Dog handler and trainerמטפל/ת מאלפ/ת כלבים
What the Dog handler and trainer role asks for, and what it holds
Dog handlers and trainers care for and train the dogs of the IDF's Oketz unit.
Combat supportProfile 64+WomenOlive green
The role asks for a medical profile of 64 and up and a Hebrew score of 5 and up.
The medical profile runs from 21 to 97.
The Hebrew score runs from 1 to 9.
- Kind of role
- Combat support
- Open to
- Women
- Medical profile
- 64 and up
- Hebrew score
- 5 and up
- Try-out
- Not needed
- Training place
- the Oketz unit
The IDF's page also names a lowest score in 3 traits.
The IDF's page lists these traits among the role's requirements, each with the minimum score the role asks for.
- Effort and persistence3
- Caring for people2
- Keeping to a framework2
This is what the work of the role holds.
The role is full care of the dogs: feeding them, taking them out to training sessions and walking them.
The work includes activity in the early morning hours and at night.
This is how the training for the role runs.
The training starts with the IDF-wide basic training 02 with guidance for the profession, followed by a 12-day course in the Oketz unit. The course gives skills and tools for caring for all the unit's dogs and is the basis for the role.
Where it trainsthe Oketz unit
This is what service in the role looks like.
The role serves at bases across the country. It is a closed base (Mitkan Adam), with duty shifts with the dogs that also fall on Saturdays.
The role also asks for a few more things.
- Background and experience with dogs are recommended.
- The soldier needs to be patient and to love animals, dogs in particular.
More roles to read about in the same branch.
- Dog handler and trainer programCombat support · Profile 64+
- Drone instructorCombat support · Profile 64+
- Education and knowledge of the land coordinatorCombat support · Profile 25+
- Division clerk, Operations DirectorateCombat support · Profile 25+
- Dispatch center operatorCombat support · Profile 45+
- Discipline NCO (unit)Combat support · Profile 45+
Frequently asked questions
What does the Dog handler and trainer role ask for?
The role asks for a medical profile of 64 and up and a Hebrew score of 5 and up.
Who can serve as Dog handler and trainer?
The role is open to women.
Is there a try-out for Dog handler and trainer?
The IDF names no try-out for the role.
What does the training for Dog handler and trainer hold?
The training starts with the IDF-wide basic training 02 with guidance for the profession, followed by a 12-day course in the Oketz unit. The course gives skills and tools for caring for all the unit's dogs and is the basis for the role.
This page was written from the IDF's pages for future soldiers, read on 6 November 2026.
- The role's page on the IDF's site: Dog handler and trainer
The requirements and screenings change from time to time, and the IDF's page for each role is the one that counts.