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Working Dogs Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Working Dogs information

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$6

$12

$16

How much do working dogs jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for working dogs in Michigan is $12.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.48 and $13.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the 7 7 7 rule for dogs?

The 7 7 7 rule for working dogs refers to guidelines for training and handling, suggesting that dogs should be trained in 7-minute sessions, 7 times a day, over 7 days to establish consistent behavior. This approach helps ensure effective training, especially for service or working dogs, by maintaining short, frequent sessions that reinforce commands and skills. Proper training, socialization, and positive reinforcement are essential for working dogs to perform their duties reliably.

What jobs can you take your dog to work?

Working dogs such as service, therapy, or detection dogs are often allowed in workplaces that accommodate animals, including some offices, hospitals, and airports. Employers may require certifications, and handlers should ensure the environment is safe and suitable for the dog’s needs.

What is the highest paying job working with dogs?

The highest paying jobs working with dogs typically include specialized roles such as police or military K-9 handlers, search and rescue coordinators, and dog trainers with advanced certifications. These positions often require extensive training, experience, and sometimes security clearances, with salaries ranging from $50,000 to over $100,000 annually depending on the role and location.

What is the difference between Working Dogs vs Search and Rescue Dogs?

AspectWorking DogsSearch and Rescue Dogs
CertificationsVaries by role, often includes obedience and specialized trainingRequire specific SAR training certifications and certifications in tracking or scent detection
Work EnvironmentCan include farms, security, police, or service settingsPrimarily outdoor, disaster sites, wilderness, or urban search areas
Employer & IndustryEmployers include security firms, farms, police, and service organizationsTypically employed by rescue organizations, fire departments, or government agencies

While both Working Dogs and Search and Rescue Dogs are trained to perform specialized tasks, Working Dogs have a broader range of roles including security, service, and farm work, often in various environments. Search and Rescue Dogs focus specifically on locating missing persons in disaster or wilderness settings, requiring specialized scent detection training. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right training and career path for working with dogs in these fields.

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

To thrive as a Working Dog handler, you need expertise in animal behavior, training techniques, and a foundational understanding of canine health and safety, often supported by relevant certifications or experience in animal care. Familiarity with specialized equipment such as harnesses, leashes, GPS trackers, and obedience training tools is typically required. Patience, strong observational skills, and effective non-verbal communication are essential soft skills for building trust and ensuring proper teamwork with the dog. These competencies are crucial because they ensure the well-being of the working dog and the successful performance of specialized tasks in various 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 often encounter challenges such as maintaining the dog's focus in distracting environments, ensuring consistent training, and managing the physical and emotional well-being of the animal. Addressing these challenges requires ongoing training sessions, developing a strong bond with the dog, and staying up-to-date with best practices in canine care. Regular communication with other handlers and trainers, as well as participation in professional development workshops, also help handlers stay prepared for various scenarios they may face on the job.

What are working dogs?

Working dogs are breeds that are specifically trained and utilized to perform practical tasks that assist humans, such as herding livestock, guarding property, assisting people with disabilities, search and rescue, or detecting substances. These dogs are chosen for their intelligence, strength, and trainability, which make them well-suited for demanding roles. Examples of working dog breeds include German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Border Collies, and Belgian Malinois. They play an essential role in various fields, including law enforcement, agriculture, and therapy. Their specialized training and natural instincts make them invaluable partners in many professions.
What are the most commonly searched types of Working Dogs jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Working Dogs jobs in Michigan are:
Working Dogs jobs near you
Infographic showing various Working Dogs job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $25,201 per year, or $12.1 per hour.
Fleet Maintenance Coordinator

Fleet Maintenance Coordinator

LEADER DOGS FOR THE BLIND

Rochester Hills, MI • On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Leader Dogs for the Blind, an international organization based in Rochester Hills, Michigan, has been empowering individuals who are blind or low vision for over 85 years. We provide comprehensive guide dog services and orientation and mobility training, equipping individuals with lifelong skills for safe and independent daily travel. Our life-changing work is provided free of charge, and we are 100% philanthropically funded. Our mission is driven by 191 dedicated team members and more than 1,000 volunteers who advocate alongside our clients to create a more equitable world.
Why work at Leader Dogs for the Blind?
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance after 30 days of employment
  • Employer paid life insurance
  • Employer paid disability insurance
  • 401k with employer match
  • Flexible spending account
  • Paid time off front loaded on first day of employment
  • Annual merit-based pay increases
  • Dog friendly office

SUMMARY
Reporting to the Director of Facilities, this position is responsible for managing Leader Dog's fleet operations and maintenance.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Responsible for tracking routine and preventative maintenance for all Leader Dog vehicles.
  • Maintains vehicle registrations, inspections and mileage logs for fleet vehicles.
  • Performs general maintenance to vehicles such as inspections, fluid top offs, air filters and oil changes.
  • Performs diagnostic and troubleshooting for vehicle repairs.
  • Completes minor and some major repairs as needed.
  • Orders basic repair parts and stock parts.
  • Responsible for tracking all repairs to vehicles.
  • Uses Computer Management Maintenance Software to maintain fleet operations.
  • Maintains and tracks vehicle usage within Leader Dog organization.
  • Responsible for keeping garage area clean and organized.
  • Assists maintenance staff with general maintenance repairs, janitorial and grounds work and snow removal as needed.
  • Maintains forklift safety procedures and training.
  • Helps monitor on campus generators.
  • Moves furniture and cabinets, receives freight deliveries as needed.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Three years of automotive maintenance and repair experience preferred. ASE certification and experience working with CMMS and basic automation software preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • Proficient in latest version of Microsoft Office products.
  • Ability to operate tractors, snow removal equipment, hand tools, forklifts and motorized pallet jacks in a safe, orderly and efficient manner.
  • Strong working knowledge of vehicle mechanical operations and common repair issues and techniques.
  • Ability to operate diagnostic tools.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with customers, both internal and external, including dealerships and repair vendors.
  • Possess strong organizational and problem-solving skills with an acuity for detail.
  • Ability to work independently and meet deadlines with little to no supervision.
  • Comfortable working around large dogs.
  • Possess a valid driver's license with no restrictions.
  • Willing to perform general public relations duties on behalf of Leader Dog (perform tours, answer general questions, be a professional and courteous representative of Leader Dog, etc.).
  • Ability to establish and maintain professional, productive and courteous interactions with employees that promote positive teamwork, as well as with volunteers, donors, clients and all constituents of Leader Dog. This encompasses going beyond giving and receiving instructions and includes but is not limited to (a) performing work activities requiring interacting or speaking with others; and (b) responding appropriately to constructive feedback or suggestions for improvement from a supervisor.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Upon receiving notice, reasonable accommodations may be made, if possible, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, bend, crouch, kneel and reach with hands and arms. The employee occasionally is required to climb or balance. The employee is frequently required to sit, use the phone, and drive. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. This job requires vision.
Leader Dogs for the Blind reserves the right to change, amend, add, delete, and otherwise assign any and all duties, responsibilities and position title as it deems necessary to meet the needs of its business.
Leader Dogs for the Blind is an at-will employer. This means that the employment relationship may be ended at any time without notice by the employer or employee for any reason. Neither this document, nor any manual issued by Leader Dogs for the Blind, is a contract of employment.
Leader Dogs for the Blind is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to accessibility, inclusion, and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation or an accessible application format may contact HRAccessibility@leaderdog.org for assistance.

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