Dog Handler or Trainer
- Classification
- Occupation
- Skill level
- 3
- Major group
- Technicians and Trades Workers
Classification
- Major group
- 3Technicians and Trades Workers
- Sub-major group
- 36Skilled Animal, Agricultural and Horticultural Workers
- Unit group
- 3611Animal Attendants and Trainers
Description
Teaches dogs to obey commands and undertake specific tasks.
Unit group
3611 · Animal Attendants and TrainersDescription
Animal Attendants and Trainers train, exercise, feed, groom, and care for animals.
Skill level
Australia
AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)
New Zealand
NZQF 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. The occupations Pet Groomer, Kennel Hand and Animal Attendants and Trainers nec in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below. In Australia: AQF Certificate II or III, or at least one year of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 4) In New Zealand: NZQF Level 2 or 3 qualification, or at least one year of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 4) In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. Registration or licensing may be required.
Occupation skill level 3
Tasks
Tasks include
- teaching animals to obey verbal and non-verbal commands and addressing behavioural problems
- training animals to accept riders and pull vehicles
- training animals and conditioning horses to perform in competitions
- reporting to trainers on horses’ progress and performance
- bathing, cutting, combing, blow-drying and styling pets' coats, clipping their nails and cleaning their ears
- inspecting, preparing, cleaning, disinfecting and maintaining comfortable animal cages and enclosures
- transporting food, filling water troughs and feeding animals according to their individual needs
- maintaining animal health records, treating minor injuries and reporting serious conditions to Veterinarians
- exercising and playing with animals, answering visitor questions, and transferring animals between enclosures by leading or carrying them
- dusting and spraying insecticides on animals and immersing them in insecticide baths, to control insect pests