Dog handlers work with specially trained dogs and are responsible for their care and control. They work mainly for the police, the army and RAF, the customs and excise service and private security firms.

In the police force dogs are used for:

• tracking missing persons
• controlling crowds, for example at football matches
• searching for explosives or illegal drugs
• chasing armed criminals
• guarding prisoners.

In the Army and RAF dogs are used in:

• guarding military bases and aircraft hangers
• locating land mines and other explosives
• searching for wounded casualties.

HM Customs and Excise use dogs at ports, airports and large stations to:

• detect drugs, tobacco and cigarettes
• detect food products such as meat and dairy products that are being brought into the country illegally.

In the security industry dogs are used for:

• patrolling and guarding property
• guarding construction sites
• providing security at events.

Dog handlers also work for other services, such as the fire service, the prison service and mountain rescue.

Hours and Environment

As a dog handler you will work long hours, including weekends, evenings and nights. In all services you will work shifts on a rota that covers 24 hours, seven days a week. In the Army and RAF, you could be called out at any time to deal with emergencies.

In some services, such as the police, you will look after your dog in your own home, so you will need suitable facilities. The job is physically demanding - you will need to keep up with your dog during rigorous training and will work outside in all weather conditions. 

Skills and Interests

To be a dog handler you should:

• have some experience with dogs
• be happy working alone with your dog but also be able to work in a team
• be patient and self-confident
• be able to work with minimum supervision
• be physically fit and strong
• be responsible, alert and observant
• be able to judge a situation accurately and react instantly.

Entry

To become a dog handler in most organisations you will first need to be working in the organisation. For details see the relevant job profiles and the websites listed in Further Information below.

You will then need to meet the organisation's requirements for becoming a dog handler, such as length of experience. For example, police handlers must have at least two years' experience in ordinary police work before transferring to the dog section.

Entry requirements for private security companies will vary depending on the company. You  will be expected to have experience of working with dogs. The National Society of Security Dog Users (NASDU) recommends that you should first get experience as a security officer before considering becoming a dog handler.

Since March 2006 it has been a legal requirement for security guards (including dog handlers) to have a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence. To get a licence you must:

• attend an approved training course
• have a nationally recognised qualification
• have identity and criminal record checks.

See the Security Officer profile and the SIA website for details - there is a link to the website in Further Information below. 

You will usually need to hold a full driving licence.

Training

When you become a dog handler your training will vary according to the organisation.

For example:

In the police force you will:

• attend a 13-week General Purpose Police Dog course at the Dog Training School
• be tutored for one month with an experienced handler before going on patrol
• complete a one-year probationary period.

In the Army and RAF you will:

• attend a two-week basic course with a trained dog at the Defence Animal Centre in Melton Mowbray
• attend other courses covering tasks such as finding casualties and detecting mines.

In all organisations you will have ongoing training to ensure that you maintain the required standards.

In the security industry you can do the following qualifications:

• National Society of Security Dog Users (NASDU) Basic Security Dog Handler Training
• Security Dog Handler National Open College Network award.

Training is offered by a number of private training organisations. You could also work towards NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in Providing Security Services. 

As a dog handler in any service you can work towards NVQ/SVQ levels 1 to 3 in Animal Care.

Opportunities

Information and advice about entering the Army and RAF is available from the websites in Further Information and from local Armed Forces Careers Offices. For fire service recruitment enquiries, contact the personnel or recruitment departments of local fire services. You can find addresses in local telephone directories.

You will gain promotion in the same way as for any other role in the organisation. For example, you will need to pass exams to become a sergeant in the police, or a warrant officer in the army and RAF. It is not usual for those above the rank of sergeant in the army or corporal in the army and RAF to be dog handlers, so you may need to give up dog handling if you want to progress further. 

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Starting salaries may be around £15,500 a year.
Experienced handlers can earn up to £25,000 or more.

Income depends on the employing organisation and rank.

Further information

PO Box 9
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE82 6YX
Tel: 0870 243 0100 Tel: 0845 605 5555 Tel: 08457 300111