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Dog Handler or Trainer

361111 · Medium Next-day ready

Description

Teaches dogs to obey commands and undertake specific tasks.

Typical work tasks

Teaches animals to obey verbal and non-verbal commands and addresses behavioural problems; trains animals to perform in competitions.

Typical work environment

Works outdoors in many situations, but may also work indoors in animal training centres.

Typical physical and mental demands

  • Medium physical demand level.
  • Frequently stands, walks and moves about the worksite.
  • Sitting not a requirement.
  • Stretching up or across is not a significant requirement of the job.
  • Employees occasionally squat, crouch or kneel when checking horses legs and hoofs.
  • Twisting of the body or neck is required occasionally.
  • Substantial contact with skin irritants or water is unlikely.
  • Lifting and carrying is not a significant requirement of the job.
  • Bending may be required when interacting with dogs.
  • Use of hand tools/hand-held objects includes training manuals, leads, toys and treats.
  • Repetitive hand and arm movements are not a significant component of the job.
  • Driving is not a significant component of the job.
  • Mental skills necessary include animal handling, alertness communication, sensitivity to and awareness of animal needs and behaviour.
Entry signal Model estimate

Enter via experience or on-the-job training; no mandatory pre-entry qualification. Flagged next-day ready.

Entry barrier Experience or on-job training
Licence / registration No licence required
ANZSCO skill level 3
Next-day ready Yes

Unverified — this label is model-generated and not yet clinician-reviewed. Confirm against the WTDS before relying on it.

How this was determined (model-generated): Dog Handler/Trainer: L4-or-3yrs-exp with entry-level OJT; no statutory gate. Proposal sound.

Entry Requirements

A New Zealand Register Level 4 qualification or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3). In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. For entry-level positions on-the-job training may be sufficient.

Further Comments

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.