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Dog Handler Trainer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Downtown Dog Lounge LLC

Dog Handler

Seattle, WA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

Description Position Overview & Purpose The Dog Handler is responsible for providing direct care ... Cross-train for other positions within the company over time (concierge, pack leader, trainer ...

Downtown Dog Lounge LLC

Dog Handler

Seattle, WA · On-site

$21.30 - $22.87/hr

Description Position Overview & Purpose The Dog Handler is responsible for providing direct care ... Cross-train for other positions within the company over time (concierge, pack leader, trainer ...

Downtown Dog Lounge

Dog Handler

Seattle, WA · On-site

$21.30 - $22.87/hr

Job Type Full-time Description Position Overview & Purpose The Dog Handler is responsible for ... Cross-train for other positions within the company over time (concierge, pack leader, trainer ...

Downtown Dog Lounge LLC

Dog Handler

Seattle, WA · On-site

$21.30 - $22.87/hr

Position Overview & Purpose The Dog Handler is responsible for providing direct care for our dogs ... Cross-train for other positions within the company over time (concierge, pack leader, trainer ...

The Dog Stop - Lake Charles

Dog Handler

Lake Charles, LA · On-site

$10 - $12/hr

Training & development Job Summary The Dog Stop ® is looking for enthusiastic Canine Handlers to join their team. Knowledge of the dog care industry is a plus but not required provided the candidate ...

D Pet Hotels Arcadia

Dog Handler

Phoenix, AZ

$12/hr

The Dog Handler team cares for the animals 24 hours a day, 365 days a year ... Full training in canine behavior and safe handling techniques is provided. Responsibilities:

D Pet Hotels Arcadia

Dog Handler

Phoenix, AZ

$12/hr

The Dog Handler team cares for the animals 24 hours a day, 365 days a year ... Full training in canine behavior and safe handling techniques is provided. Responsibilities:

R Doggies Inc

Be Seen First

Dog Handler

Gillette, NJ · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • PTO

CANINE HANDLERS The Dog Stop ® - Long Hill is looking for enthusiastic Canine Handlers to join our ... training and enrichment activities, and a natural pet retail store that carries the best products ...

R Doggies Inc

Be Seen First

Dog Handler

Gillette, NJ · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • PTO

CANINE HANDLERS The Dog Stop ® - Long Hill is looking for enthusiastic Canine Handlers to join our ... training and enrichment activities, and a natural pet retail store that carries the best products ...

ProspectBArk

Experienced Dog Handler

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$17 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

PAID training and PAID Industry Certifications * 401(K) * COMMUTER benefits * PAID sick days & PAID ... PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL DAYCARE HANDLERS ARE ALSO OFFERED DOG WALKS AND PET SITS IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD ...

ProspectBArk

Experienced Dog Handler

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$17 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

PAID training and PAID Industry Certifications * 401(K) * COMMUTER benefits * PAID sick days & PAID ... PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL DAYCARE HANDLERS ARE ALSO OFFERED DOG WALKS AND PET SITS IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD ...

WolfPack Adventures HI LLC

Dog Handler & Driver

Wahiawa, HI · On-site

$17 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Handlers must learn and understand the basics of canine training. This includes: * loose leash ... Handlers supervise dogs during free-play, must learn and recognize unwanted behaviors (e.g ...

Dan's Pet Care

OVERNIGHT Dog Handler

Glen Cove, NY · On-site

$17.50 - $19/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Training & development Join the Pack at Dan's Pet Care Are you ready to redefine pet care? At Dan ... As a Dog Handler at our state-of-the-art facility, you'll be at the heart of this mission, shaping ...

U.S. Army

Dog Handler (U.S. Army)

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$11.50 - $15/hr

Military Working Dog (MWD) handlers are responsible for the care and training of his or her service dog, which contributes to combat operations abroad and installation security at home by providing ...

Auberge Collection

Hotel Dog Handler

Kamuela, HI · On-site

$18 - $21.25/hr

The ideal candidate is friendly, patient, thoughtful, helpful and has the ability to learn and uphold basic dog training and commands Mika has already received. Previous dog handler experience is not ...

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Dog Handler Trainer information

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$28

$38

$42

How much do dog handler trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for dog handler trainer in the United States is $38.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.30 and $40.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dog handler trainer?

Dog Handler Trainers are professionals who specialize in teaching both dogs and their handlers how to work together effectively. They train dogs for obedience, behavior modification, and specific tasks, while also instructing handlers on proper techniques and communication methods. These trainers may work with pet owners, service dogs, police or military dogs, and dogs used in sports or entertainment. Their goal is to enhance the relationship between the dog and the handler, ensuring safety, performance, and mutual understanding.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a dog handler trainer?

To thrive as a Dog Handler Trainer, you need deep knowledge of canine behavior, training techniques, and animal care, often supported by relevant certifications such as Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). Familiarity with training tools (e.g., leashes, clickers), behavior assessment systems, and sometimes animal first aid is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and problem-solving skills help trainers effectively instruct both dogs and their owners. These skills and qualities ensure safety, successful training outcomes, and positive relationships between handlers, dogs, and clients.

What challenges do dog handler trainers face when working with dogs of varying temperaments?

Dog Handler Trainers often encounter dogs with a wide range of temperaments and behavior issues, from high-energy puppies to anxious or aggressive adults. Adapting training methods to suit individual dogs can be challenging and requires patience, observation, and flexibility. Effective trainers build trust gradually, use positive reinforcement, and tailor their approach to each dog’s learning style. Collaboration with pet owners or other handlers is also key to maintaining consistency and ensuring progress outside of formal training sessions.

What is the difference between Dog Handler Trainer vs Dog Obedience Instructor?

AspectDog Handler TrainerDog Obedience Instructor
CertificationsPet training certifications, handler licensesObedience training certifications, pet trainer credentials
Work EnvironmentTraining grounds, security sites, service dog programsClassrooms, training centers, pet stores
Employer & IndustrySecurity firms, service dog organizations, private trainersPet training schools, obedience clubs, pet stores

Dog Handler Trainers focus on training dogs for specific roles like security or service work, often working in specialized environments. Dog Obedience Instructors primarily teach pet owners how to train their dogs in basic obedience skills in classroom settings. While both roles require similar certifications and involve dog training, their work environments and client focus differ significantly.

More about Dog Handler Trainer jobs

What states have the most Dog Handler Trainer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Dog Handler Trainer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Dog Handler Trainer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Dog Handler Trainer jobs are:

Dog Handler Trainer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dog Handler Trainer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $79,399 per year, or $38.2 per hour.

Dog Handler

Downtown Dog Lounge LLC

Seattle, WA • On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Description

Position Overview & Purpose

The Dog Handler is responsible for providing direct care for our dogs, as well as their health and safety while on-site, resulting in exceptional customer service and high-quality pet care. 


A Week in the Life of a Dog Handler

The following is a list of general job responsibilities for the Dog Handler position. Please note that this list is not all-inclusive and may be amended to meet changing business needs. 


Daily Operations:

  • Live out and be a positive advocate for Downtown Dog Lounge's safety culture
  • Understand and uphold the Purpose and Core Values of the business in actions and words
  • Actively oversee a designated dog park in person to ensure positive and safe dog interactions and mitigate escalating behaviors
  • Develop thorough knowledge and understanding of dog breeds and dog behavior  
  • Follow all safety guidelines and protocols   
  • Attend daily recap meetings, as well as read and understand recap daily

Spend Time With Dogs & Their Parents:

  • Provide exceptional customer service, including transparent communication 
  • Develop strong relationships with customers (dogs and people)  
  • Learn basic customer service, concierge, and front-facing role duties (answering the phone, replying to emails, posting in Slack, etc.)
  • Perform additional services such as dog walks, dog jogs, and one-on-one play with a ball 
  • Become an proficient Gingr user and communicating with pet parents
  • Assist with dog rotations and mealtimes
  • Assist with running dogs at check-in and check-out  

Support with Cleaning:

  • Clean up after dogs 
  • Cleanliness of the location 
  • Perform additional cleaning and disinfection duties including, but not limited to, taking out the garbage, mopping, cleaning crates and surfaces, laundry, etc.

Support the Team:

  • Uphold DDL Purpose and Values, communicating clearly, openly, honestly, and kindly  
  • Communicate and participate as part of the team 
  • Attend periodic required trainings and All Team Meetings  
  • Mentor new team members as assigned  
  • Perform other daily tasks as assigned by the Pack Leader and/or Supervisors
  • Cross-train for other positions within the company over time (concierge, pack leader, trainer, bather, etc.) 


Downtown Dog Lounge is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We look forward to your application.


Requirements

Experience and Education:

  • Minimum of High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent
  • Must be 18 years of age to work independently in the dog parks 

Required Skills and Abilities:

  • Comfortable working within close proximity to approximately 30 dogs in an enclosed park 
  • Desire to develop a thorough understanding of dog behavior 
  • Quick reaction time to unpredictable situations 
  • Comfortable working in a loud environment 
  • Strong interpersonal and customer service skills 
  • Comfortable standing for 8 hours at a time 
  • Able to lift 45 pounds 
  • Must be flexible and will be expected to be available to work weekends, evenings, and during holidays 

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