Professional Dog Trainer- Walk & Train Specialist

About Pets Are Family

Pets Are Family is a professional dog walking and pet sitting company serving Alexandria, Virginia, and surrounding communities. Our reputation is built on providing exceptional, reliable, compassionate care and treating every client's pet as a cherished member of the family. Our Fear Free Certification reflects our commitment to recognizing and reducing fear, anxiety, and stress in the animals entrusted to our care. We believe that exceptional pet care requires more than simply meeting an animal's physical needs. It means understanding their emotional needs, respecting their individual personalities, and creating positive experiences.

About the Walk & Train Program

Our Walk & Train program combines professional dog training with structured, individualized walks in the dog's own neighborhood. Unlike a traditional dog walking service, Walk & Train sessions are designed to teach dogs new skills, develop desirable behaviors, and help them become more confident, responsive, and comfortable navigating everyday experiences. Training takes place in real-world environments where dogs can learn and practice skills that improve their daily lives.

Our Program Focuses On:

• Teaching loose-leash walking and reducing pulling
• Building focus, engagement, and responsiveness to the handler
• Teaching foundational obedience cues and practical life skills
• Developing polite greetings and everyday manners
• Improving impulse control and appropriate responses to distractions
• Building confidence through positive experiences and enrichment
• Helping dogs develop comfortable, reliable walking routines
• Supporting dogs in learning to navigate everyday environments without unnecessary fear, anxiety, or stress

Every training session must prioritize the dog's physical and emotional well-being. Our approach is rooted in Fear Free principles, force-free handling, positive reinforcement, and evidence-based training techniques. We believe training should be enjoyable and rewarding for both the dog and the trainer.

Responsibilities

Provide Professional Walk & Train Sessions

• Conduct individualized, one-on-one training walks with dogs in their neighborhoods and other appropriate environments
• Teach new skills using humane, force-free, reward-based training methods
• Assess each dog's current abilities, temperament, confidence, and individual learning needs
• Develop realistic training goals and individualized lesson plans
• Use positive reinforcement to encourage desirable behaviors and build confidence
• Recognize subtle signs of fear, anxiety, stress, frustration, and overstimulation
• Modify training activities, environments, and expectations to keep dogs comfortable and engaged
• Apply Fear Free handling principles throughout every interaction
• Balance structured learning with physical exercise, sniffing, enrichment, and opportunities for dogs to enjoy their walks
• Maintain safe handling practices and respect each dog's individual physical and emotional limitations

Track Progress and Communicate With Clients

• Document training activities, accomplishments, and areas needing improvement
• Provide thoughtful, professional progress reports following each session
• Communicate training goals and recommendations clearly to clients
• Help clients understand how to reinforce newly learned skills using positive reinforcement
• Educate clients about the importance of consistency, patience, and force-free training methods
• Maintain accurate training records using our pet care management software

Mentor PAF Dog Walkers

• Observe and provide feedback to the company's daily dog walkers
• Troubleshoot issues on dogs walks when they occur
• Provide initial training to newly hired dog walkers
• Contribute ideas for expanding our dog walking services
• Help ensure all training practices align with Pets Are Family's Fear Free philosophy and professional care standards
• Manage daily dog walker schedules for efficiency and balance

Required Qualifications

• Previous hands-on experience professionally training dogs using positive reinforcement and force-free methods
• Strong understanding of canine learning theory, behavior, and body language
• Demonstrated ability to teach foundational obedience, loose-leash walking, and practical life skills
• Knowledge of how fear, anxiety, stress, and environmental factors influence canine behavior and learning
• Ability to recognize subtle stress signals and adjust training approaches accordingly
• Experience working with dogs of different breeds, ages, sizes, temperaments, and learning abilities
• Commitment to using humane, science-based, reward-based training methods exclusively
• Excellent communication skills and a professional, client-focused attitude
• Ability to work independently while following established company standards and procedures
• Strong time management, organizational skills, and attention to detail
• Dependable transportation, a valid driver's license, and the ability to travel between clients' homes
• Physical ability to safely handle dogs and work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Willingness to complete a background check and participate in company training

Preferred Qualifications

• CPDT-KA, KPA CTP, or comparable professional dog training certification
• Fear Free Certified Professional designation or willingness to complete applicable Fear Free education or certification
• Two or more years of professional dog training experience
• Experience conducting private training sessions or structured day-training programs
• Experience developing individualized training plans and evaluating progress
• Knowledge of cooperative care, canine enrichment, and confidence-building exercises
• Experience collaborating with veterinarians, veterinary behaviorists, and other pet care professionals
• Interest in helping develop a new service and potentially advancing into a leadership or training mentorship role

Training Philosophy

At Pets Are Family, how we train is just as important as what we teach. Our Fear Free Certification and commitment to force-free methods reflect our belief