Dog Trainer - Apprenticeship Program

Noble k9

Wilmot

On-site

CAD 15,000 - 21,000

Part time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship from senior trainers

Pathway to full-time employment

Hands-on training

Job summary

Noble K9 is offering an Apprenticeship Program in St. Agatha, Ontario. This hands-on opportunity lets you train alongside professional trainers, focusing on real-world dog handling, behavior modification, and societal work with service-level dogs.

Track options include unpaid and paid formats with mentorship and clear milestones. Best for individuals who are ready to commit 25 hours weekly for 6–12 months and pursue a career in professional dog training, with potential progression to full-time

Qualifications

Be 18 years or older.
Commit to 25 hours per week for 6–12 months.
Be able to relocate to St. Agatha, Ontario.
Pass a background check.
Provide proof of up-to-date tetanus vaccination.
Be physically able to handle dogs up to 100+ lbs.

Responsibilities

Shadow professional trainers and assist in training sessions.
Kennel operations: feeding, cleaning, enrichment, exercise, care.
Learn dog body language and temperament; use training tools properly.
Receive mentorship from senior trainers and track milestones.

Skills

Dog handling

Observation

Communication

Tools

Training tools

Job description

Internship

Dog Trainer - Apprenticeship Program

On-site (St Agatha, ON)

An Alternative to College That Actually Builds a Skill

Build a real career in professional dog training. No tuition. No classrooms. Just hands‑on work with experienced trainers who do this at the highest level.

Most people spend four years and tens of thousands of dollars on education that doesn't lead anywhere. They graduate with debt and zero practical skills. Meanwhile, the dog training industry is desperate for professionals who actually know what they're doing.

What The Apprenticeship Program Is

The Noble K9 Apprenticeship Program is different. You won't sit in lectures. You won't write essays. You won't watch videos and hope someone hires you after. You'll work alongside professional trainers every single day, learning by doing. Puppies, aggressive dogs, protection K9s, behavior modification cases. The work most trainers won't touch.

This is your chance to build a skill people will pay you for. But it's not easy, it's not a handout, and it's not for everyone.

Time commitment: 25 hours per week

Location: St. Agatha, Ontario (local applicants preferred)

Duration: 6-12 months depending on track

Two Program Tracks

Unpaid Apprenticeship Track

25 Hours Per Week

10 hours/week: Shadow professional trainers, study theory, assist in training sessions with pet dogs
15 hours/week: Kennel operations (feeding, cleaning, enrichment, exercise, care)

Investment: $0

What you get: Real hands‑on experience, mentorship from professional trainers, and a pathway to a full‑time position at Noble K9 upon completion.

Best for: People willing to work hard, put in the time, and earn their place on the team.

Paid Apprenticeship Track

Focus entirely on training. Skip kennel duties.

Two Options:

6-Month Program: $15,000 CAD

Intensive training‑focused apprenticeship with condensed timeline.

12-Month Program: $20,000 CAD

Extended apprenticeship with deeper skill development and more exposure to advanced training.

What You Get:

All training time, no kennel work
Structured curriculum with clear milestones
Mentorship from senior trainers
Pathway to full‑time employment upon completion

Best for: People who want to accelerate their learning and are willing to invest in their future career.

What You'll Learn

Foundation Skills

Balanced dog training methods and philosophy
How to read dog body language and temperament
Proper use of training tools (prong collars, e‑collars, slip leads)
Marker‑based training and timing
Leash handling and positioning
Training Programs
Puppy foundations and early socialization
On‑leash obedience and loose‑leash walking
Off‑leash obedience and e‑collar conditioning
Behavior modification for reactivity and aggression
Protection dog training and bite work (exposure)
Service dog training protocols
Client Management
How to run effective training sessions
Communication and coaching skills
Managing client expectations
Building training plans that work
Problem‑solving when challenges arise
Kennel Operations (unpaid track)
Daily care routines and feeding protocols
Enrichment and exercise programs
Health monitoring and safety procedures
Facility maintenance and cleanliness standards
Business Operations
How a professional dog training business runs
Client intake and evaluation processes
Program structure and curriculum design
Team management and accountability systems

What This Program Is Not

This is not a fun opportunity to play with dogs all day. You'll clean kennels at 8am. You'll do grunt work. You'll get corrected when you mess up. You'll work harder than you ever have.

This is not for people looking for something easy. If you don't have work ethic, integrity, or the ability to take feedback, don't apply. We don't tolerate mediocrity or excuses.

This is not a guaranteed job. Top apprentices may be offered full‑time positions upon completion. But you have to earn it. Show up, work hard, learn, and prove you're worth keeping.

Who This Program Is For