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Group Class Dog Trainer - Part-Time K9 Tailshakers, Inc. Frankfort, Illinois Part-Time Employee | Approximately 2-20 Hours Per Week Weeknight & Weekend Availability Required Position Overview K9 Tailshakers is seeking an experienced, professional, and highly personable Group Class Dog Trainer to join our established training team. This position is ideal for an experienced trainer who genuinely enjoys teaching people as much as training dogs . Our Class Trainers create a welcoming, educational, and engaging environment while helping clients better understand, communicate with, and train their dogs.

Classes may include:

Puppy Classes Beginner Obedience Intermediate Obedience Public Etiquette Classes Specialty Workshops Continuing Education and Alumni Classes Other specialty classes and workshops as offered Established curricula, class materials, and training formats are already in place. We welcome ideas and improvements from experienced trainers, provided they remain consistent with K9 Tailshakers' balanced training philosophy, standards, and overall program structure . Focus on Training, we Handle the Rest K9 Tailshakers provides the infrastructure needed for our trainers to focus on what they do best: teaching clients and training dogs . K9

Tailshakers:

Markets and promotes our training programs and classes Handles client inquiries and onboarding Vets clients prior to enrollment Schedules clients and manages class enrollment Provides the training facility Provides applicable business insurance Provides established curricula, handouts, and class materials Provides a company iPhone and company email for all client communication All clients are scheduled through the K9 Tailshakers office. Trainers are not responsible (although encouraged to help) for independently finding clients, collecting their own client base, or managing enrollment. This is an employee position with K9 Tailshakers, Inc. and is not a 1099 independent contractor position. What We're Looking For We are looking for a stellar trainer and instructor who can confidently lead a room, communicate clearly, build relationships, and make clients feel supported throughout the training process. The right candidate should be able to: Confidently lead and manage group dog-training classes Clearly demonstrate training techniques and explain the why behind them Recognize that dogs and owners are individuals and adjust instruction when appropriate Build strong relationships and rapport with clients and their dogs Maintain an encouraging, professional, and respectful classroom environment Communicate effectively with clients who may have different learning styles, skill levels, and expectations Work independently while also functioning as a supportive member of the larger K9 Tailshakers team Follow established curricula and company standards while bringing professional experience and sound judgment to the classroom Training Experience Required Candidates must have previous professional dog-training experience, preferably including experience teaching or hosting group classes .

Applicants should have:

Experience with puppy, beginner, intermediate, and/or public etiquette-style classes A strong understanding of canine behavior, learning theory, leash handling, reinforcement, communication, and behavior modification Experience with balanced dog-training methods A clear understanding of multiple training approaches and the ability to appropriately tailor instruction to the individual dog, client, and situation while remaining within K9 Tailshakers' training philosophy and standards The ability to confidently explain training methods to clients in a clear, respectful, and easy-to-understand manner This is not an entry-level dog-training position. Previous professional training experience is required. Communication & Client Experience Outstanding communication skills are essential for this position. Our Class Trainers represent K9 Tailshakers directly to our clients. We want someone who doesn't simply teach a class and leave—we're looking for someone who builds relationships.

Successful candidates should be:

Friendly, approachable, and professional Comfortable speaking and demonstrating techniques in front of groups Patient with both dogs and people Able to provide constructive feedback without making clients feel discouraged Reliable, organized, and responsive Comfortable answering client questions and explaining concepts in different ways Focused on creating a positive experience that keeps clients engaged in their dog's training journey All client-related communication must be conducted through approved K9 Tailshakers communication channels, including the provided company phone and email. Computer & Administrative Skills Basic computer proficiency is required, including: Email communication Microsoft Word or similar programs Creating and editing documents and handouts Following existing class materials and curricula Maintaining professional written communication Most curricula, handouts, and class materials are already developed and in place . Trainers are not expected to build programs from scratch. Employment Requirements As a member of the K9 Tailshakers team, the Class Trainer will be required to follow company policies and procedures, including: Maintaining professional and confidential client and company information Using company-provided communication channels for client interactions Following established scheduling and client-management procedures Signing applicable confidentiality and non-solicitation agreements Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries with K9 Tailshakers clients Working collaboratively with management and other members of the training team Schedule This is a part-time employee position averaging approximately 2-20 hours per week , depending on class schedules, enrollment, workshops, and programming.

Candidates must have availability for:

Weeknight classes Weekend classes and/or workshops This can be an excellent opportunity for an experienced trainer seeking a flexible, limited-hour schedule without the responsibility of independently marketing, finding clients, managing enrollment, or providing their own training facility. Our Ideal Candidate Our ideal Class Trainer is knowledgeable without being rigid, confident without being intimidating, and understands that excellent dog training requires excellent people skills . We want someone who can walk into a classroom, connect with clients, engage with their dogs, represent K9 Tailshakers professionally, and leave clients excited about what they learned and what comes next. If you're an experienced dog trainer who loves teaching and wants to focus on training and client relationships while an established company handles the business side , we'd love to hear from you.

Pay:

$18.00 - $100.00 per hour Expected hours: 2.0 - 20.0 per week

Benefits:

Paid time off

Work Location:

In person