Dog Trainer

Cubbyscaninecastle; Portland, Northern (ME, KY); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Health insurance

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Bark Yard in Portland, ME seeks an experienced Fear & Force-Free Dog Trainer to lead group play, conduct individual sessions, and serve as a positive role model for our team in a safe, humane environment.

This full-time, in-person role requires weekend availability. Pay ranges from $20 to $24 per hour, with benefits including health insurance, a 401(k), PTO, and ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of dog training experience.
• Clear commitment to 100% fear- and force-free training.
• CPDT certification, currently pursuing certification, or willingness to become certified.
• Candidates should be able to provide references for dog training.
• Strong knowledge of dog behavior, positive reinforcement, and humane care practices
• Excellent communication skills, including handling sensitive or difficult conversations
• Strong organizational and documentation skills with attention to detail
• Compassionate, patient demeanor with confidence in handling dogs of all sizes and temperaments
• Ability to work full-time hours, including one weekend day and holidays as needed
• Physical ability to lift, walk, stand, and perform hands-on work throughout the shift

Responsibilities

• Train dogs in group play and program development.
• Provide 100% fear- and force-free training for dogs in our care.
• Manage and support safe, appropriate group play dynamics.
• Conduct one-on-one training sessions tailored to individual dogs.
• Carry out consistent foundational training across all dogs.
• Collaborate with the team to set and meet training goals.
• Act as a role model for staff in training methods and client interactions.
• Maintain and evolve training content and programming, including new service ideas.
• Set the standard for adherence to company rules, philosophies, and policies
• Closely monitor dog behavior and interactions to ensure welfare and safety

Skills

Fear-free training

Communication

Documentation

Patience

Physical stamina

Education

CPDT certification

Certification in progress / willing to become certified

Job description

About The Bark Yard:

• At The Bark Yard, we are a premier dog daycare, boarding, grooming, and training facility dedicated to providing a fear-free, force-free environment that prioritizes the happiness and well-being of every dog in our care.
• Our philosophy is simple: dogs learn best when they feel safe and happy.
• We focus on creating a stimulating experience through positive reinforcement and individualized care, ensuring that our furry friends thrive.
• Our team is passionate about ongoing education, teamwork, and maintaining a collaborative and supportive atmosphere.

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experiencedFear & Force-Free Dog Trainerwho understands what 100% fear- and force-free training truly means and is committed to consistently applying those principles.

The trainer will provide a wide range of services, from managing group play dynamics to conducting individualized one-on-one training sessions, while acting as a leader and role model within our team.

Schedule:

This is a full-time role, primarily working 8:00–4:00 or 9:00–5:00, with one weekend day preferred and some holidays as needed.

Core Responsibilities

• Dog Training, Group Play & Program Development
• Provide100% fear- and force-free trainingfor dogs in our care
• Manage and support safe, appropriate group play dynamics
• Conduct one-on-one training sessions tailored to individual dogs
• Carry out consistent foundational training across all dogs
• Collaborate with the team to set and meet training goals
• Act as a role model for staff in training methods and client interactions
• Maintain and evolve training content and programming, including new service or program ideas
• Set the standard for adherence to company rules, philosophies, and policies

Dog Behavior, Safety & Observation

• Closely monitor dog behavior and interactions to ensure welfare and safety
• Identify, address, and communicate behavioral or handling concerns promptly
• Observe, document, and report unusual behavior or health concerns to management and clients
• Follow up on action plans to ensure consistency and accountability4
• Demonstrate strong attention to detail while multitasking and managing dog instructions and belongings

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of experience as a dog trainer (community, shelter, or rescue preferred)
• Clear understanding of and commitment to 100% fear- and force-free training methods
• CPDT certification, currently pursuing certification, or willingness to become certified.
• Candidates should be able to provide references for dog training.
• Strong knowledge of dog behavior, positive reinforcement, and humane care practices
• Excellent communication skills, including handling sensitive or difficult conversations
• Strong organizational and documentation skills with attention to detail
• Compassionate, patient demeanor with confidence in handling dogs of all sizes and temperaments
• Ability to work full-time hours, including one weekend day and holidays as needed
• Physical ability to lift, walk, stand, and perform hands-on work throughout the shift

What we offer:

• $20 to $24 an hour based on experience
• $3200 a month
• 401(k) plan eligibility and health insurance
• Paid time off (PTO) and ongoing professional development opportunities.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person