As an Army Dog Handler, you are responsible for training and deploying military working dogs (MWDs) in support of missions on battlefields and at home. To become an army dog handler serves a vital mission.

What Are the Main Types of Army Dog Handlers?

Patrol Dog Handlers Role and Key Responsibilities:

Patrol Dog Handlers work with dogs trained in security and patrol work. They patrol and guard perimeters, and they also assist in apprehending suspects.

Detection Dog Handler’s Role and Key Responsibilities:

Detection Dog Handlers help to keep personnel and facilities safe by establishing partnerships with dogs trained to detect explosives, narcotics and other contraband.

Special Operations Dog Handler’s Role and Key Responsibilities:

The Special Operations Dog Handler is a highly trained military dog handler who works with the very best military units performing the most difficult of missions. The dogs he works with are trained to track humans, apprehend them and smell out dangerous explosives.

Therapy Dog Handler’s Role and Key Responsibilities:

Dogs play a role in military health and welfare when they are therapy dogs, a ‘species that works’, who are assigned to comfort injured or traumatised soldiers, with a handler who does so.

What Does an Army Dog Handler Do?

Training Military Working Dogs

Army Dog Handlers look after their dogs and train them to work with a variety of tasks, including tracking and searching, detection, and patrolling. The dogs have to be able to perform these jobs successfully and without harming themselves.

Conducting Patrols and Security Operations

Handlers and their dogs zig and zag around military installations and perimeter areas that are on patrol, protecting against unauthorised or hostile visits.

Detecting Explosives, Narcotics, and Other Contraband

Detection Dog Handlers use their dog’s sense of smell to detect explosives, narcotics and other contraband, a key part of ensuring the safety of our Nation’s Warfighters and the successful execution of our military operations.

Providing Support in Search and Rescue Missions

Dogs work with army Dog Handlers in search, rescue and recovery missions on the ground, finding missing personnel.

Working with Specialized Units in Various Operations

Dog and handler can be attached to special forces, or work alongside conventional military forces on manhunts; reconnaissance; explosives patrol; bomb and mine detection; and even direct action missions.

Average Army Dog Handler Salary

Salary Ranges Based on Experience and Rank

Salaries for Army Dog Handlers can vary depending on rank and years of service. In the army, rookie handlers usually get a base pay, which changes depending on rank and experience.

Comparison of Salaries in Different Branches of the Military

Salaries can also be different depending on the branch of the military a person serves in (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines). The pay scale for each branch can make a difference in your overall earning potential.

Factors Influencing Army Dog Handler Salaries

Several factors can influence the salaries of Army Dog Handlers, including:

• Experience: More experienced handlers get paid higher salaries because they have more experience accepting risk.
• Rank: Higher-ranking handlers receive higher pay.
• Location: Some locations require additional pay – hazard pay, or what the military calls cost-of-living allowances.

Army Dog Handler Skills

Technical Skills

Trainers must learn dog training techniques such as obedience and scent work, as well as patrol training. 

Knowledge of canine behaviour and health is critical to continue their good health. 4. Maintenance of MWD involves ensuring their health. 5. Dogs respond best when influenced by skilled handlers. 6. Qualified handlers enhance the success of dogs in military operations. It is very important to understand a dog’s behaviour and health if it is being trained to be a military working dog. These dogs have a higher likelihood of being deployed and are expected to achieve a high level of success.

Soft Skills

• Communication: communication is key, including the use of signs and signals to work the dog, and communicate with other handlers and other military people.
• Patience and Empathy: No one would be able to build the strong bond with the dog needed for effective training if they were not patient and empathetic.
• Physical fitness: The work requires significant physical effort in training and carrying out duties. 
• Teamwork: The handler has to work with others, including with other handlers, other military personalities, and with their dogs.

Army Dog Handler Tips

• Knowing what is going on: Developing a knowledge of all the training methodologies and techniques being used in military drills and canine training is important. 
• Networking by joining military and professional organisations: Yes, sometimes handlers are expected to be well-versed in current affairs, so stopping by a bowling night at a local Military Order of the Purple Heart, or popping into a lunch-and-learn seminar at an American Association of Private Lenders event makes sense for several reasons. 
• Related Military Experience: A related military experience. For example, as a combat infantryman or member of the military police.
• Maintaining Physical and Mental Fitness: Handlers must stay physically fit and mentally sharp to meet the demands of their role.

Army Dog Handler Requirements

Educational Requirements

• High School Diploma or Equivalent: A high school diploma or equivalent is generally required to join the US Military and become an Army Dog Handler.
• Relevant Coursework: Courses in animal science, biology, and physical education can be beneficial.

Certification Requirements

Training: Candidates must complete the 13-week Military Working Dog Handler Course. The course trains personnel in the handling and training of military working dogs. 

Experience Requirements

Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training (AIT): Basic combat training for enlisted soldiers is mandatory. In advanced individual training, soldiers prepare for their future roles as dog handlers.

How to Become an Army Dog Handler

Completing Relevant Education

A High School Diploma or GED: You earn a diploma. Specialised Courses and Training Programs further courses in animal science or related fields at the graduate or postgraduate level can be a valuable supplement to basic veterinary training.

Gaining Practical Experience

• Basic Combat Training: Enlist in the military and complete basic combat training.
• AIT – Advanced Individual Training: Complete training in the handling and handling supervision of military working dogs.

Obtaining Certification

• Military Working Dog Handler Course: Complete the Military Working Dog Handler Course and get certified as an Army Dog Handler.
• Related Certifications for Dog Trainers: Related certifications for dog trainers can help you advance your career and gain additional skills.

Continuing Professional Development

• Workshops, Seminars, Webinars: Engage in continuous professional development through various training opportunities.
• Advanced Military Training: seek advanced military training in aspects that you are interested in acquiring more knowledge on. 

Networking

• Military and Professional Organisations: Join organisations like the United States War Dogs Association and connect with other handlers and professionals.
• Attending Military-Related Events and Conferences: Be part of an event or a conference to network and be aware of the present-day condition and development of military dog handling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why should you be an Army Dog Handler?

If you want to have a secure and fulfilling career, joining the Army as a Dog Handler ticks all the boxes. You get to work with highly trained dogs. You get to support military operations. You get to make a difference in the success and safety of military operations. What’s not to like? Good job security Good pay packet Fulfilling and satisfying lifestyle Making a difference through training and handling dogs Great career I would never trade in my job as an Army Dog Handler for anything.

2. Is Being an Army Dog Handler a Good Career Choice for You?

If you love dogs, you can enjoy a highly satisfying and productive career as an Army Dog Handler, if possessing strong people skills combined with the capacity to excel in physically demanding work, and if committed to military life more generally. Like most Army vocations, it suits those who are patient, empathetic, and communicate well, as well as those who are highly adaptable and thrive in challenging environments. If you are personally committed to protecting and serving, this could be the career for you.

3. Army Dog Handler Salaries

Army Dog Handler salaries vary greatly depending on experience, and skills. The starting salary for an Army Dog Handler is typically around $43,389- $48,581. This figure may vary substantially as salaries for higher-level positions, which are based on years of experience, additional education or advancement within the rank structures, may be radically different.

4. Which Qualifications Can Help with a Career as an Army Dog Handler?

You will need at least your high school diploma or its equivalent education. Additionally, you might want to take several college courses in subjects such as animal science, biology and physical education. You can also improve your chances for employment and advancement by completing the Military Working Dog Handler Course and various dog-training certifications.

5. Do I Need to Be an Experienced Handler to Get Started?

Not necessarily. The military provides extensive training in basic combat training and AIT military working dog handler, but you don’t have to have a lot of prior experience working with dogs. Prior experience, however, can be helpful.

6. Army Dog Handler Career Outlook

Career prospects for Army Dog Handlers cannot be better – the demand across the Army and other military branches remains consistent. With the ever-growing demand for canine units in the military for duties such as security, detection and support, the need for well-trained handlers should remain robust for decades to come. Attractive salaries and excellent job security, with the potential for upward mobility into specialist roles, make this an appealing vocation.

7. Army Dog Handler Hierarchy and Progressing Within the Role

While some of the senior Army Dog Handlers start with managerial positions, most Dog Handlers start in entry-level positions and are gradually promoted.

Dog Handlers first become junior handlers and, with time, they receive extra training to become handlers. With more experience and skills, one can become a mid-level professional, like a kennel master or trainer. Advanced positions are senior handler or supervisor.

For each of these roles, educational courses must be taken to enhance new or existing skills to get advanced certifications.

8. Army Dog Handler Exit Options and Opportunities

Being able to leave the army and assess your exit options and opportunities from a position of power, especially one so transferable, is key The potential exit highlights of lying can be contrasted with those of a rank-and-file Army Dog Handler, for whom being able to leave the army and assess your exit options and opportunities from a position of power, especially one so transferable, is key.

Leaving the army and finding good-quality employment, from a position of choice, is as possible for an Army Dog Handler as it is for any other member of the armed forces. Outside the UK military, they may choose to pursue careers in law enforcement, private security, canine training, or animal care. Experienced handlers could potentially be employed as police K-9 officers, private security consultants or professional dog trainers. A few might proceed to further study for higher degrees that may lead to careers in animal behaviour, veterinary science and other complementary fields.