Dog Care & Behavior Handler — Active, Hands-On

Recurve K9; Greenbush (MA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

RcK9, a structured dog care and boarding facility, is seeking a Dog Handler / Care Attendant who truly wants to WORK with dogs, not just cuddle them. You’ll supervise groups, read canine body language, lead structured play and enrichment, reinforce basic manners, and care for daycare and boarding dogs in all weather.

The role is physically demanding and hands-on, requiring reliability, calmness when busy, and the ability to handle dogs of all breeds and energy levels.

Qualifications

• 18+
• Reliable transportation
• Dependable and able to show up ON TIME
• Comfortable handling dogs of all breeds, sizes and energy levels
• Able to stay calm when things get loud, busy or chaotic
• Highly observant with a strong awareness of safety
• Willing to take direction, learn and follow established procedures
• Friendly and professional with clients
• Able to communicate clearly by text and email with decent spelling and grammar
• Dog daycare, boarding, training, veterinary, or other hands on animal experience is a plus, but we will also train the right person

Responsibilities

• Safely supervise and manage groups of dogs
• Read canine body language and interrupt inappropriate behavior before it becomes a problem
• Lead structured play, enrichment and socialization activities
• Reinforce basic training and good manners throughout the day
• Help dogs develop appropriate social skills, manners and crate skills
• Care for daycare and boarding dogs
• Feed, rotate, crate, leash and move dogs safely throughout the facility
• Communicate professionally and positively with clients
• Clean. A lot.
• Follow RcK9's safety procedures and handling protocols

Job description

RcK9, a structured dog care and boarding facility, is seeking a Dog Handler / Care Attendant who truly wants to WORK with dogs, not just cuddle them. You’ll supervise groups, read canine body language, lead structured play and enrichment, reinforce basic manners, and care for daycare and boarding dogs in all weather.

The role is physically demanding and hands-on, requiring reliability, calmness when busy, and the ability to handle dogs of all breeds and energy levels.