DOG HANDLER OR TRAINER

ANZSCO Code: 361111

Teaches dogs to obey commands and undertake specific tasks.

Skill Level

3

Group: ANIMAL ATTENDANTS AND TRAINERS

ANZSCO Code: 3611

ANIMAL ATTENDANTS AND TRAINERS train, feed, groom and care for animals.

Indicative Skill Level

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below. In Australia

In Australia

AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

In New Zealand

NZ Register Level 4 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

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 to perform in competitions
  • 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