Question #3

What can I do…or how do I go about trying to become detection dog handler for a living?

It all starts with Training and Education… Basic Handler school is a starting point. These days with more and more opportunities coming around in various avenues of detection such as, Entomology Detection (Bedbug) or canine conservation and others… you need to at least start off by having attended a bona fide K9 training center with instructors who have education and experience related to the detection skills… and of course there should be course standards required to pass a Basic Handler Class. All handlers Military or Police complete a Basic Handler school. Note: choose wisely as all Basic Handler schools are not created equally.

However, just because you attend and pay for a school does not guarantee you a job. There are other aspects such as simply networking, volunteering, and reaching out to potential companies to find out what aspects they look for when hiring people to become Handlers. Additional education on various skills needed for that particular detection job are also critical…. And yes many times companies do seek out prior military or law-enforcement but again these days with the ever expanding market for handlers these requirements are no longer what someone must have to get a job as a detection handler.

Dog Handler School www.fordk9.com