Dog Handler

No, dog handlers do not take their dogs home with them. The dogs are soldiers in their own right and not pets. When they are retired from duty they are rehomed to loving homes and become pets where possible.

As an Army Dog Handler, your role is to build a professional working partnership with your dog, focused on training, discipline and operational capability. Military Working Dogs are carefully managed to ensure they are fit, healthy and ready to deploy when needed. While you’ll spend a lot of time with your dog and develop a strong bond, the focus is always on their role as a trained asset supporting operations, rather than as a personal pet.

Anybody who has a good general level of fitness will be absolutely fine. Basic training is about taking you from being fit to being Army fit.

You don’t need to arrive as a finished athlete. If you’re reasonably active and willing to put the effort in, you’ll improve quickly with training and support.

It’s similar to a normal working day, with gyms, food halls and social spaces available on camp.

Living on a base gives you a good balance of structure and normal day‑to‑day life. Your days usually have a routine, like training, work and meals, but there’s also plenty of time to relax. You live close to the people you work with, so there’s a strong sense of community. In the evenings or downtime, you might go to the gym, watch TV, play sport or just catch up with mates. Everything you need is close by, which makes settling in much easier.

Phase 1 training will gradually push your limits, both physically and mentally, and you learn a lot about what you’re capable of.

Basic training is where you learn the fundamentals of Army life, from fitness and discipline to teamwork and core soldiering skills. It’s challenging, but you’re supported every step of the way as you build confidence and resilience.

Most days you finish work and can spend your evenings however you like, and you’re usually free to go away at weekends.

When you’re not on duty, your time is your own. Many people use evenings and weekends to relax, keep active, or spend time with friends on camp.