How to Pursue a Career Working with Man's Best Friend

Dogs perform work in a variety of fields, and working with them is a very exciting and rewarding job. What better coworker to have than man's best friend? Working dogs include guide dogs, police dogs, military dogs, herding dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and guard dogs. All of these dogs need people to work alongside them. These jobs include being a policeman, an FBI Special Agent, or a trainer.

German shepherds are the most popular breed of working dog. They are naturally good at finding things, and with training, they can learn exactly what to look for. The dogs enjoy their jobs, as it keeps them active and receiving attention all day. Belgian Malinois are most often used by the military. They look similar to German Shepherds, but are generally more intelligent and sensitive.

Most working dogs have a handler, who is usually qualified for another job within the organization. For example, a police dog handler would also be a policeman. To be a dog handler in the military, you must be in the security forces career field, and ranked senior airman or higher. Once they meet the qualifications, the training is 11 months! Other law-enforcement positions you may be interested in are joining the military or the FBI. The FBI requires advanced education and special skills to join, so you should be interested the parts of the job that do not involved working with dogs.

Let's not forget that farming dogs are working dogs too. Border collies for example, are amazing herding dogs, and fascinating to watch in action. The Great Pyrenees and Anatolian Shepherd breeds are popular livestock guardian dogs. They spend their lives in the field with the livestock, and are strong enough to defend them from predators.