Certified Dog Trainer — Training Walks & Plans

Shoreline Happy Paws LLC; Old Saybrook (CT); On-site; USD 47,000 - 62,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

W-2 employee, paid every Friday

Insurance and workers' compensation

CEU support for continuing education

Mileage reimbursement

Job summary

Shoreline Happy Paws LLC is seeking a part-time dog trainer to conduct 1-hour Training Walks along a set route in the Shoreline area. You will design and lead training plans for clients’ dogs while our team handles marketing, bookings, and billing. Daily work spans 9am–4pm, 3–5 weekdays, with potential growth as routes fill.

Pay includes a base hourly rate plus per-walk bonuses, a reimbursed driving stipend, and workers’ compensation coverage. Training reports and cue videos are part of the role.

Qualifications

• A certified dog trainer (CPDT-KA, KPA CTP, or similar), or someone actively completing certification.
• Reward-based, positive reinforcement methods only. No harsh corrections
• Experience with leash manners, basic obedience, and dogs who react to other dogs
• Comfortable working alone, using good judgment, and writing clear notes
• Able to teach: you'll be showing our walkers how to carry out your plan and helping lead team workshops
• Lives within a reasonable drive of our service area, from Madison to East Lyme and up to Chester. Please tell us what town you live in
• Available at least 3 weekdays between 9am and 4pm, with all 5 days preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead 1-hour Training Walks: leash manners, basic obedience, and calm behavior around other dogs, practiced in real places like town greens and main streets.
• Run 1-hour Training Assessments with new clients and write a simple training plan for each dog.
• Send a visit report with photos and notes after every session.
• Record short cue videos and brief our walkers so every team member uses the same cues and timing.
• Tell us when a dog is ready to hand off to a regular walker, or needs more time with you.
• Help lead dog behavior workshops and continuing education for our dog walkers.

Skills

Certified dog trainer

Positive reinforcement

Leash manners

Basic obedience

Team leadership workshops

Independent work

Education

CPDT-KA certification

Job description

Shoreline Happy Paws LLC is seeking a part-time dog trainer to conduct 1-hour Training Walks along a set route in the Shoreline area. You will design and lead training plans for clients’ dogs while our team handles marketing, bookings, and billing. Daily work spans 9am–4pm, 3–5 weekdays, with potential growth as routes fill.

Pay includes a base hourly rate plus per-walk bonuses, a reimbursed driving stipend, and workers’ compensation coverage. Training reports and cue videos are part of the role.