Certified Dog Trainer

Blue Skies Pet Care, LLC; Newton (KS); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Sick leave

PTO

Job summary

Blue Skies Pet Care, LLC in Newton, KS is seeking a credentialed dog trainer to deliver private in-home training, day training, and group classes across Newton, Wichita, and nearby areas. The role emphasizes positive reinforcement, humane handling, and science-based coaching with clients.

Strong communication with families is essential. Must have 2+ years of hands-on experience, professional credentials, and willingness to travel to client homes.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years hands-on dog training experience with clients.
• Credentialed training accreditation (KPA/CTC/CCPDT/IAABC or equivalent).
• Willingness to drive between client homes within service area.
• Live within 10 miles of Newton, KS or Wichita, KS.

Responsibilities

• Private in-home training sessions with clients and dogs.
• Day training, homeschool-style sessions, and group classes.
• Puppy foundations and family manners instruction.
• Leash skills, recall, confidence building, and cooperative care.
• Client coaching, follow-up communication, and session notes.

Skills

Dog training

Positive reinforcement

Client coaching

Communication

Documentation

Education

Professional dog training credentials

Tools

CRM software

Job description

Blue Skies Pet Care, a trusted name in professional pet care since 2010, is hiring into our dog training department. We’re looking for a qualified, compassionate, credentialed dog trainer to provide private in-home training, day training, group classes, and behavior support for families in Newton, Wichita, and their surrounding 10-mile service areas. Specific training formatting and behavior caseload may be customized to the candidate.

This is not an entry-level or apprentice position. We’re looking for someone who already has professional education, accreditation, and hands‑on experience working with clients and their dogs. Our training approach is rooted in positive reinforcement, humane handling, and science‑based coaching, so candidates should be comfortable using force‑free methods and aligning with that philosophy in both training plans and client communication.

Is This the Perfect Fit for You?

You may be a great fit if you:

• Love helping dogs and their people build better communication, confidence, and real‑life skills
• Have professional dog training credentials and at least 2 years of hands‑on experience
• Enjoy coaching people, not just working with dogs
• Are comfortable supporting behavior cases involving fear, leash reactivity, and multiple triggers
• Want to be part of an established, local, employee‑based pet care company with strong client relationships
• Are looking for a long‑term professional opportunity with room to grow
• Dog trainers may also be cross‑trained in select pet care services so they understand our full client experience and can support team coverage when needed.

Why You Might Not Like This Job

We believe in being honest about the role from the start.

This position may not be the right fit if:

• You are looking for an entry‑level training position, internship, or apprenticeship to start in the industry
• You prefer board‑and‑train, high‑volume classes, or training that does not include client coaching
• You are not comfortable with documentation, client communication and teaching, or learning software systems
• You are not comfortable driving between client homes in all light and in inclement weather conditions
• You do not live within 10 miles of Newton, KS or Wichita, KS
• You are uncomfortable working outdoors, in loud environments, or around normal dog behavior such as barking, jumping, pulling, or sudden movement
• At least 2 years of dog training experience using positive reinforcement‑based methods
• Ideally have professional dog training accreditation through KPA, CTC, CCPDT, IAABC, or a comparable program
• Preference will be given to candidates who are multi‑credentialed or who have a professional training credential paired with a relevant degree, such as psychology, social work, biology, animal science, education, adult learning, counseling, or a related field.
• Experience working one‑on‑one with private clients and in group classes
• Behavior caseload experience a plus, including leash reactivity, fear, and multiple‑trigger cases
• Strong communication skills with clients and team members
• Comfort using computers and learning software systems
• Reliable transportation
• Professional references, including at least one dog training peer
• Ability to pass a background check
• Applicants must live within 10 miles of Newton, KS or Wichita, KS.

Typical Responsibilities

This role may include:

• Private in‑home training sessions
• Day training or homeschool‑style sessions
• Group classes
• Puppy foundations and family manners
• Leash skills, recall, confidence building, and cooperative care foundations
• Therapy dog prep classes
• Behavior support for fear, leash reactivity, and multiple‑trigger cases
• Client coaching and follow‑up communication
• Session notes and documentation
• Collaboration with our office, training, and pet care teams
• Cross‑training and in and assistance with our pet care services

This position is about more than working with dogs. Strong trainers also support the humans on the other end of the leash. We are looking for someone who can explain training concepts clearly, kindly, and effectively while helping clients feel encouraged and capable.

Physical Requirements

This is an active, hands‑on position. Trainers must be able to safely and comfortably work in real home and neighborhood environments with dogs of varying sizes, ages, and skill levels.

Applicants must be able to:

• Walk for extended periods during training sessions
• Stand, bend, kneel, squat, and move from floor level as needed
• Handle leashes, training equipment, treat pouches, and supplies
• Work outdoors in typical Kansas weather conditions
• Drive themselves to client locations throughout the service area
• Work in loud or distracting environments
• Enter and exit client homes safely, including stairs, porches, yards, and uneven surfaces
• Respond calmly and quickly to normal dog behavior, including pulling, jumping, barking, sudden movement, or environmental distractions
• Use good judgment around safety, body language, and dog comfort at all times

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation will be based on credentials, experience, availability, and the structure of the role. Applicants are welcome to include their desired pay range when applying so we can make sure expectations are reasonably aligned early in the process.

Full‑time team members are eligible for benefits including:

• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Sick leave
• PTO

Additional team benefits may include:

• W2 employee status, not 1099
• Client tips when applicable
• Mileage reimbursements when applicable
• Paid training
• Supplies provided
• Paid volunteer opportunities for local animal nonprofits

We love growing strong team members from within. Exceptional hires may be considered for leadership or management opportunities in as little as one year, depending on performance, reliability, communication, professional judgment, and business needs.

Hiring Timeline

We anticipate the hiring process may take 1 to 2 months. Because this is a specialized role, we will be seeking quality applicants throughout that time rather than rushing to fill the position quickly.

Our team members are generally, and ideally, with us for many years.