Question #3 How to become a Detection Dog Handler

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

[@brionpriest6735]

Why do most of these companies want someone whose former military or law Burleson whether or not they were a canine handler in said position

[@FordK9]

Most common reason would be the experience of disciplined mind set… the understanding of structure not just with the chain of command but also in the process of communication and dissemination of information.
Also, in many cases, the ability to be led, and the ability to lead as needed in various ways that will arise in any type of work environment.
There will be many other reasons as well, but those are the main ones that come up most frequently.

[@brionpriest6735]

@@FordK9 makes sense it's just a little disappointing because I have a lot of dog handling and training experience

[@FordK9]

@@brionpriest6735 best advice is find ways to let your work speak for itself. Those really looking for quality people will see that aspect as the most important. Like with anything all programs have their cracks and people slip through. so just because somebody is from the military or law-enforcement, does not mean that they are the most qualified or best fit for the job. When someone has very good skills and great work ethic, that will speak for itself.