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Dog Handler Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

K2K9 SOLUTIONS LLC

Canine Handler (Nashville)

Nashville, TN · On-site

$25 - $36/hr

Details about K2K9's proprietary Person-Borne (TM) Explosive Detection Dog (PB-EDD) program are at ... The Canine Handler Team will be required to search for and identify explosive threats at commercial ...

Dog Wizard Nashville LLC

Be Seen First

Experienced Dog Trainer

Franklin, TN · On-site

$35K - $105K/yr

Join the Dog Wizard Middle TN, where we're leading the charge in innovative dog training with our balanced approach. We're on the lookout for passionate Dog Trainers ready to elevate their careers ...

Dog Wizard Nashville LLC

Be Seen First

Experienced Dog Trainer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$35K - $105K/yr

Join the Dog Wizard Nashville, where we're leading the charge in innovative dog training with our balanced approach. We're on the lookout for passionate Dog Trainers ready to elevate their careers ...

Dog Wizard Nashville LLC

Be Seen First

Experienced Dog Trainer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$35K - $105K/yr

Join the Dog Wizard Nashville, where we're leading the charge in innovative dog training with our balanced approach. We're on the lookout for passionate Dog Trainers ready to elevate their careers ...

Dog Wizard Nashville LLC

Be Seen First

Experienced Dog Trainer

Franklin, TN · On-site

$35K - $105K/yr

Join the Dog Wizard Middle TN, where we're leading the charge in innovative dog training with our balanced approach. We're on the lookout for passionate Dog Trainers ready to elevate their careers ...

Dutchbros

Broista - Collierville, TN

Collierville, TN

$16/hr

It's fun to work in a company where people truly believe in what they are doing. At Dutch Bros Coffee, we are more than just a coffee company. We are a fun-loving, mind-blowing company that makes a ...

PetSuites

Dog Trainer

Arlington, TN

$14 - $16/hr

The Professional Dog Trainer is a position within the Resort and reports directly to the General Manager. We believe in the mission of "Pet Lovers Delighting Pet Lovers" and we demonstrate this ...

PetSuites

Dog Trainer

Arlington, TN · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

The Professional Dog Trainer is a position within the Resort and reports directly to the General Manager. We believe in the mission of "Pet Lovers Delighting Pet Lovers" and we demonstrate this ...

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All JobsDog Handler JobsDog Handler Jobs in Tennessee

Dog Handler information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$13

$16

How much do dog handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for dog handler in Tennessee is $13.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.11 and $14.42 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.
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Dog Handler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dog Handler job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $27,064 per year, or $13 per hour.

Part-Time Dog Handler with Flexible Schedule HIRING ASAP

Nashville, TN • On-site

REBECCA MOORE GIBSON
See more jobs at REBECCA MOORE GIBSONexternal

$20 - $25/hr

Part-time

This job post has expired 3 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Part-Time Goose Control Dog Handler – Nashville
10–20 Hours Per Week | Flexible Scheduling | Most Visits Take About One Hour
YOU MUST BE ABLE TO HOUSE A TRAINED DOG

Flyaway Geese is hiring a dependable, self-motivated person to join our Nashville team as a Part-Time Goose Control Dog Handler.
This is an unusual part-time job with a schedule that can work extremely well around college classes, school-age children, another job, or other daytime commitments.
Rather than working long, traditional shifts, most property visits take approximately one hour. Your 10–20 hours per week will generally be made up of shorter scheduled visits to the Bellevue West area of Nashville.
You’ll spend that time outdoors working with a professionally trained Border Collie to humanely encourage Canada geese to leave properties where they are causing problems.
No dog-training or goose-control experience is required. We provide training.

A Schedule That Can Fit Your Life
We offer considerable flexibility in scheduling.
This position averages approximately 10–20 hours per week, and most individual visits take about one hour.
That makes this position particularly well suited for:
  • College students looking for work around their class schedule
  • Parents who want to work while their children are in school
  • Retirees or semi-retired individuals
  • Someone looking for supplemental income
  • People who prefer independent work instead of traditional scheduled shifts
Because geese are most active at different times throughout the day, you must have some flexibility for early-morning and evening visits.
We also require availability for weekend coverage at least one weekend per month.
We work with our handlers to build a schedule that provides the coverage our customers need while still offering considerably more flexibility than a traditional part-time job.
What You’ll Do
You’ll travel to assigned properties in the Nashville area and work with one of our trained Border Collies to move Canada geese away from areas where they are causing problems.
Your responsibilities will include:
  • Visiting assigned properties according to your schedule
  • Walking and inspecting properties for goose activity
  • Working with and safely handling a trained Border Collie
  • Humanely moving geese from the property
  • Recording goose counts and information about each visit
  • Taking photos and documenting property conditions when needed
  • Communicating with our management team through your smartphone
  • Helping us provide consistent, reliable service to our customers
Who We’re Looking For
Reliability is extremely important in this position.

You will often be working independently, and our customers depend on us to be on their properties when we say we will be there.
We’re looking for someone who:
  • Is dependable and punctual
  • Is comfortable working independently without constant supervision
  • Likes dogs and is comfortable handling an energetic working Border Collie
  • Enjoys being outdoors
  • Is comfortable walking properties in varying weather conditions
  • Has reliable transportation
  • Has a valid driver’s license
  • Is comfortable using a smartphone for reporting and communication
  • Can accommodate occasional early-morning and evening visits
  • Can provide weekend coverage at least once per month
Compensation
Pay: $20-25 an hour

This is a part-time position averaging approximately 10–20 hours per week.
Because most property visits take approximately one hour, this can be an especially good fit for someone who wants to earn additional income without committing to long shifts or a rigid weekly schedule.
About Flyaway Geese
Flyaway Geese has specialized in professional, humane Canada goose management for nearly 30 years. We use highly trained Border Collies and proven management techniques to help commercial properties, residential communities, universities, government facilities, parks and other organizations manage nuisance goose populations.
This isn't a job where you'll spend your day sitting behind a desk.
You'll work independently, spend time outdoors, work with an incredible Border Collie and have a schedule that can fit around the other important parts of your life.
If you're dependable, enjoy animals and are looking for flexible part-time work that's a little different from the ordinary, we'd love to hear from you.