Careers Career Paths Army Job Description: 31K Military Working Dog Handler Share PINTEREST Email Print Official US Army Photo Career Paths US Military Careers Technology Careers Sports Careers Sales Project Management Professional Writer Music Careers Media Legal Careers Government Careers Finance Careers Fiction Writing Careers Entertainment Careers Criminology Careers Book Publishing Aviation Animal Careers Advertising Learn More By Rod Powers Rod Powers Air Force NCO Academy Rod Powers was a retired Air Force First Sergeant with 22 years of active duty service. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on 02/19/19 Army Military Working Dog (MWD) handlers are responsible for the care and training of his or her service dog, which contributes to combat operations abroad and installation security at home by providing target odor detection (explosive/drug). Service dogs, generally seen as a non-lethal option for neutralizing a threat, also serve as a psychological deterrent during law enforcement operations. Duties Patrol Drug Detector Dog (PDDD) handlerPatrol Explosive Detector Dog (PEDD) handlerHealth and Welfare searchesLaw and Order operationsInstallation Force Protection and Law and Order supportVIP supportCustoms support Training Information Job training for Military Working Dog handlers requires 18 weeks of Advanced Individual Training (AIT) on how to care for, handle and train a Military Working Dog (MWD). The training is in two phases. The first seven-week phase covers on-the-job instruction and teaches police methods and techniques for dog handling. The second phase of instruction is an 11-week course that provides basic instructions on the application of Military Working Dog utilization and employment capabilities. Phase II instructs in basic obedience, controlled aggression, first aid, principles of conditioning, building searches, scouting, detection, and daily care and grooming of assigned MWD. Handlers will also learn other basic skills, including: Basic use of firearmsMilitary/civil laws and jurisdiction Arrest and restraint of suspectsOther specialized dog handling techniques Helpful Skills Ability to understand conditioning behaviors in training dogsAbility to make quick decisionsPatienceAbility to interact with people ASVAB Score Required: 91 in area ST Similar Civilian Occupations The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career with federal, state and local law enforcement. Many of the jobs skills you learn will also help you to perform civilian jobs that involve working with animals, and general management positions. Featured Video