Dog Trainer

Western Veterinary Partners; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 2,066,000 - 3,031,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance and disability coverage

401(k) options

Paid time off

Job summary

Tender Care Animal Hospital in Peoria, Illinois is seeking an experienced Dog Trainer to join our team. You will lead puppy and basic obedience classes using positive reinforcement to help dogs thrive and strengthen the bond with their owners.

This role emphasizes client education, teamwork, and humane training methods. A CPDT-KA certification is preferred and the ideal candidate will have 2+ years of professional dog training experience and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional dog training experience.
• Strong knowledge of positive reinforcement and fear-free training techniques.
• Experience teaching group puppy or obedience classes.
• CPDT-KA or equivalent certification preferred.
• Strong understanding of canine body language and behavior principles.
• Excellent communication and client education skills.
• Ability to safely manage multiple dogs and handlers.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work alongside a veterinary medical team.

Responsibilities

• Lead puppy and basic obedience classes using positive reinforcement methods.
• Educate pet owners on training techniques, behavior, and communication.
• Create a safe, engaging, and supportive learning environment for dogs and handlers.
• Assist with behavior guidance and practical training solutions.
• Collaborate with veterinary team members to support overall pet wellness.
• Build lasting relationships with clients and their pets.

Skills

Dog training

Positive reinforcement

Client education

Team collaboration

Job description

Are you passionate about strengthening the bond between dogs and their people? Tender Care Animal Hospital is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Dog Trainer to join our growing team in Peoria, Illinois!

Our training program is centered around positive reinforcement, confidence building, and practical life skills that help puppies and adult dogs thrive. With classes offered throughout the week, you’ll work with a variety of breeds, personalities, and experience levels in a collaborative and supportive environment.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys client education, teamwork, and helping pets succeed through modern, humane training methods. If you are patient, energetic, and passionate about canine behavior and wellness, we would love to connect with you.

In this role, you will:

• Lead puppy and basic obedience classes using positive reinforcement methods
• Educate pet owners on training techniques, behavior, and communication
• Create a safe, engaging, and supportive learning environment for dogs and handlers
• Assist with behavior guidance and practical training solutions
• Collaborate with veterinary team members to support overall pet wellness
• Build lasting relationships with clients and their pets

Schedule:

Full-time position with a flexible schedule, Monday–Sunday.

Full-time Benefits & Compensation**:

• Compensation: $15/hour*
• 50% commission on completed training sessions (minus hourly wages earned)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) options
• Paid time off in accordance with site policy and applicable law

Minimum Qualifications:

• 2+ years of professional dog training experience
• Strong knowledge of positive reinforcement and fear-free training techniques
• Experience teaching group puppy or obedience classes
• CPDT-KA or equivalent certification preferred
• Strong understanding of canine body language and behavior principles
• Excellent communication and client education skills
• Ability to safely manage multiple dogs and handlers
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work alongside a veterinary medical team

About Tender Care Animal Hospital

As an AAHA-accredited hospital, Tender Care Animal Hospital is proud to foster a collaborative, supportive workplace where team members are encouraged to grow professionally and personally. We value compassion, teamwork, and continuous learning while providing exceptional care to pets and the people who love them.

This is a good-faith estimate based on the role's requirements at the time of posting. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The Company offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision benefits, vacation, sick leave, 401(k), and other benefits depending on role and location. A complete description of benefits available for this position will be provided during the hiring process. Where required under applicable law, Company provides eligible employees with paid sick leave, health emergency leave, and other legally mandated benefits programs, all in accordance with the requirements of applicable state and local law depending on the location of the practice you support.

$15 - $15 USD

Western Veterinary Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Western Veterinary Partners is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in the job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact [e-mail]. Hiring decisions will be based on merit, qualifications and the legitimate needs of the business.

Voluntary Self-Identification

As an equal opportunity employer, we invite applicants to voluntarily self-identify demographic information for compliance and reporting purposes. Completion of this form is entirely voluntary and refusal to provide this information will not subject you to any adverse treatment.

Any information provided will be kept confidential and maintained in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. This information will not be used in making hiring decisions.

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.