Dog handler

Career path and progression

Promotion opportunities will depend on the service or organisation that you work for. In the police and armed forces, you may have to move out of dog handling to get promoted to the higher ranks.

In security, you could go on to be head of canine services, where you lead teams of dog handlers.

You might also become a trainer, working with organisations like search and rescue, to help train dogs and their handlers.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• the ability to teach people and animals how to do something
• physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work on your own
• the ability to work well with others
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks
• have a good level of fitness

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Biology - Dog handlers need to understand animal behaviour, health, and physiology to care for and work effectively with their dogs. Recognising signs of stress, illness, or fatigue in a working dog is essential for keeping them fit and performing well on the job.
• Physical Education - Dog handlers need a high level of physical fitness, as the role involves patrolling on foot, running with dogs, and working outdoors in all weather conditions. Searching for missing people or pursuing suspects can be physically demanding and requires stamina and coordination.
• Psychology - Dog handlers use principles of learning and behaviour – such as conditioning and reinforcement – to train dogs to detect substances, follow commands, and respond in high-pressure situations. Understanding how behaviour is shaped helps them build a strong working partnership with their dog.

Also relevant

• Law - Dog handlers working in the police or security services need to understand the legal framework they operate within, including laws around search and seizure, use of force, and evidence handling. Knowing what they can and cannot do legally is important when detaining suspects or searching property.
• English Language - Dog handlers write incident reports, log training records, and communicate clearly with colleagues and the public during operations. In police or military roles, accurate written and verbal communication is essential for recording evidence and briefing teams.
• Geography - Dog handlers searching for missing people need to read maps, navigate unfamiliar terrain, and understand how weather and landscape affect scent trails. Knowledge of the physical environment helps them plan search routes and work effectively in rural or wilderness settings.
• Chemistry - Dog handlers who work in drug or explosives detection benefit from a basic understanding of the substances their dogs are trained to find. Knowing how different chemicals behave and what makes them detectable helps handlers understand their dog's responses during searches.