The Raja Private School for DogsThe Raja Private School for Dogs - Dog Training, Daycare & Boarding
Michael Kelly working outside with a group of dogs

Dog Training Assistant / Apprentice in Mt. Airy, Maryland

Build a full-time career in dog training.

This is for someone choosing dog training as a long-term career, not a temporary side job. Start with a paid one-month trial, learn directly from Michael, and grow into real training responsibility as The Raja builds a multimillion-dollar dog training company.

A 5 to 10+ year career pathOne-month paid trialAbout 30 hours/week$20/hourMonday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM
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Pay, schedule and benefits

Know the offer before you apply.

Apply now

Paid trial

$20 per hour

One month. About 30 hours a week.

Regular schedule

Monday through Friday

7:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Weekend hours may be needed.

If the role continues

$30+ per hour

Based on expertise and value provided.

After the trial

Paid time off + health stipend

PTO begins accruing after the trial. Commission can follow once independent client work is earned.

The long-term opportunity

Help build the next stage of The Raja.

The Raja is building toward a multi-million-dollar dog training company. We are expanding the team in 2026. Michael is building trainers who can understand dogs, improve behavior, and eventually take on client work with his standard of care and judgment.

The team is still small. You will work closely with Michael and grow through the daily work. We want someone who genuinely loves dogs, wants to stay, and wants to help build the company for the long run.

Apply now

What you are here to learn

Care for dogs. Learn to understand and train them.

Learn to care for, handle, and read dogs through the daily work that keeps them safe and settled. As your judgment grows, Michael teaches you how to choose the right response and train dogs toward changes their owners can feel at home.

Prepare spaces, food, water, leashes, and equipment

Help supervise dogs indoors, outdoors, and around training sessions

Learn how Michael reads behavior and decides what each dog needs next

Practice handling and training skills under Michael's direction as you are ready

Write down what happened and what needs attention next

Clean kennels, bowls, yards, equipment, and up after dogs

Notice changes in behavior and communicate them clearly

Lift up to 50 pounds and work outside in changing weather

Michael Kelly, founder of The Raja Private School for Dogs

The first month

Start with one paid month working alongside Michael.

You see what the job actually involves. Michael sees whether you are dependable, safe with dogs, open to coaching, and able to apply what you learn.

  • About 30 hours a week to start
  • $20 per hour
  • Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM
  • Weekend hours may be needed.
  • Hands-on dog care and assistant work with Michael

The commitment

This is a career path, not a side job.

We are looking for someone who wants to build a career here for the next 5 to 10+ years. The right person wants coaching, increasing responsibility, stronger training skills, and the opportunity to earn more as the value they provide grows.

  • You want dog training to become your primary career.
  • You can commit to the regular weekday schedule.
  • You want feedback and real responsibility as you improve.
  • You are ready for physical, hands-on work with dogs.

No degree is required. No dog training title is required. Experience with dogs helps, but Michael is looking for someone who pays attention, applies feedback, and wants to learn why dogs behave the way they do.

You need a reliable vehicle to commute to Mt. Airy. Routine daycare routes are handled by dedicated drivers. Transporting training clients may come later once trust and skill are established.

This is a small, hands-on team, not casual, temporary, or side work. You will work beside Michael, care for dogs people trust us with, and take on more responsibility as your judgment grows.

Physical reality

Dogs. Weather. Cleanup.

You must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, work outdoors, handle multiple dogs carefully, and be comfortable cleaning up after dogs.

After the trial

The paid trial is the first step.

Start with a paid trial. If the fit is right, the path is toward a larger full-time role where you handle, understand, and train dogs with more independence. That next step is earned through the work, not promised on a timer.

Apply now

Pay after the trial

$30+ per hour

Based on expertise and value provided.

Paid time off begins accruing after the trial. At full-time hours, it is equivalent to 10 paid days per year and is prorated by hours worked.
A stipend toward your health insurance after the trial.
Commission may be added once the person can work with training clients independently. There is no guaranteed date for that step.

Apply for the role

Apply in three short steps

Step 1 of 3

We ask about your contact details, long-term career goals, schedule, dog experience, and why you want the role. A resume is optional.

First, how can we reach you?
Are you at least 18 years old?
Are you looking for a long-term dog-training career that you could grow in for 5 to 10+ years?

This position is not designed as temporary or side work.

We use this information to review your application, contact you about the role, and measure recruitment advertising.

Questions before applying? Email michael@rajak9.com.

Apply now