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Dog Handler Trainer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Dog Stop Richmond (TDS-0037)

Canine Handler

Richmond, VA · On-site

$12.50 - $16.25/hr

Position Summary The Canine Handler is responsible for the supervision, care, safety, and well ... Dog Training * Kennel Operations * Pet Retail * Animal Behavior * Customer Service We Are Looking ...

The Dog Stop South Llc

Canine Handler

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$11 - $13/hr

Join The Dog Stop South Hills as a Canine Handler, where your passion for dogs meets a rewarding ... Monitor dog behavior and report any concerns to management. * Participate in training sessions to ...

The Dog Stop South Llc

Canine Handler

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$11 - $13/hr

Join The Dog Stop South Hills as a Canine Handler, where your passion for dogs meets a rewarding ... Monitor dog behavior and report any concerns to management. * Participate in training sessions to ...

Dogtopia

Dog Playroom Trainer

Mckinney, TX · On-site

$11 - $14/hr

Basic knowledge of dog safety Experience as a kennel technician, vet assistant, dog handler, dog trainer, dog walker, pet care associate, FFA, or 4H background is a plus -- but not required. Who This ...

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Dog Handler Trainer information

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How much do dog handler trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 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.

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Dog Handler Trainer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dog Handler Trainer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 32% 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.

Child Life Specialist/Dog Handler, Evenings

Louisville, KY • On-site

Norton Healthcare, Inc.
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Norton Healthcare, Inc.external

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

Other

Medical, Life

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Norton Healthcare rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 191 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Responsibilities

The role of the Child Life Therapist/Facility Dog Handler is to assess, plan, implement and evaluate the psychosocial needs of the patients and families we serve. The Child Life Therapist will utilize the facility dog to provide psychosocial support, plan and implement activities to further the social, emotional, intellectual and physical growth of the child within the inpatient and outpatient settings. The CCLS will utilize appropriate principles of growth and development, act as an advocate for patients and families and provide age appropriate medical teaching and distraction, again utilizing the facility dog as an extension of their work to help meet goals and objectives during their hospital stay.

The Norton Children’s name stands for high-quality pediatric care across a spectrum of specialties and locations throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana. It comprises two hospitals, a medical center, regional outpatient centers, and primary and specialty care physician practices. Norton Children’s is a comprehensive network of highly trained pediatricians, pediatric specialists and support services providing care for children of all ages. As the need for pediatric care has grown in our region, so has the footprint of Norton Children’s. Our medical facilities currently serve more than 200,000 patients and see over 1 million patient visits each year.

You may be eligible for some of our programs:

  • Relocation Assistance to help you make the Louisville Metropolitan or Southern Indiana area your new home.

  • Employee Referral Incentive to support your networking and help others join our team.

  • Comprehensive Benefits to choose from to support your needs.

Qualifications

Required:

  • Completion of a 600-hour Child Life internship

  • Bachelor's Degree in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, Education or other health-related field.

  • Certified Child Life Specialist - Child Life Certification or must be eligible to sit for exam. Must obtain Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential within 12 months of hire.

  • Must be willing and able to complete facility dog handler training through service dog organization

Desired:

  • One year in a healthcare setting

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What Norton Healthcare employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Norton Healthcare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Norton Healthcare is a not-for-profit hospital and health care system and is Louisville's second largest employer, with more than 18,000 employees, over 1,700 employed medical providers and approximately 2,000 total physicians on its medical staff. The system includes six hospitals (five in Louisville and one in Madison, Indiana) with 1,993 licensed beds, eight outpatient centers, 18 Norton Immediate Care Centers, eight Norton Prompt Care at Walgreens clinics and an expanded telehealth program. It provides care at more than 340 locations throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Louisville, KY, US

Year founded

1988

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