Dog Trainer/Handler

[RMC]

Anyone on here do the job? or have any information on it? Do you get you're own dog?Or are they like communal dogs? lol, Where would i be based after phase 2?what are the chances of going on Tour??

Sorry for the random questions,

Any advice or help will be appreciated!

[Glenn]

Hi, i went to my local AFCO about a year ago to enquire about this role. I was told i would have no chance getting into this trade, as they only accept highly experienced people in. The recruiter told me how a crufts champion had once applied but couldnt even pass the course.

When i asked if there were ways in which to go about getting into this role, he simply replied there wasn't. Also that if he put me down for this role then the next in command would just laugh at him and decline it.

He did however seem very keen to direct me towards the Royal Engineers, he himself being one. I also showed interest into the infantry, but still he tried to steer me to the RE.

I dont know how true what he said was, as i often hear of recruiters trying to steer you towards what they served as. But, it does seem a bit too over the top to have been made up.

If anyone else has ever been told different or knows different i would be interested to hear, as i am still very much interested in this role.

Thanks

[Hands on]

It's a very small trade with a very long waiting list, not that much to do with experience. You could always try RMP, RAF police and then specialise as a dog handler

[Hostage_Negotiator]

For years the RAF Police were widely acknowledged as having the best handlers and dogs in the world! Dogs were trained and provided for U.S Border Patrol, FBI, RHKC etc..then the RAVC decided that all dog training should be tri-service and destroyed that reputation overnight!
Despite having less experience,knowledge etc the army insisted on taking the lead because the RAF was the junior service... The Defence Animal Centre (DAC) now selects, trains and qualifies all dogs. Handlers are a different matter. The RAF Police still decides who (all volunteers) will become it's handlers and they then attend the course and upon completion they will be employed as QPD. Only police are allowed to handle dogs in the RAF, this then becomes their trade specialisation. Any soldier regardless of trade can be sent on a dog course but it doesn't make them a dog handler!

AES69 is an Instructor at DAC nowadays, I'll give him a bell and ask him to post his views on the subject, he's been a RAFP Dog Handler for 20 years and will have the latest and most accurate gen!

[RAVC SNR REC]

Dear All

If you would like to know more on this role, please contact me at work my number is 012. I am the Senior Recruiter for the RAVC.

Despite what other services say. The RAVC is expanding due to the high demand for Military Working Dog Handlers on operations. The experience, skill and determination to get the job done has been proven in Afghanistan and other operational theatres.

That is why the RAVC has been given permission to have manning uplifts.

I often hear from potential recruits of ACIO/AFCO''s pushing interested candidates away from their chosen careers into other arms and services. whether this is true or not, it is down to the individual to stay focused and determind on what they really want.

Also there are no longer regimental handlers. therefore the only way to become a dog handler is by joining the RAVC or the RAF Police. RMP's no longer do this role.

I wish you all the best in your future chosen careers

A.Baskerville.
SSgt
RAVC Snr Rec

I have removed your name from this post along with the phone #
No offense just Per/Sec.

[MSI64]

Thanks for clearing up the Myth about your trade being small, However it would help if this info was given too the AFCO/ACIO. I have worked in a recruiting office and was under the impression that waiting lists were long and recruiting was at a minimum.

Not having a go but just a thought so we, the Recruiters can fill any vacancies you need.

Again thanks for the info

[RAVC-POTENTIAL]

Hi guys....ive recently just passed ADSC with a high B and have been informed by my careers adviser that id be looking at waiting till febuary for a specialist interveiw. all i want to know is that if places became available on the ones for the rest off the year would i be able to get on them.

im very keen on doing the job because ive told my careers adviser who has offered me start dates for different trades like RLC driver that i dont want anything but the Dog handling/training job. id be very gratefull if i could talk to someone who is currently or ex RAVC who can provide me with the information that could benefit me for the specialist interveiw

many thanks

[Tdivers]

I remember always wanting to do a Dog Handlers course early on in my army Career. Being in the Engineers there was a time that you could apply and do the all arms Dog Handlers course(not any more) On completion of the course you would have been required to take at least a 6 month active tour with your dog to either NI or another zone.

Tried to get on course but was very hard to apply even then.

Was based in Sennelager for a while and new a lot of the Guys and Girls at the Military Working Dog Support Unit there. Great bunch and even better as they had there own Bar which was a bonus i can tell you and also a plentiful supply of young ladies....

Good luck if you get in.

[Danohan]

God bless those dogs 110% commitment 110% loyalty and ask for nothing back. Some of the stories you hear through all the big conflicts, since the military started using them can be heartbreaking. the dogs and there handlers roles i dont think get the credit they deserve.