09/17/2026
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A DOG TRAINER?
Follow My Lead Dog Trainers, in cooperation with Second Shot Field & Hound Rescue, is putting out some feelers for something I've been wanting to do!
I'm looking for a local high school student who has a genuine interest in becoming a professional dog trainer or pursuing another career working with dogs and would like an opportunity to start gaining real, hands-on experience.
Ideally, I'm looking for a junior or senior, simply because I'm hoping to find someone who is starting to seriously think about what they might want to do after high school. That said, I'm absolutely open to the right younger student who is motivated and genuinely interested in learning!
One caveat for younger students: due to insurance requirements, anyone under 16 would need to have a parent or guardian present with them at all times.
Second Shot has foster dogs who need training while they're waiting for their future homes, and I'd love to pair the right student with one of those dogs and turn that training time into a mentorship opportunity.
The idea is pretty simple:
I'll teach you how to train dogs, and you'll get the opportunity to actually DO it.
You'd bring one of our foster dogs through Follow My Lead group training classes, working right alongside our regular students while I teach and coach you. Outside of class, we'd ideally meet for an additional one-on-one training session each week so we can work through problems, introduce new skills, and give you more individualized instruction.
Ideally, I'm looking for someone who can commit to approximately:
* One group class per week
* One additional one-on-one training session per week
I currently teach classes four days a week, though, so someone who really wants to immerse themselves in it would be welcome to attend and work dogs in additional appropriate classes whenever scheduling allows. There is absolutely room here for someone who wants MORE experience!
And to be very clear: there is NO kennel work or routine dog care expected as part of this.
You're not signing up to clean kennels, feed dogs, exercise a bunch of dogs, or provide free labor.
You're signing up to TRAIN.
Along the way, we'll work on training mechanics, timing, leash handling, communication, canine body language, obedience, household manners, troubleshooting training problems, appropriate use of training tools, and learning how to adapt your approach to the individual dog in front of you.
You'll also get an introduction to a variety of AKC dog sports and the Alaska performance-dog community. I want this to be an opportunity to see just how many different directions working and training with dogs can take you!
We'll explore different sports and activities, and when opportunities arise, there may be chances to attend local training days, shows, trials, or other dog events and meet people already involved in the performance-dog world.
HAVE A DOG OF YOUR OWN?
Even better!
In exchange for the time you're putting into learning and training our foster dogs, you're welcome to take Follow My Lead group classes with your personal dog at no charge as well.
I want you to have the opportunity not only to learn by working with different foster dogs, but also to develop your skills as a handler with your own dog and explore some of the things you're learning together.
No professional training experience is necessary. I'm much more interested in finding someone who is dependable, willing to learn, able to take constructive feedback, and genuinely excited about dogs and training.
This isn't intended to be an employment position. It's an opportunity for a student interested in this field to receive instruction, mentorship, hands-on experience with different dogs, and access to training classes while also helping Second Shot's foster dogs become better prepared for their future homes.
INTERESTED?
Send me an email and tell me a little about:
• Your age and what grade you're in
• Why you're interested in dog training
• What you might eventually like to do with dogs
• Your previous experience with dogs or other animals
• Whether you have a dog of your own and what you've done together
• What you'd most like to learn or experience
• Your general availability
I'd love to hear directly from the student when possible, but parents are absolutely welcome to reach out, help with that first introduction, or contact me on their student's behalf. I know reaching out to someone you don't know can be intimidating — especially when you're young!
You don't need a résumé or a formal application. I'm just hoping to learn a little about you, your interest in dogs, and what you'd hope to get out of an opportunity like this.
If it sounds like it might be a good fit, we can go from there!
Email us at [email protected]
📍 Located in Kenai
*puppy picture for attention purposes...she isn't available 😅*
