Dog Handler

[BishopNSunny]

I am 15 years old and looking into future jobs. I am attending my local college taking 10 credits right now. I am setting everything up to get my Ass. in Biology, but have not yet started. I was a little behind in my placing in Math.

I thought I wanted to be a Veterinarian. But, I watched a show on Animal Planet about dog handlers and am interested in that. I'm curious as to how much they make and how to become one. What classes do you need to take? I would assume that at the least you would need to become a dog groomer, wouldn't you? I don't know, so I am asking you guys! :)

[Chinchillalovin]

Hello, this is a job I too will be doing when I'm older. My mom has shown Akitas my whole life, and I have shown since I was 8 years old. Starting in matches, when I turned 10 I then did Jr. Handeling, and I have done Confirmation also ever since. I am experienced in showing about 5 breeds of dogs. Shiba-Inu and Whippet regularly and then other breeds. You make a lot of money. Whether the dog wins or looses just for that 15 min. or so your in the ring you can charge about $75.00 and that is a very reasonable price. You do not need to take any classes, and you work for yourself, but it is very good to take dog handeling classes run by different people. I don't believe you go to college for it at all.

Hope that helps, what breeds are you interested in showing?

[BishopNSunny]

I have been raised with Labrador Retrievers and Labrador mixes all my life, so that is one breed I am interested in. I also adore Golden Retrievers. They are beautiful and have such great personalities. Those are my two favorites, but I also have a soft spot for Cavaliers. I guess those are the three breeds I am interested in at this point.

[BishopNSunny]

Thank you so much for the help, Chinchillalovin!

[Chinchillalovin]

Your welcome! I asked my mom more about it to be sure on what I told you was correct, and she said yup, and that there is no classes or college or anything needed to become one. She did say though it is good to do Jr. Handeling and work for dog handlers to get more experience...;)

[BishopNSunny]

How exactly do you start showing peoples dogs? I mean, do you place adds, or do you talk to breeders...?...