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Working Dog Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Army

Working Dog Handler (U.S. Army)

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$12.25 - $15.75/hr

S. Army as a Working Dog Handler might be right for you. Military Working Dog (MWD) handlers are responsible for the care and training of his or her service dog, which contributes to combat ...

U.S. Army

Dog Handler (U.S. Army)

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$11.50 - $15/hr

S. Army as a Working Dog Handler might be right for you. Military Working Dog (MWD) handlers are responsible for the care and training of his or her service dog, which contributes to combat ...

DOGS INC

Service Dog Instructor

Palmetto, FL

At least 3 years of dog training experience--or equivalent demonstrated success training working dogs. * Ability to train and assess dogs for advanced task work and public access. * Strong ...

U.S. Army

Dog Handler (31K)

Clarion, PA · On-site

$23K - $97K/yr

As a Military Working Dog Handler, you'll work with K-9 units and be responsible for training and caring for dogs, both at home and abroad, supporting missions and daily law enforcement. Military ...

Aussie Pet Mobile of NW Tucson

Dog Groomer

Tucson, AZ

$250 - $500/day

... dogs, and a respectful workplace that values your expertise over speed. We Offer * $250 - $500 per ... Focus on providing luxury one-on-one care to pups daily while working independently in our grooming ...

Final Two Survivor LLC

Dog Trainer

Clearwater, FL · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Now Hiring: Part-Time Balanced Dog Trainers (2 positions available!) Do you love working with dogs and people? We're looking for two awesome Part-Time Balanced Dog Trainers to join our team! At Dog ...

Final Two Survivor LLC

Dog Trainer

Clearwater, FL · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Now Hiring: Part-Time Balanced Dog Trainers (2 positions available!) Do you love working with dogs and people? We're looking for two awesome Part-Time Balanced Dog Trainers to join our team! At Dog ...

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How much do working dog jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for working dog in the United States is $14.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $15.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Working Dog, strong obedience, physical fitness, and specialized training for tasks such as detection, herding, or service are essential, typically supported by breed suitability and certification from recognized organizations. Mastery of specific training tools, scent detection systems, or harnesses is often required depending on the working role. High levels of focus, adaptability, and a calm temperament set exceptional working dogs apart. These skills and qualities ensure that working dogs can reliably and safely perform critical tasks that support humans in various professional environments.

What are some common challenges faced by handlers working with professional working dogs, and how can they be addressed?

Handlers of professional working dogs, such as those in law enforcement, search and rescue, or service roles, often encounter challenges like building strong handler-dog communication, maintaining the dog's motivation and focus, and ensuring their well-being in demanding environments. Addressing these challenges involves consistent training, positive reinforcement techniques, and regular health check-ups for the dog. Handlers also benefit from ongoing professional development to stay updated on best practices and to foster a deep, trusting partnership with their canine colleague.

What are working dogs?

Working dogs are specially trained canines that perform tasks to assist humans. These tasks can include herding livestock, assisting people with disabilities, searching for missing persons, detecting drugs or explosives, and providing protection or security. Breeds commonly used as working dogs include German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Belgian Malinois. Their intelligence, strength, and trainability make them well-suited for demanding jobs. Working dogs require specialized training and ongoing care to ensure they can perform their duties effectively.

What is the difference between Working Dog vs Security Guard?

AspectWorking DogSecurity Guard
Required CredentialsTraining certifications, obedience and specialized skillsSecurity license, background check
Work EnvironmentOutdoor and indoor, active, often in patrols or search tasksIndoor/outdoor, stationary or patrol duties
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement, private security, militaryPrivate security firms, corporate, residential
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, training, and capabilitiesJob requirements, licensing, duties

Working dogs are specially trained animals used in law enforcement, military, or search and rescue, requiring specific certifications and active work environments. Security guards are human personnel responsible for surveillance and protection, often needing security licenses. While both roles focus on safety, working dogs perform physical tasks with specialized training, whereas security guards provide human oversight and monitoring.

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Working Dog jobs near you
Working Dog Handler (U.S. Army)

Working Dog Handler (U.S. Army)

U.S. Army

Suffolk, VA • On-site

$12.25 - $15.75/hr

Part-time

Posted 2 days ago

United States Army rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 468 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 46 rated military and defense

Job description

If you're interested in working with animals or law enforcement as a profession, being a Soldier in the U.S. Army as a Working Dog Handler might be right for you.  
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 target odor detection (explosive/drug). Service dogs, generally seen as a non-lethal option for neutralizing a threat, also serve as a psychological deterrent during law enforcement operations. 
Job Duties:
  • Patrol Drug Detector Dog (PDDD) handler
  • Patrol Explosive Detector Dog (PEDD) handler
  • Health and Welfare searches
  • Law and Order operations
  • Installation Force Protection and Law and Order support
  • VIP support
  • Customs support

Requirements:
Candidates must first take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), which is a series of tests that helps the Army understand your strengths and identify which Army job(s) fit your talents.
Training:
Job training for Military Working Dog handlers requires 17 weeks of Advanced Individual Training (AIT) on how to care for, handle and train a Military Working Dog (MWD). The training is in two phases. The first seven-week phase covers on-the-job instruction and teaches police methods and techniques for dog handling. The second phase of instruction is an 11-week course that provides basic instructions on the application of Military Working Dog utilization and employment capabilities. Phase II instructs in basic obedience, controlled aggression, first aid, principles of conditioning, building searches, scouting, detection, and daily care and grooming of assigned MWD.
Handlers will also learn other basic skills, including:
  • Basic use of firearms
  • Military/civil laws and jurisdiction 
  • Arrest and restraint of suspects
  • Other specialized dog handling techniques

Helpful Skills:
  • Ability to understand conditioning behaviors in training dogs
  • Ability to make quick decisions
  • Patience
  • Ability to interact with people

Future Civilian Careers:
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career with federal, state and local law enforcement. Many of the jobs skills you learn will also help you to perform civilian jobs that involve working with animals, and general management positions.
This opportunity comes with:
  • Competitive pay.
  • Free medical care.
  • Free housing and leadership development.
  • You are also afforded the opportunity of up to $86,000 for college.

Our team is willing to help all who meet or can meet, our criteria, which includes passing the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.
 
Eligibility:
  • Must have an interest in joining the Army.
  • 17 to 34 years old.
  • Must be able to meet height/weight requirements *See calculator below. (https://www.goarmy.com/soldier-life/fitness-and-nutrition/components-of-fitness/body-composition.html).
  • No tattoos on hands, face, or above the neck (ring tattoos are acceptable).
  • No history of a felony-level offense or DUI.
  • No major medical procedures that would prohibit you from service (please feel free to ask specific questions).
 
Interested?
  • Reply to this job post ***AND***
  • Text OB92 to GOARMY ***or*** visit (https://www.goarmy.com/info/send1/?iom=OB92-AUTO-ACNP-BR-XXX-XX-XXX-MO-XX-X-BRC).

What United States Army employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About US Army

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

Social media

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