What It’s Like Working at PetSmart as a Dog Trainer

If you love dogs and dream of a job where you get to teach them tricks and good behavior, PetSmart’s dog trainer position might seem like the perfect fit. It’s one of the more unique roles in retail — part educator, part entertainer, part salesperson — and it comes with its own set of rewards and frustrations.

This guide is based on a comprehensive review of dozens of real employee experiences shared across job review sites, forums, and social media — not a single person’s opinion, but a balanced summary of what actual workers report.

Here’s what you need to know before signing up to become a PetSmart dog trainer.

What You’ll Actually Do

As a PetSmart dog trainer, you lead group obedience classes and occasionally private training sessions in the store’s designated training area. Classes typically run in multi-week formats covering puppy basics, beginner obedience, intermediate skills, and advanced training.

A typical class lasts about an hour, and you might teach 2 to 4 classes per day depending on enrollment and scheduling. Between classes, you’re responsible for setting up the training space, cleaning equipment, preparing lesson plans, making follow-up calls to enrolled clients, and marketing your classes to in-store shoppers.

PetSmart provides its own training curriculum through their Accredited Pet Trainer program. New hires go through an extensive onboarding process that includes both online coursework and hands-on practice. You don’t need to be a certified professional dog trainer to start — PetSmart trains you from the ground up.

Beyond teaching, trainers are often expected to sell training packages, promote services to customers browsing the store, and meet enrollment targets. This sales component surprises many new trainers who expected the role to be purely about working with dogs.

Pay & Hours

PetSmart dog trainers typically earn between $13 and $18 per hour, depending on location and experience. The national average falls around $15 per hour. Some locations offer additional commission or bonuses based on class enrollment numbers, though this varies.

Hours are one of the biggest frustrations reported by trainers. Many start as part-time employees with fewer than 20 hours per week, and building up to full-time hours can take months or even years. Class schedules are often concentrated on evenings and weekends when pet parents are available, which means your hours may not align with a traditional schedule.

For a part-time trainer working 15 to 20 hours per week, annual earnings typically fall in the $10,000 to $18,700 range. Full-time trainers working 35+ hours per week can expect $23,600 to $32,700 annually.

PetSmart also provides a free gym membership equivalent in the form of a free PetSmart training certification, which has real market value if you decide to pursue dog training independently.

Pros

1. Flexible and Autonomous Work Many trainers describe the role as one of the most flexible positions within PetSmart. You largely manage your own class schedule, and the work is self-directed. Several reviewers highlight this autonomy as the best aspect of the job.

2. Free Professional Training PetSmart’s Accredited Pet Trainer program provides a structured education in dog training methodology. This certification has real-world value and can serve as a launching pad for a career in professional dog training.

3. Rewarding and Fun Daily Work Teaching dogs and watching both pets and owners make progress is genuinely fulfilling. Trainers consistently report that the actual training sessions are the highlight of the job, and the relationships built with regular clients and their dogs are deeply rewarding.

4. Working with Animals For dog lovers, the chance to spend your workday interacting with puppies and dogs of all breeds is a significant quality-of-life benefit that most office jobs simply can’t offer.

5. Store Discount PetSmart employees receive a generous discount on pet products and services, which is a nice perk for pet owners who would be buying supplies anyway.

Cons

1. Limited and Inconsistent Hours The most common complaint among PetSmart trainers is the difficulty getting enough hours. Many report being scheduled for 15 hours or fewer per week, especially when starting out. If classes don’t fill up, hours get cut further.

2. Sales Pressure PetSmart expects trainers to actively sell training packages and meet enrollment goals. Many trainers feel uncomfortable with this sales aspect, especially when it takes away from the training work they actually enjoy.

3. Low Pay for Skilled Work Despite the specialized nature of dog training, the hourly rate is often close to what floor associates earn. Many trainers feel the compensation doesn’t reflect the skill, patience, and expertise the role requires.

4. Little Control Over Schedule While the day-to-day work is flexible, trainers report having limited control over which days and times they’re expected to be available. Evening and weekend classes are the norm, which can conflict with personal plans and social life.

5. Store Duties Beyond Training During gaps between classes or when enrollment is low, trainers are often pulled to help on the sales floor — stocking shelves, running registers, or working in pet care. This can feel like a demotion for trainers who were hired specifically for training work.

Tips for New Employees

1. Market Your Classes Aggressively Your hours and income directly depend on class enrollment. Walk the store floor, talk to customers with new puppies, and hand out information about upcoming classes. The more proactive you are about filling seats, the better your schedule and earnings will be.

2. Build a Following When clients love your training style, they’ll come back for the next level class and refer friends. Focus on delivering genuine value in every session, and you’ll build a loyal client base that sustains your enrollment numbers.

3. Learn Beyond the Curriculum PetSmart’s training program is solid but basic. Read books on dog behavior, follow professional trainers online, and continuously expand your knowledge. Better skills make you a better trainer, which leads to better reviews and more enrollments.

4. Set Boundaries on Floor Work If you’re consistently being pulled to work the sales floor during your training shifts, have an honest conversation with your manager. Your primary value to the store is as a trainer, and spending too much time on floor duties undermines that.

FAQ

Do you need dog training experience to work as a PetSmart dog trainer? No. PetSmart provides all the training you need through their Accredited Pet Trainer program. A love for dogs, patience, and good communication skills are more important than prior training experience.

Is PetSmart dog training a good career path? It can be an excellent starting point for a career in dog training or animal behavior. The certification and hands-on experience you gain are valuable, and many PetSmart trainers go on to start their own training businesses or work at specialized training facilities.

Can you work full-time as a PetSmart dog trainer? Full-time positions exist but are less common than part-time roles. Building up to full-time hours usually requires strong enrollment numbers and availability for evening and weekend classes. Some trainers supplement their training hours with additional responsibilities in the store.

Conclusion

Working as a PetSmart dog trainer is a great fit for animal lovers who want structured entry into the dog training world without paying for expensive certification programs. The work itself is rewarding and fun, but the inconsistent hours, sales pressure, and modest pay are real trade-offs.

This role works best as a part-time job for students, a supplementary income source, or a stepping stone toward a full-time career in dog training. If you go in expecting to build a skill rather than earn top dollar, you’ll likely have a positive experience.