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OSCA occupation
341131

341131 Dog Handler or Trainer

Teaches dogs to obey commands and undertake specific tasks.

Major group
3 Technicians and Trades Workers
Unit group
3411 Animal Trainers and Zookeepers
Edition
OSCA 2024
Skill level
Level 3

Should you use OSCA or ANZSCO?

OSCA 2024 is the current Australian occupation classification for storing, organising and reporting occupation information. Use this OSCA record for current Australian statistical and analytical classification work.

Some migration and administrative programs still specify ANZSCO 2022. Check the exact system named by the agency or form rather than replacing the code automatically.

Check the current ABS guidance on OSCA and ANZSCO use

Official ANZSCO correspondence

Role overview

Teaches dogs to obey commands and undertake specific tasks.

Use this page to confirm the official title, the parent unit group, the task list and the related ANZSIC industry context before using the occupation in classification, reporting or migration-adjacent workflows.

Occupation facts

Skill level
3
Major group
3 Technicians and Trades Workers
Sub-major group
34 Skilled Animal, Agricultural and Horticultural Workers
Minor group
341 Animal Trainers and Zookeepers, and Veterinary Nurses
Unit group
3411 Animal Trainers and Zookeepers

Tasks

  • Evaluates dogs to assess temperament and suitability for training
  • Designs and implements training programs to teach dogs basic obedience commands
  • Trains dogs to perform specific tasks such as search and rescue, detection or assistance work
  • Uses positive reinforcement techniques to reward desired behaviours and discourage unwanted behaviours
  • Conducts training sessions with individual dogs or groups of dogs
  • Monitors and evaluates the progress of dogs during training, and adjusts training methods as required
  • Provides guidance and support to dog owners on how to continue training at home
  • Assists in the selection and placement of trained dogs with appropriate handlers or owners
  • Keeps up to date with advancements in dog training techniques and professional development opportunities

Skill level guidance

Skill level helps place the occupation inside the ABS hierarchy. Use it as a classification cue, then check the actual task list and occupational context before making a decision for HR, visa or reporting work.

How to use this occupation page

Start with the official OSCA title and task list. Then confirm the parent unit group and compare the related occupations on this page if the job title is broad, overlapping or used differently across employers.

The ANZSIC links are there to help when the same occupation appears across several industries and you need the business-side classification as well.

Compare before choosing

Compare OSCA 341131 with related occupations

Compare roles in the same OSCA unit group by their official definition, skill level, tasks and recognised alternative titles.

Comparison pointCurrent code341131 Dog Handler or Trainer341132 Horse Trainer341133 Track Rider
Official role definitionTeaches dogs to obey commands and undertake specific tasks.Educates and prepares horses for riding, breeding, racing, work, show, competitions, or other horse sports and activities.Exercises thoroughbreds to condition them for racing by riding the horse at varying speeds.
Skill levelSkill Level 3Skill Level 3Skill Level 3
Key tasks
  • Evaluates dogs to assess temperament and suitability for training
  • Designs and implements training programs to teach dogs basic obedience commands
  • Trains dogs to perform specific tasks such as search and rescue, detection or assistance work
  • Uses positive reinforcement techniques to reward desired behaviours and discourage unwanted behaviours
  • Evaluates horses' physical condition and temperament to determine training needs
  • Develops and implements training programs to improve horses' performance and behaviour, and reports on horses' progress
  • Educates horses to obey verbal and non-verbal commands
  • Trains horses to accept riders and pull vehicles
  • Rides thoroughbred horses at varying speeds to condition them for racing
  • Exercises horses according to the instructions of a horse trainer
  • Observes and assesses the horse's performance and behaviour during exercise, and reports on progress to the horse's trainers and owners
  • Monitors the horse's physical condition and reports any signs of injury or illness
Alternative titlesNot statedNot stated
  • Exercise Rider
  • Trackwork Rider

Comparison uses occupation definitions, skill levels, tasks and title variants from the ABS OSCA data files.

Official source

Official source
ABS OSCA 2024 release and correspondence tables
Last reviewed
2026-04-17

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