The Happy Hound Play Park is seeking a Certified Dog Trainer for a permanent position to join our experienced and exceptional training team. This position may be structured as full-time or part-time employment, depending on the candidate’s availability and fit.

Dog training certification from a recognized organization (e.g., CPDT, CBCC, KPA, VSA, or equivalent) is required.

This is an essential team member with close involvement with training and programs for dogs in our care in our daycare and boarding environment. There is also opportunity for leading group classes and also leading one-on-one private training sessions, and lots of opportunity for helping design the programs and offerings and shape what we offer and how we offer it.

We are a positive reinforcement–based facility that provides daycare, boarding, and training services, with a mission of transforming relationships and changing lives for dogs and their people. We’re intentional about finding the right cultural fit and hiring a trainer who shares our commitment to force-free, science-based training methods.

Key Responsibilities

- Collaborate closely with team of trainers to continually improve and strategize on training programs and plans
- Lead group obedience and enrichment classes for various skill levels.
- Facilitate new client meet & greets and training consultations.
- Conduct one-on-one private training sessions tailored to client and dog needs.
- Provide training sessions and plans for board-and-train and day-train clients.
- Develop and implement behaviour modification programs for daycare and boarding dogs.
- Coach and support staff in handling, training, and reinforcement techniques.
- Communicate with clients regarding training progress, guidance, and follow-up support.




- Collaborate with fellow trainers to design and deliver training programs and services.
- Occasionally oversee group activities and personal play programs.
- Ensure consistent reinforcement of training goals across all programs.
- Maintain a safe and clean training environment for both dogs and clients

Requirements

- Dog training certification from a recognized organization (e.g., CPDT-KA, KPA, VSA, or equivalent).
- Minimum 1 year professional experience in dog training and/or behaviour modification.
- Strong knowledge of positive reinforcement and science-based training methods.
- Commitment to positive reinforcement and force-free values in all relationships and training practices.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to support both dogs and their owners in a professional setting.
- Comfortable collaborating with staff and working independently in a dynamic environment.

Who Will Thrive in This Role The right person for this role will be more than just a skilled trainer — they’ll be someone who:

- Embraces diversity and contributes to an inclusive, supportive workplace.
- Is collaborative, approachable, and eager to share knowledge.
- Pursues continual learning and development of skills to stay at the forefront of training and behaviour science.
- Is passionate about breaking the mold of traditional daycare and boarding environments.
- Thrives in an innovative atmosphere, always seeking better ways to serve dogs, their people, and the team.





Employment Details

- Position Type: Employee, full-time or part-time, temporary (until mid-February, with possibility of extension).
- Schedule: Up to 40 hours per week, including evenings and weekends based on class schedules and client availability.
- Compensation: Competitive hourly rate, based on experience.
- Company-paid benefits: After probationary period
- Earned Days Off: After probationary period
- Education support: Paid educational opportunities or reimbursement

Why Join Us? At The Happy Hound Play Park, we’ve built more than a business—we’ve built a community. Our trainers don’t just teach skills; they help create lasting, positive change for dogs and their families. Joining our team means:

- Working in a supportive and professional environment.
- Collaborating with a dedicated team that values education, enrichment, and communication.
- Making a meaningful impact by helping dogs and people grow together

Please email us at [email protected] and include an email introduction about yourself, your personal and professional goals and why you’d like to join us. Please include your current dog training certification and include recent continuing education you have completed. Job Types: Full time, Part-time

Pay: From $23.00 per hour

Benefits

- Casual dress
- Mileage reimbursement
- In office parking
- Store discount

Application question(s):
- What Dog Training Certification have you completed? In what year did you receive this certification?
- What are the most-recent continuing education courses you have completed?
- Do you have experience leading group training classes?
- Have you worked in a dog daycare or boarding environment before?

Work Location: In person

📌 Permanent Full-Time or Part-Time Dog Trainer (Edmonton)
🏢 The Happy Hound Spray u0026 Play
📍 Edmonton