Dog handler
Dog handlers work with specially trained dogs to help detect and prevent crime, find lost or missing people and protect property.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Depending on the service you work for, you could:
- patrol premises and protect property
- search for lost or missing people
- detect drugs, firearms or explosives
- control crowds
- look after your dog in your own home
- attend training courses with your dog
Working environment
You could work in kennels.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and physically demanding.
You may need to wear a uniform.
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
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
You could take a course that will increase your knowledge and skills to handle and work with animals like a:
- Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Animal Care or Animal Management
- T Level in Animal Care and Management
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
More Information
You could apply to do an Animal Training Instructor Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.
This takes around 2 years to complete.
Employers offering the scheme may expect you to have experience of working with animals.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
More Information
You can train to be a dog handler if you work or have worked in the uniformed services.
Check the entry requirements for applying to be a dog handler in the:
You can gain confidence with dogs and develop your training skills through volunteering.
Organisations like the National Search and Rescue Dog Association and dog rescue charities may be useful places to search for opportunities.
You can apply to work with a private security firm as a dog handler. You'll need a Security Industry Authority licence to do this.
You'll have an advantage when you apply for jobs if you've got experience of working with dogs.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a dog handler from the College of Animal Welfare.
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This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.