How to become a Dog Handler or Trainer

Teaches dogs to obey commands and undertake specific tasks.

Main tasks

• Evaluates dogs to assess temperament and suitability for training
• Designs and implements training programs to teach dogs basic obedience commands
• Trains dogs to perform specific tasks such as search and rescue, detection or assistance work
• Uses positive reinforcement techniques to reward desired behaviours and discourage unwanted behaviours
• Conducts training sessions with individual dogs or groups of dogs
• Monitors and evaluates the progress of dogs during training, and adjusts training methods as required
• Provides guidance and support to dog owners on how to continue training at home
• Assists in the selection and placement of trained dogs with appropriate handlers or owners
• Keeps up to date with advancements in dog training techniques and professional development opportunities

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training (ACM40322); Certificate IV in Greyhound Racing Industry (RGR40419); Certificate III in Animal Care Services (ACM30122); Certificate III in Racing (Greyhound) (RGR30117); Certificate II in Animal Care (ACM20121); Certificate II in Racing (Greyhound) (RGR20117)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $66,352 a year
• About 26,000 people work in this job group now, and about 28,900 are projected by 2035. (+11%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Horse Trainer
• Track Rider
• Zookeeper

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Dog Handler or Trainer?

Ways in include: Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training; Certificate IV in Greyhound Racing Industry.

How much does a Dog Handler or Trainer earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $66,352 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Dog Handler or Trainer a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 11% by 2035, from about 26,000 to about 28,900 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Dog Handler or Trainer?

Usually not. Only 24% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training; Certificate IV in Greyhound Racing Industry.

Will AI change the work of a Dog Handler or Trainer?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04