Dog Trainer & Team Training Specialist

Pawsitive Dawg Walking & Pet Sitting•Waltham, MA

About The Position

Pawsitive Dawg Walking and Pet Sitting is hiring a part-time Professional Dog Trainer and Team Training Specialist to provide individualized dog walking and training services, support clients’ training goals, and develop the skills of the pet care team. The role combines independent fieldwork with collaboration, mentoring, and administrative support. The position serves Waltham, Watertown, Belmont, and parts of Newton, Massachusetts. The company has provided individualized pet care since 2012 and emphasizes force-free, fear-free, science-based methods. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with preferred availability from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and alternative availability from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Hours vary with client appointments, pet care assignments, and team training needs; weekly hours are not guaranteed. Additional pet-sitting work may be available. Pay is $20–$25 per hour depending on experience and qualifications. Compensation is hourly for assigned work, with no commission-based pay. The trainer will work with dogs of different ages, sizes, breeds, temperaments, and behavioral needs, including dogs experiencing fear, anxiety, or reactivity. The role also includes onboarding and mentoring dog walkers, reinforcing handling and safety standards, maintaining documentation, and assisting with training coordination and educational resources. The company provides paid onboarding and training and describes opportunities for professional development and career growth. Pawsitive Dawg Walking and Pet Sitting is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable law.

Requirements

At least 3 years of professional, paid dog walking experience.
At least 3 years of professional dog training experience.
Strong knowledge of canine body language, behavior, learning theory, and positive reinforcement training methods.
Demonstrated experience working with dogs of varying sizes, temperaments, and behavioral needs.
Commitment to force-free, fear-free training; the company does not use prong collars, choke chains, shock collars, intimidation, or punishment-based methods.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong organizational skills, reliability, and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with a team.
Comfort using smartphones, scheduling applications, and digital communication tools.
Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license.
Ability to meet the physical requirements of professional dog walking and training, including extended outdoor activity in varying New England weather, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Availability Monday through Friday.

Nice To Haves

Professional dog training certification such as CPDT-KA, KPA CTP, or an equivalent credential; candidates eligible to pursue certification within six months are encouraged to apply.
Fear Free certification or willingness to become certified.
Experience training, mentoring, or onboarding employees.
Administrative experience, including scheduling, recordkeeping, client communication, or office coordination.
Experience working with fearful or reactive dogs using positive reinforcement techniques.
Familiarity with Google Workspace or professional pet care scheduling software.

Responsibilities

Provide individualized dog walking using positive reinforcement and science-based methods.
Develop customized training plans based on each dog’s behavior, needs, and learning goals.
Help dogs build confidence, leash skills, appropriate behaviors, and positive associations.
Evaluate canine body language and behavior to identify safety concerns and suitable training strategies.
Provide clients with updates, progress reports, and recommendations for reinforcing training at home.
Document training sessions and provide visit notes and photos through scheduling software.
Collaborate with management on training recommendations, client concerns, and service plans.
Train and onboard new dog walkers through hands-on instruction, shadowing, and demonstrations.
Teach safe leash handling, canine body language, positive reinforcement, and responses to common behavioral challenges.
Observe team members in the field and provide constructive feedback.
Mentor existing team members and serve as a resource on dog behavior, handling, and training.
Identify areas where additional team training or education would be beneficial.
Reinforce company safety procedures and force-free, fear-free care standards.
Assist with developing and updating training materials, educational resources, and internal procedures.
Maintain accurate training records, progress reports, and documentation.
Communicate with management about training progress, team development, and client needs.
Assist with training-related scheduling, coordination, and follow-up.
Participate in training discussions and team development initiatives.
Help create educational resources for clients and team members.

Benefits

Paid onboarding and training.
Weekly pay through direct deposit.
Mileage reimbursement in accordance with company policy.
Cell phone stipend.
100% of client tips.
SIMPLE IRA with a 2% employer nonelective contribution for eligible employees.
Paid sick time.
Paid time off after 12 months of employment, subject to company policy.
Company bonding and liability insurance coverage.
Professional development opportunities, including Fear Free certification and continuing education.
Potential additional pet-sitting assignments and career growth.