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975 Llagas Road, Morgan Hill CA And Surrounding Areas

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We are looking for a Dog Training Manager to join our team! At Inclined Canine Academy, we specialize in balanced dog training through our structured Day Train programs, where dogs work with professional trainers during the day and return home to their families each evening. Our approach combines individualized training plans, clear communication, appropriate use of training tools, and hands-on owner education to create lasting results.

We believe successful dog training requires more than technical skill. It requires creativity, adaptability, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to helping both dogs and their humans succeed.

We're seeking a seasoned dog training professional who is ready to take ownership of an entire training department. This position combines advanced technical expertise with team leadership, curriculum development, client advocacy, and a business-minded approach to continuous improvement.

You'll work closely with ownership to identify opportunities, solve challenges, develop our trainers, and ensure the department continues to grow in both quality and capability.

We're looking for someone who sees the bigger picture. Someone who recognizes opportunities for improvement, brings creative solutions to challenges, celebrates team victories, and understands that quality training, outstanding customer service, and a thriving business go hand in hand.

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who wants to build something meaningful and grow with us for years to come.

What You'll Be Responsible For

Day Train Program Leadership & Training Quality

As the Dog Training Manager, your primary responsibility will be overseeing the training department, ensuring our Day Train programs consistently deliver high-quality results, and developing the trainers responsible for those outcomes.

You'll provide technical guidance, evaluate training progress, troubleshoot challenging cases, and ensure our curriculum continues to evolve alongside the needs of our dogs and clients.

This is a hands-on leadership position that requires someone who can confidently step into training situations when needed while maintaining a broader focus on department performance, trainer development, and the overall client experience.

  • Oversee the daily execution and quality of our Tuesday–Friday Day Train programs.

  • Maintain high standards for training quality, consistency, and humane handling throughout the department.

  • Demonstrate advanced proficiency in balanced training methods, including appropriate e-collar use, timing, conditioning, and application.

  • Evaluate challenging behavioral cases and develop customized training approaches.

  • Recognize when a training plan isn't producing the desired results and confidently adjust course.

  • Support trainers in developing creative solutions to complex training challenges.

  • Continually evaluate and refine our training curriculum to improve outcomes.

  • Ensure training is individualized to each dog, owner, and their specific goals.

  • Support trainers in delivering effective owner lessons that translate training progress into real-life success.

  • Identify opportunities to improve training efficiency without sacrificing quality.

  • Encourage new ideas, continued education, and an open-minded approach to training.

We don't believe in one-size-fits-all dog training. We're looking for someone who can think critically, adapt their approach, and help others do the same.

Team Leadership, Mentorship & Development

Great leaders don't just produce results themselves. They help the people around them become better.

As the Training Manager, you'll create an environment where our training team feels supported, challenged, appreciated, and excited to grow.

  • Lead, mentor, and develop our team of dog trainers.

  • Provide constructive feedback that builds confidence and improves performance.

  • Recognize individual strengths and help trainers continue developing their skills.

  • Create an inclusive, collaborative environment where ideas and questions are encouraged.

  • Help team members navigate difficult training situations.

  • Coach trainers on technical training skills, balanced training methods, e-collar handling, and effective owner instruction.

  • Identify opportunities for additional education, coaching, and skill development.

  • Maintain accountability to training standards and expectations while encouraging learning from mistakes.

  • Celebrate individual and team accomplishments.

  • Foster a positive, energetic, and solutions-oriented workplace.

  • Help unite the team around shared goals and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Dog training can be physically demanding, mentally challenging, and occasionally emotional.

We're looking for someone who brings positivity, perspective, and encouragement to difficult days.

Someone who knows when to coach, when to challenge, when to listen, and when the team simply needs a little fun.

Community Building, Pack Walks & Events

Building community is at the heart of what we do, and it's a major part of this position.

We believe training doesn't end when a dog graduates from our program. Our pack walks, group classes, and community events give clients opportunities to continue practicing their skills, build confidence, connect with other dog owners, and feel supported throughout their dog's life.

We're looking for someone who genuinely enjoys bringing people together and is excited to be an active part of growing that community.

  • Take an active leadership role in our Saturday pack walks, group classes, and community events.

  • Help plan, organize, and facilitate engaging activities both at our facility and throughout Morgan Hill.

  • Create a welcoming, inclusive environment where clients feel comfortable participating regardless of their experience level.

  • Encourage graduates to stay involved and continue practicing their training.

  • Help clients build confidence handling their dogs in real-world environments.

  • Support trainers in creating engaging, educational, and enjoyable group experiences.

  • Develop creative ideas for new community events, activities, and learning opportunities.

  • Build meaningful relationships with clients that extend beyond their initial training program.

  • Help strengthen the sense of belonging that makes Inclined Canine Academy more than just a dog training facility.

This is not an optional part of the role. We're looking for someone who genuinely loves working with people, enjoys creating memorable experiences, and finds fulfillment in building a supportive community.

If you're the kind of person who gets excited about bringing people together, celebrating their progress, and finding creative ways to keep them engaged, you'll feel right at home here.

Client Experience & Customer Success

Great dog training is only part of what makes a successful training program.

Our clients need to feel heard, supported, educated, and confident throughout their experience.

You'll play an important role in ensuring our clients receive thoughtful, personalized care and clear communication.

  • Create a consistent, positive, and engaging client experience.

  • Support trainers in communicating effectively with dog owners.

  • Help navigate challenging client conversations with empathy and professionalism.

  • Identify concerns before they become larger problems.

  • Advocate for clients while balancing realistic training expectations.

  • Ensure training plans address each client's lifestyle, goals, and challenges.

  • Identify opportunities to improve client education, engagement, and satisfaction.

  • Help clients feel confident continuing their dog's training beyond graduation.

  • Look for creative ways to make the training experience more valuable and memorable.

Our success isn't simply measured by how well a dog performs with a trainer, but by how successfully that dog and its owner work together.

Leadership Partnership & Problem-Solving

You'll work closely with ownership to ensure the training department continues to operate effectively and evolve as the company grows. We're looking for someone who takes ownership of their department and approaches challenges with curiosity, accountability, and initiative.

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Maintain open, proactive communication with ownership.

  • Identify challenges affecting training quality, employee performance, or the client experience.

  • Bring thoughtful recommendations and actionable solutions to leadership.

  • Advocate for the needs of both clients and training staff.

  • Recognize opportunities to improve communication, workflows, and departmental efficiency.

  • Help implement and evaluate improvements.

  • Communicate department successes, challenges, and emerging needs.

  • Take responsibility for maintaining high standards throughout the training department.

We want someone who says:

"Here's what I'm seeing, here's why I think it's happening, and here's what I recommend we do to make it better."

You'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on how our training department operates and grows.

Business Growth & Continuous Improvement

We believe great ideas can come from anywhere, and we're looking for a Training Manager who enjoys thinking like a business owner.

You don't need to have owned a business, but we value people who understand the importance of long-term thinking, efficiency, profitability, and continuous improvement.

  • Identify creative ways to improve the training experience.

  • Recognize opportunities to improve efficiency and productivity.

  • Contribute ideas that support sustainable business growth.

  • Help refine existing programs and explore opportunities for new offerings.

  • Balance high-quality training with operational efficiency.

  • Consider how departmental decisions affect the overall business.

  • Collaborate with ownership on initiatives that improve the company's long-term success.

  • Explore ways to strengthen client engagement, community participation, and long-term relationships.

We're especially interested in candidates who have entrepreneurial experience, have worked in a family-owned business, or naturally approach their work with an ownership mentality.

Organization, Technology & Communication

Strong leadership requires organization, follow-through, and clear communication.

  • Maintain organized training documentation and departmental information.

  • Ensure training progress and client updates are communicated effectively.

  • Utilize technology and business systems to support training operations.

  • Help maintain consistent standards for training records and client communication.

  • Capture meaningful training moments for client updates and social media opportunities.

  • Collaborate with team members to highlight training accomplishments and success stories.

  • Ensure important information is communicated between trainers, clients, and ownership.

  • Identify ways technology can improve efficiency and enhance the customer experience.

You should be comfortable learning new technology and finding ways to use it to make the team's work easier and more effective.

Who We're Looking For:

You're a Natural Leader

People look to you for guidance because you're approachable, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in their success.

You understand that leadership isn't about being the loudest person in the room. It's about bringing people together, earning their trust, and helping them achieve more than they thought possible.

You're a Highly Experienced, Adaptable Balanced Trainer, you have extensive hands-on experience with balanced training methods and are confident using e-collars appropriately and effectively.

You understand that every dog is different, and you enjoy developing thoughtful, individualized training plans rather than relying on a single method for every situation.

You're a Creative Problem-Solver

You enjoy figuring out what makes each dog and owner unique, and you're comfortable adjusting your approach when something isn't working.

You're a Community Builder

You genuinely enjoy people. You love seeing clients succeed, bringing people together, and creating opportunities for continued learning and connection.

You're excited about leading pack walks, participating in community events, and helping clients feel like they're part of something bigger than a training program.

You Bring Positive Energy

You're enthusiastic, encouraging, and know how to make challenging work enjoyable. You celebrate the wins, recognize effort, and help your team maintain perspective when things get difficult.

You Think Like a Business Owner

You understand that great training and sound business practices should support one another. You naturally look for opportunities to improve systems, create efficiencies, and contribute to long-term success.

You're Collaborative and Approachable

You welcome ideas, value different perspectives, and understand that the best solutions often come from working together. You can provide constructive feedback without discouraging people and maintain accountability without creating unnecessary conflict.

You're Committed to Growth.

You're looking for more than your next job. You want to invest in a company, develop your leadership abilities, build a strong team, and contribute to something you're proud of for years to come.

Qualifications

Required:

  • Extensive, hands-on professional dog training experience with a demonstrated history of successful outcomes.
  • Advanced understanding of canine behavior, learning theory, and balanced training methodologies.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in e-collar conditioning, timing, appropriate application, and owner education.
  • Ability to coach other trainers on safe, effective, and appropriate training-tool use.
  • Experience assessing complex behavioral challenges and developing individualized training plans.
  • Ability to evaluate other trainers' techniques, identify opportunities for improvement, and provide effective coaching.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience, including mentoring, coaching, or developing other trainers or team members.
  • Strong communication skills and a client-first mindset.
  • Genuine enthusiasm for leading group activities, community events, and client engagement.
  • Availability and willingness to actively participate in Saturday pack walks, group classes, and community events.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Comfortable using technology and learning new systems.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with ownership and other team members.
  • Commitment to maintaining a positive, professional, and supportive environment.

Preferred:

  • Previous experience serving as a Training Manager, Training Director, or similar leadership role.
  • Experience working within or overseeing Day Train programs.
  • Experience developing or improving training curriculum.
  • Experience managing a team or department.
  • Experience facilitating group classes, pack walks, or community events.
  • Entrepreneurial experience or involvement in a family-owned business.
  • Experience improving business processes or customer experiences.
  • A demonstrated commitment to continuing education and professional development.

Schedule

This is a full-time, on-site position at our Morgan Hill facility.

Tuesday–Friday: 9:30 AM–7:30 PM — Day Train programs, team development, and owner education.

Saturday: 8:00 AM–12:00 PM — Pack walks, group classes, and community events.

Sunday–Monday: Off

Saturday activities take place at our facility and throughout Morgan Hill.

Active participation in Saturday community activities is an essential requirement of this position.

We're looking for someone who sees these events as one of the most rewarding parts of their week, not simply another responsibility on their schedule.

Benefits:

  • Health insurance

  • Paid time off

If you’re still reading this post and feel that we have described your dream job, we want to hear from you! Please submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Please include Your Name - Training Manager in the subject line and answer the following questions:

1. Tell us about your professional dog training background, including your experience with balanced training methods and e-collars. What types of dogs and behavioral challenges have you worked with, and what is your approach when a training plan isn't producing the desired results?

2. What experience do you have leading, mentoring, or developing other trainers? What do you enjoy most about helping others grow, and how would you describe your leadership style?

3. At Inclined Canine Academy, Saturdays are dedicated to pack walks, group classes, and community events. We believe building relationships with our clients and supporting their continued success is just as important as the training itself.

What excites you about being actively involved in building and leading this type of community?

4. As the Training Manager, you'll work closely with ownership to improve our training programs, team performance, and client experience.

Tell us about a time you identified an opportunity to improve a process, program, or team. What did you do, and what was the outcome?

5. What interests you most about this Training Manager opportunity, and what are you looking for in your next long-term position?

6. How many years of professional dog training experience do you have?

7. Are you proficient in balanced training methods, including e-collar conditioning and owner education?

8. Are you available to work Tuesday–Friday, 9:00 AM–7:30 PM, and Saturday, 8:00 AM–12:00 PM?

9. What is your desired annual compensation?