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Dog Handler Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

Off Leash K9 Training

Dog Trainer

Fayetteville, AR · On-site

Do you love dogs? Do you love helping people? Do you possess great customer service skills? We are a part of the fastest growing dog training company in the country- Off Leash K9 Training, LLC. We ...

Off Leash K9 Training

Dog Trainer

Fayetteville, AR · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

Do you love dogs? Do you love helping people? Do you possess great customer service skills? We are a part of the fastest growing dog training company in the country- Off Leash K9 Training, LLC. We ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Fayetteville, AR

In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree personalized solutions for the unique needs of pets and pet parents. You'll positively impact the ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Fayetteville, AR · On-site

In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree personalized solutions for the unique needs of pets and pet parents. You'll positively impact the ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Hot Springs, AR · On-site

In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree personalized solutions for the unique needs of pets and pet parents. You'll positively impact the ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Hot Springs, AR

In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree personalized solutions for the unique needs of pets and pet parents. You'll positively impact the ...

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All JobsDog Handler JobsDog Handler Jobs in Arkansas

Dog Handler information

See Arkansas salary details

$7

$11

$15

How much do dog handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for dog handler in Arkansas is $11.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.14 and $13.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dog handler?

A dog handler is a professional who provides training and care for dogs. A dog handler sometimes doubles as a dog walker, promoting physical activity for the dog. Dog handlers replenish food and water, conduct training to reinforce learning, and communicate with the client about changes in their dog’s health, behavior, or training needs. Dog handlers play an integral role in the dog’s overall health, spending many hours each week cleaning, training, walking, and bonding with the dog.

What does a dog handler do?

Dog handlers are professionals who work with dogs to train, manage, and care for them in various settings. They may work in fields such as law enforcement, dog training schools, kennels, animal shelters, or as part of search and rescue teams. Their responsibilities can include training dogs for specific tasks, ensuring their well-being, and handling them safely during work or competitions. Dog handlers require patience, knowledge of canine behavior, and strong communication skills to effectively work with both dogs and their owners.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dog handler, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dog Handler, you need a solid understanding of canine behavior, basic animal care, and often prior experience with dogs or relevant certifications such as pet first aid. Familiarity with leash and training equipment, kennel management software, and basic grooming tools is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and problem-solving skills make someone stand out in this position. These skills ensure the safety, well-being, and effective management of dogs in various settings, fostering trust with both the animals and their owners.

What are some common challenges dog handlers face when working with diverse breeds and temperaments?

Dog Handlers often work with dogs that have varying personalities, energy levels, and behavioral histories. One common challenge is learning to quickly assess and adapt handling techniques to each dog's unique needs, especially when managing groups. Handlers must also ensure safety for both the animals and themselves, particularly when introducing unfamiliar dogs to new environments or routines. Building trust with each dog takes patience and consistency, and strong communication with team members helps address any behavioral issues efficiently.

What is the difference between Dog Handler vs K9 Officer?

AspectDog HandlerK9 Officer
CertificationsCanine handling certifications, obedience trainingPolice K9 certification, law enforcement training
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, training facilities, private securityLaw enforcement agencies, police departments
Employer & IndustryPrivate companies, security firms, sheltersPolice departments, government agencies

Dog Handlers typically work in private or civilian settings focusing on training, care, and handling of dogs. K9 Officers are law enforcement professionals who work with police-trained dogs for detection, search, and apprehension. While both roles require canine handling skills and certifications, K9 Officers operate within law enforcement environments, whereas Dog Handlers may work in various civilian sectors.

How much do dog handlers get paid?

Dog handlers typically earn between $25,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the specific industry such as security, law enforcement, or training. Salaries can vary based on certifications, specialized skills, and whether they work full-time or part-time.

How much does a dog handler earn?

Dog handlers typically earn between $25,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the industry they work in such as security, law enforcement, or search and rescue. Salaries can increase with specialized training, certifications, and years of service.

Is it hard to be a dog handler?

Being a dog handler requires physical fitness, patience, and training skills to work effectively with dogs in various environments. The job can be demanding due to the need for attention to detail, adherence to safety protocols, and sometimes irregular hours or outdoor work. Proper certification and experience can help manage the challenges involved.
More about Dog Handler jobs

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

The top searched job categories for Dog Handler jobs in Arkansas are:

What are popular job titles related to Dog Handler jobs in AR?

For Dog Handler jobs in AR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Dog Handler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dog Handler job openings in Arkansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $24,657 per year, or $11.9 per hour.

Part Time Dog Handler

Wags and Whiskers

Little Rock, AR

$14/hr

Part-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Join Our Team as a Part-Time Dog Handler at Wags and Whiskers!

Do you love dogs and enjoy spending time with dogs? Wags and Whiskers, located in Little Rock, AR, is looking for a dedicated and compassionate Part-Time Dog Handler to join our team. If you're someone who thrives in a fun, pet-friendly environment and wants to make a difference in the lives of dogs (and their owners), this could be the perfect opportunity for you!

Our shifts are 6:00am to 12:00pm, and 12:00pm to 6:00pm. You will be required to choose one weekend day either Saturday or Sunday to work.

About Us

At Wags and Whiskers, we’re passionate about providing a safe, happy, and engaging environment for dogs of all shapes and sizes. Whether it’s playtime, care, or just a little extra love, we’re committed to treating every dog as if they were our own. Our team is made up of animal lovers who work together to create a positive experience for our four-legged guests and their humans.

What You'll Do

As a Part-Time Dog Handler, you’ll play an important role in ensuring the health, safety, and happiness of the dogs in our care. Your responsibilities will include:
- Supervising and engaging with dogs during playtime to ensure a safe and fun environment.
- Monitoring dog behavior and intervening when necessary to prevent conflicts.
- Maintaining cleanliness in play areas and kennels by following established hygiene protocols.
- Providing basic care, such as feeding and ensuring access to fresh water.
- Communicating with team members about any concerns or observations regarding the dogs.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking someone who:
- Has a genuine love for animals and a patient, caring demeanor.
- Is comfortable working with dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments.
- Is physically capable of standing, walking, and handling active dogs for the entire shift.
- Can follow instructions and maintain a clean, organized work environment.
- No prior experience needed but is eager to learn and grow in this role.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

While we don’t offer additional benefits, we provide a welcoming, supportive atmosphere where you’ll get to work with a team that shares your passion for animals. This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience with dogs and make a positive impact in their lives.

Our Culture

At Wags and Whiskers, we value teamwork, compassion, and a commitment to excellence. We believe in creating a work environment that’s not only rewarding but also fun and fulfilling. If you’re an animal lover who enjoys being part of a close-knit team, you’ll fit right in!

Ready to Apply?

If this sounds like the perfect role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Join the Wags and Whiskers family and help us create a safe and joyful space for our furry friends. Apply today and take the first step toward a rewarding part-time role!


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