Dog Trainer Apprentice

caninecraze; Urbandale (IA); On-site; USD 17,908 - 20,664; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Paid vacation

50% off of training classes

FREE online training classes and CTC

Job summary

Canine Craze Day School is seeking an Apprentice Trainer, an entry-level position designed to introduce developing professionals to dog behavior, handling, and foundational training principles. You will work exclusively within Day School under supervision of the Training Manager and/or Assistant Training Manager.

Apprentice Trainers gain hands-on experience working with a variety of dogs while learning safe group management, proper dog-dog introductions, loose‑leash walking instruction, and

Qualifications

• Entry-level role designed to introduce developing professionals to dog behavior and training basics.
• Support under supervision of Training Manager and Assistant Training Manager.
• Hands-on experience with a variety of dogs in a Day School setting.

Responsibilities

• Help with daily training activities and safety protocols in Day School.
• Assist with dog handling, introductions, and basic impulse control exercises.
• Support senior trainers in classes and client interactions.

Skills

Dog handling

Foundational training

Reading dog body language

Impulse control

Group management

Job description

The Apprentice Trainer is an entry-level position designed to introduce developing professionals to dog behavior, handling, and foundational training principles within the Canine Craze Day School program. This role operates exclusively within Day School and provides structured support under the direct supervision of the Training Manager and/or Assistant Training Manager. Apprentice Trainers gain hands-on experience working with a variety of dogs while learning safe group management, proper dog-dog introductions, loose‑leash walking instruction, and foundational impulse control concepts.

This position serves as the baseline launching point for individuals pursuing a professional dog training career within the Canine Craze program.

What: Dog Trainer Apprentice

When: Hours are offered during the regular work-week

• Monday - Thursday
  • AM Shift - 6:00am - 10:00am
  • Day Shift - 10:00am - 2:00pm
  • PM Shift - 2:00pm - 6:00pm
• Friday
  • 8:00am - 12:00pm

Starting Pay: $13.00 - $15.00

Dog Trainer Apprentice is an entry level position and is the gateway to unlocking additional opportunities such as:

• Assistant Trainer – continue work in Day School as well as eligibility to begin working as an assistant in training classes
• Trainer – opportunities in the Day School, teaching classes, and working with clients 1‑on‑1 conducting Private Training
• Senior Trainer – diving into behavior modification and more advanced training cases such as service dog training with Puppy Jake Foundation.
  

As a Dog Trainer Apprentice you will learn:

• How to read dog body language
• How to teach dog foundations
  • Teach dogs and puppies to emotionally regulate in social settings
  • Teach impulse control where puppies and dogs make better choices
  • Socialize puppies and acclimate adult dogs
  • Create a thinking dog – teaching puppies and dogs to learn how to learn
• Essential handler foundations
  • Build healthy relationships with a variety of puppies and dogs
  • Be disciplined as a handler and follow through with what is in the best interest of the puppy or dog
  • Develop presence control with good leadership skills that dogs trust and respond to
  • The application of how dogs' learn and applying the practical work
• The science behind how dogs' learn
  • Various strategies for teaching new behaviors
  • Add clear and effective cues
  • Create fluency with each dog's performance
  • Gain reliability and proficiency with each skill you teach

Some of the Essential Job Functions include:

• Be able to work with and handle a variety of dog sizes and personalities. Using the skills acquired pivot training as necessary to set the dog up for success.
  • Applying appropriate behavioral management techniques
  • Follow all Day School program standards and safety protocols
• Be a team player and work with other staff members to complete duties required for each shift.
  • Peer reviews are an essential part of the Canine Craze team. Lending a helping hand where needed is important for our company culture.
• Continue to build on your training skills to be a lifetime learner
  • Each quarter you must do something to continue your education. This could include reading a book, doing a course, or working with a mentor. Growth is essential and stepping outside your comfort zone is a must.

Some of the Additional Job Duties include:

• Have attention to detail, this is what sets the Good Dog Trainer apart from the GREAT Dog Trainer.
• Doing your part in cleaning the facility at the end of the day or during our deep clean day.
• Being flexible within the day to day operations and pivoting where necessary to help the day run smoothly and without a hitch.
• Be able to lift 50+ pounds
• Care for and walk dogs up to 150+ pounds

Benefits

• Paid holidays – facility is closed (after 1 yr of employment)
• Paid vacation (after probation period)
• 50% off of training classes offered at Canine Craze
• FREE online training classes and CTC membership

If you are interested in pursuing a career in Dog Training this is a great place to start! Offering a wide range of opportunities for growth, along with hands on experience working with 100+ different puppies and dogs that will for sure jump start your career.