Pet Caregiver / Dog Walker / Trainer

We are looking for a compassionate, patient, and experienced dog caregiver to support a 4-year-old rescue pit mix. This role is ideal for someone with experience working with anxious, shy, or reactive dogs who understands how to build trust slowly and create a calm, structured environment at the owner's home.

This is not just a dog walking position. We are looking for someone who can provide training reinforcement, enrichment, companionship, emotional safety, overnight stays, and consistent care. Think of it as a part time dog nanny.

About the Dog

The dog is a sweet and loving rescue with anxiety who takes time to warm up to new people. She is shy and requires multiple interactions before fully trusting someone.

She currently struggles with:

• Reactivity to doorbells, strangers, and unfamiliar situations
• Fear-based barking when she feels overwhelmed or scared
• Walking outside (this is currently the biggest training challenge)

We are specifically seeking someone who has experience with reactive or anxious dogs and can help build confidence through patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement.

Responsibilities

• Care for the dog approximately 9 AM–1 PM, 3 days per week in the owners home in the Garner area
• Reinforce reactivity and confidence-building training
• Help desensitize triggers such as strangers, doorbells, and outside walks
• Train the dog during walks patiently and help improve comfort outdoors
• Provide enrichment activities, playtime, and companionship
• Administer medication as needed
• Maintain consistency with routines and commands
• Provide occasional overnight care (at least once per month)
• Send regular updates on behavior and progress

Qualifications

• Experience with reactive, anxious, fearful, or rescue dogs required
• Familiarity with positive reinforcement training methods preferred
• Comfortable administering medication
• Comfortable with overnight stays at owners' home
• Calm, patient, dependable, and emotionally attuned
• Able to move slowly and respectfully while building trust with shy dogs
• Professional dog training, rescue, veterinary, or behavioral experience is a required
• Must pass a background check and a be a non-smoker

Pay: $25.00 - $30.00 per hour

Application Question(s):

• Are you available 3 days per week between 9 AM–1 PM in the Garner / Fuquay-Varina / Clayton area?
• What methods do you use when working with a dog that is fearful or reactive to things like strangers, doorbells, or pulls on the leash outside?
• Are you able to provide occasional overnight care for 5-7 days at a time (about 1x per month)?

Work Location: In person