The military needs dog handlers for sentry duty and the US Department of Agriculture uses Beagles and Beagle trainers to check airports for contraband in luggage. Some opportunities also exist for writers, illustrators, and photographers who love working with dogs. Here are some thumbnail sketches of various canine careers. Dog handler Many purebred dogs are shown by their owners, but many owners do not have the time to travel every weekend in search of championship points and other awards, so they hire professional handlers to do the job. Handlers may travel with a dozen dogs of the same breed or of two or more and enter shows most weekends.
Clients pay handlers to take the dog in the ring.
If the dog wins best of breed, a group placement, or best in show, the handler gets a bonus. The client also helps pay travel expenses and a board fee for the dog while it is living in the handler s kennel. Out of this money, the handler must pay assistants, kennel expenses, meals, motel fees, motor home upkeep, and all other business expenses before drawing a salary. Handling dogs is hard work. Handlers work with their dogs every day to keep them in top physical and mental condition, to keep their coats healthy, and to teach them to stand and gait for the judge.