Puppy Trainer

SF Puppy Prep • Full-time • San Francisco, California 94103, United States • $20 - $24 / hour • 3w ago

About Us

Since 2004, SF Puppy Prep has been San Francisco’s premier puppy school.
We offer a positive-reinforcement day school curriculum, classes, and social events that help puppies grow into well-adjusted dogs.
Our experienced team delivers hands-on, consistent training designed to create lifelong results — not daycare — and we prioritize safety, enrichment, and joyful learning.
SF Puppy Prep is hiring an Entry-Level Puppy Counselor to join our on-site team.
This hands-on role is ideal for someone who loves puppies, wants to learn professional dog training, and enjoys working in a structured, team-driven environment.
We provide paid training — No prior experience necessary! A positive, outgoing attitude, strong motivation to work, and a genuine love for puppies are more important than previous experience.

About the Role

Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 7:00 AM–5:15 PM (one-hour unpaid lunch; two paid 10-minute breaks)
Supervise, socialize, and engage puppies during structured school sessions
Implement positive-reinforcement training exercises and enrichment activities under trainer guidance
Support daily routines: feeding, potty breaks, play groups, and rest periods
Communicate professionally with clients during onsite drop-offs/pick-ups and answer basic questions
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized training environment and follow sanitation protocols
Record observations and shift notes to support individualized puppy plans
Collaborate with trainers and staff to support consistent training outcomes
Safely drive company vehicles to pick up and drop off dogs throughout San Francisco as needed
Interact professionally with clients during pickups and drop-offs

Ideal Candidate

This is an opportunity to start or grow a professional career with animals, dogs, and behavioral science.
Other ideal candidates would be people with an early childhood education background. This role requires patience and empathy.
Genuine enthusiasm for working with puppies and learning training methods
Strong communication and customer service skills for interacting with clients onsite
Reliable, punctual, and able to follow established routines and protocols
Comfortable handling puppies of various sizes and energy levels
Able to lift up to 50 lbs on occasion and navigate stairs
Candidates who want to work away from a desk and screen. This role will require frequent movement. It is an active, hands-on work environment.
Comfortable managing multiple puppies during sessions and transitions
Safe driving and van driving experience
Valid and current U.S. driver’s license (preferably held for at least 3 years)
Comfortable driving around San Francisco
Team oriented with a positive, outgoing attitude

What we offer

Starting Pay: $20–$24/hour DOE
Monthly Pay: $3,800–$4,400/month (with additional opportunities based on performance)
Paid Training
401(k)
Continuing Education
Professional Development