Find & Apply For Animal Trainer Jobs in Johnson City, Tennessee

At Koda K-9 , we focus on helping dogs and their owners build better communication, stronger relationships, and reliable real-world skills. We work with dogs of all breeds, ages, and temperaments. We are looking for a knowledgeable, confident, and motivated Dog Trainer to join our team. This is not an entry-level training position. Applicants must have previous professional dog training experience or have completed formal education, schooling, mentorship, or certification in dog training to be considered. About the Position As a Trainer, you will work hands-on with dogs while also coaching and educating their owners. The right candidate should be just as comfortable communicating with people as they are working with dogs. Depending on experience, responsibilities may include working with Board & Train dogs, conducting private lessons, assisting with group training, developing training plans, and working with behavioral concerns such as reactivity, resource guarding, and aggression within the trainer's demonstrated skill level. We are also open to candidates who have a strong training foundation but are still developing their client-facing skills, provided they have the confidence, communication skills, and desire to work toward independently taking private clients. Key Responsibilities Train dogs of various breeds, ages, temperaments, and skill levels Assist with and/or independently conduct private training sessions Participate in Board & Train programs and maintain consistency with established training plans Clearly educate owners on training techniques, timing, expectations, and appropriate equipment use Recognize canine body language and make appropriate training decisions based on the individual dog Work with behavioral concerns, including reactivity and aggression, within your level of experience and competency Maintain clear communication with the training team regarding each dog's progress and needs Take initiative and contribute to daily training responsibilities without needing constant direction Prioritize the safety, care, and well-being of every dog in our facility Applicants must have either: Previous professional experience working as a dog trainer for a training company, facility, or established training business; OR Formal education, schooling, certification, apprenticeship, or structured mentorship in dog training and canine behavior The ideal candidate will also: Have a working knowledge of learning theory, canine behavior, and classical and operant conditioning Be comfortable handling a variety of breeds, temperaments, and behavioral concerns Be confident, professional, and comfortable communicating with and educating clients Have strong interpersonal and public-speaking skills with the ability to clearly explain and demonstrate training concepts Be a dependable team player who takes initiative and does not require constant direction Remain calm, use good judgment, and prioritize safety when working with challenging dogs Be receptive to feedback and motivated to continue developing professionally Be comfortable taking private clients independently or have a clear goal of developing toward that responsibility Education or certification through established dog-training programs or schools, such as NePoPo®, Leerburg University, or comparable programs, is a plus but is not required if the applicant has sufficient professional experience. Schedule Requirements This is a part-time position averaging fewer than 35 hours per week. Applicants must have schedule flexibility. Weekend and holiday availability is required, as dogs in our care require consistent training and care seven days a week. Some evening availability may also be necessary depending on client and facility needs. How to Apply Please submit your resume along with a brief introduction or cover letter describing: Your professional dog-training experience and/or formal training education The types of dogs and behavioral cases you have worked with Your experience working directly with clients Your current availability, including weekends and holidays Your long-term goals within the dog-training industry Please note: Personal experience training your own dogs, volunteering with dogs, or general pet-care experience alone does not meet the experience requirements for this position.

Job Types:

Part-time, Full-time Pay:

$15.00 - $20.00 per hour Application Question(s): What made you choose dog training as a career? What is your long term goal as a trainer? Are you a balanced trainer?

Work Location:

In person