plenty of individual responsibility.
- Considerable verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to articulate and promote the nonprofit’s offerings and vision, mission, and values.
- Ability to use appropriate judgment in escalating client or staff concerns to supervisor(s)
- A non-judgmental attitude and a passion for equity and inclusion.
- Ability to stand or sit for 2-3 hours during training classes and lift, carry, and move boxes or dog training equipment.
Pay & Benefits
This an hourly position, non-exempt W-2 position.
Rates vary based on certification status.
- $20/hr (uncertified trainer)
- $22/hr (program passed trainer, eg KPA or VSA)
- $24/hr (CPDT-KA)
Schedule: Full or part time, including both weekend days and at least one additional day per week.
Benefits
- Professional development: $250/year for continuing education.
- Financial: 401k plan, free group dog training class annually (up to $250), discounts on merchandise and retail.
- Every Dog will pay for trainers to take the CPDT-KA, ADT, CBCC-KA, CDBC, or similar certification exams once per year
- If Full Time:
- Health: $200 monthly Health Reimbursement Account for insurance, unlimited sick days.
- Time off: 4 weeks (160 hours) of paid time off, 7 paid holidays (Jan 1st, July 4th, Thanksgiving, Day After Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve).
Commitment to DEI
At Every Dog, we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all we do. We actively incorporate DEI into our work and strive to create a welcoming environment for all community members and staff.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume through really and tell us a bit about your dog training experience, including certifications, training style/methodology, and types of training you've done.
After an initial review of applicant materials, the hiring process will involve:
- Virtual interview (45 minutes)
- Shadowing two group classes (1 hour each, paid)
- Teaching two group classes (1 hour each, paid)
Equal Opportunity Statement
Every Dog is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, or any other protected characteristic. We strive to reflect the diverse communities we serve.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: $44,000.00 - $48,000.00 per year
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Continuing education credits
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Schedule:
- Evenings as needed
- Every weekend
Application Question(s):
- Please tell us a bit about your dog training experience, including certifications, training style/methodology, and types of training you've done.
Experience:
- Dog training: 1 year (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $44,000 - $48,000