Service & Puppy Program Training Manager

Love in the Lead; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

PTO

Performance-based incentives

Job summary

Love in the Lead Canine Training, LLC, based in Charlotte, seeks an experienced dog trainer to lead puppy and service-dog programs. You will work with a team to provide structured training, public-access sessions, and private placements in various environments.

Ideal candidates bring ADI/IGDF background, strong dog-communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple dogs with careful documentation and professional client communication.

Qualifications

• Professional dog training experience required (ADl/IGDF background preferred).
• Strong understanding of dog body language and learning theory.
• Balanced training philosophy aligned with LITL standards.
• Confidence handling puppies and dogs of varying sizes and temperaments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; strong time-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide structured daily training (obedience and public access) for assigned puppies and service dogs.
• Train service dogs in-training at facility and in public environments.
• Maintain and follow individual training plans and LITL protocols.
• Maintain detailed training notes and communicate progress or concerns to leadership.
• Manage schedule to ensure dogs receive training, care, outings, and engagement daily.
• Safely transport dogs in company vehicles for training and placements.
• Take photos/videos for client and program updates.
• Conduct client meetings, lessons, and follow-up sessions.

Skills

Professional dog training

Service dog training

Puppy training

Communication

Time management

Calm under pressure

Education

ADI or IGDF accredited program

Tools

Training tools

Job description

Love in the Lead Canine Training, LLC is a Charlotte-based professional dog-training company specializing in puppy development, advanced off-leash obedience, behavior modification, therapy dog training and service dog training.

Our puppy program consists of puppies in-training from pet homes as well as puppies enrolled in our service dog program. Love in the Lead's service dog program provides privately trained service dogs for individuals with disabilities, as well as providing fully trained service dogs for accredited non-profit service dog organizations.

This position would require a knowledge of general dog training, including puppy training,

along with familiarity with various types of service dogs, including Psychiatric Service Dogs, Medical Assistance Service Dogs, Mobility Assistance Service Dogs, Autism Assistance Dogs, and Facilitated Service Dogs for children with disabilities.

This is a hands-on, training and management position for someone who enjoys working with a team, manages their time well, remains calm under pressure, and understands that successful puppy and service dog development requires detailed oversight and documentation, professional communication, and excellent care and training of the dogs in our care.

Previous professional dog training is REQUIRED. This is not a position for someone without a significant background in dog training, preferably someone with service dog training experience as well. Our training program follows IACP standards. We are a balanced training company that prioritizes and maximizes the use of reinforcement and proper management. Our private service dog program follows ADI and IGDF standards, so an educational background from an ADI or IGDF accredited program is preferred.

CORE JOB RESPONSIBILIES

• Work alongside a program Director and our CEO, who is a licensed service dog and guide dog mobility instructor, with a background in ADI and IGDF training and program development.
• Provide structured daily training (obedience and public access) for assigned puppies, service dogs, service-dog prospects, and service dog puppies in development.
• Train service dogs in-training both at our facility and in appropriate public environments.
• Use sound judgment regarding a dog's training progression and public outings
• Assist with program management and oversight, including staff development
• Interact professionally with managers, directors, staff, clients, volunteers, and with the general public
• Maintain and follow individual training plans and established LITL training and equipment protocol for all program dogs
• Comfortable using a variety of training tools, along with a training methodology that aligns with LIMA. We are a balanced training company that maximizes reinforcement as much as possible, but we utilize a variety of tools depending on the dog's temperament, client goals, and program/purpose.
• Maintain detailed, timely training notes and communicate progress, setbacks, behavioral changes, or concerns.
• Manage your schedule effectively so dogs receive appropriate training, care, outings, documentation, and engagement each day.
• Provide daily care for assigned dogs, including feeding, watering, relieving, grooming, exercise, and enrichment.
• Safely transport dogs in company vehicles for training and public-access work.
• Take quality photos and videos for client and program updates.
• Conduct or assist with client virtual meetings, in-person lessons/placements, follow-up lessons, and handler/client education.
• Receive coaching and constructive feedback professionally and demonstrate follow-through when changes are requested.
• Support facility cleanliness, program operations, and other department responsibilities as assigned.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Professional dog training experience, preferably with an educational background from an ADI or IGDF program.
• Strong understanding of dog body language and behavior, as well as both classical and operant conditioning and learning theory.
• A training background or philosophy that is balanced (Yes and No) and a willingness to follow LITL training standards
• Confidence handling puppies and dogs of different sizes, breeds, energy levels, and temperaments.
• Strong time-management and organizational skills.
• High attention to detail and consistent follow-through.
• Calm emotional regulation and sound decision-making under pressure.
• A strong work ethic and willingness to actively train and manage a string of dogs
• Professional written and verbal communication.
• Coachability and willingness to adjust your approach based on feedback.
• Ability to work independently while communicating proactively with leadership.
• Valid driver's license and comfort transporting dogs and traveling for service dog placements.
• Comfort working outdoors and training dogs in public environments.
• Physical ability to stand, walk, bend, clean, lift up to 50 lbs., and safely manage active dogs throughout the workday.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Puppy training, obedience training, service dog training. An ADI or IGDF background is highly desirable
• Client/owner training and handler education.

SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION

• Full-time, approximately 40-45 hours per week.
• Primarily Monday-Friday, with occasional weekends, holidays, or evening client sessions as needed.
• Starting compensation: from $60,000 annually.
• Benefits will include health insurance, PTO, and performance-based incentives according to current company policy.