Dog Trainer - Assistant

Ralston Valley Canine & Terroux Dog Training

Location:  Arvada, CO (in person)
Part-time | Avg. ~25 hours/week

Pay: $20–$24/hour
Includes 2 out of every 3 Saturdays
Part-time Temporary (May–October), with opportunity for longer term and growth

 

About the Role

Enjoy being an integral part of each dog’s learning journey as a Dog Trainer-Assistant working across Ralston Valley Canine (RVC) and Terroux Dog Training (TDT); two owner-operated businesses located on the same 3-acre campus.

 

This dual-role position supports:

• RVC: Board & Train, and a la carte training programs

• TDT: Group training classes (as an assistant instructor)

This is a hands-on role ideal for a trainer who wants to expand their experience and knowledge about dog training, enjoys variety, teamwork, and working with dogs at different stages of learning. While this position starts as a temporary part-time role, there is strong potential for long-term employment for the right fit.

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RVC (Board & Train, and a la carte)

Typical Schedule

• Work 3 days of the week at RVC

• Hours typically 8:00am–1:00pm or 11:00am–4:00pm (flexible by day)

Responsibilities

• Train (according to training plan) 4–6 dogs per shift

• Train both independently and alongside another trainer

• Routinely collaborate with the training team on planning and training notes

• Utilize indoor/outdoor training areas across our 3-acre campus

• Safely move dogs between kennels, training areas, and outdoor spaces

• Dogs are housed onsite; kennel staff handles daily care; however,

  • for 3- and 4-week Board & Train dogs, trainers also feed, medicate (if needed), and provide individual playtime

• Client interaction is limited but may include assisting with Board & Train check-in consults and report cards.

 

TDT (group class assistance)

Typical Schedule

• 2 of every 3 Saturdays: 10:45am–3:45pm (or 4:30pm on graduation weeks)

• Tuesdays: 4:15pm–8:45pm (or 9:30pm on graduation weeks)

• 1 of every 3 Mondays: 4:15pm–8:30pm

• Occasional fill-in shifts for trainer coverage (vacations, illness, etc.)

• Possible fill-in for Saturday Puppy Class (9am–11am)

Responsibilities

• Assist the lead instructor during group classes

• Support clients one-on-one during class

• Demonstrate select training skills

• Observe dogs and clients, reporting concerns and questions to lead instructor

• Helping the lead instructor maintain a safe environment at all times

• Assist with attendance, graduations, and facility setup/cleanup

• Excellent communication skills to communicate effectively with pet owners and team members.

 

Classes include Puppy (as fill-in), Basic Obedience, AKC Canine Good Citizen, and Reactive Dog classes (for dogs with reactivity but no injury history).

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Reporting & Pay

• All hours are tracked and paid through Ralston Valley Canine

• Reports to the Training Manager at RVC, and the Lead Instructor at TDT

 

What We’re Looking For

• Minimum 1 year of professional dog training experience

• Additional experience, education, or certification is a plus!

• Compassionate, thoughtful training approach

• Enjoy helping people connect with, and enjoy their dog

• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team

• Teachable, open to feedback, and eager to grow with mentorship and support

• Excellent communication skills (conveys messages and instruction clearly, demonstrates empathy for both dogs and clients, and emotional intelligence)

 

Training Philosophy

• No shock collars, e-collars, or pinch collars, no highly aversive methods

• Reward-focused training

 

Physical Requirements

This is an active, hands-on role requiring:

• Indoor and outdoor work, rain or shine

• Moving in and out of a kennel environment

• Standing, walking, bending, twisting, pulling, and light lifting

• Handling dogs of all sizes

 

Benefits

• Tips allocation

• Performance-based bonuses

• Professional development

• Employee discounts

• Primary care medical (healthcare) membership

• 401k

• Flexible schedule

 

What to Expect for Candidates Who Advance

Our hiring process typically includes:

• Resume review

• Phone interview of top candidates

• In-person interview with the Owner(s) and Training Manager

• In-person interview and campus tour with RVC and TDT trainers

• Offer

 

About Us

Ralston Valley Canine is a thriving boarding, training, and grooming facility in semi-rural Arvada.  Terroux Dog Training is one of Colorado’s longest standing and highly respected dog training organizations offering group classes and private instruction.

 

Apply via Indeed or email:
tiffany@ralstonvalleycanine.com