Dogging Course and Licence Training in Sydney

Dogging: What it is and what our course teaches

Dogging is a critical skill in industries that rely on heavy machinery and crane operations. It involves using sound judgement and technical expertise to handle loads or guide crane movements from a position outside the crane operator’s complete field of vision, via methods like whistle signals or radio.

The role of a Dogger revolves around two key responsibilities that Dogging courses like ours teach:

1. Employing slinging techniques for relocating a load, encompassing the choice and examination of lifting equipment.
2. Guiding a hoist or crane operator in charge of moving a load when the load is beyond the operator’s line of sight.

Earning your High-Risk Work Licence (Class DG) through this course provides you with the credentials needed to take on a role where precision and safety are non-negotiable. With a Dogman ticket or licence, you’ll be trusted to make the right decisions and keep work sites running smoothly and safely.

Course description

This Dogging course encompasses all the necessary elements to acquire a national High-Risk Work Licence (Class DG) for Dogging operations. If your aim is to advance to basic rigging, intermediate rigging or advanced rigging, this Dogging course marks the initial step among the four tiers leading to your objective.

Upon obtaining a Dogging licence, you will have the authority to oversee load movements for cranes and engage in the selection and inspection of lifting equipment like chains, synthetic slings, shackles, and lifting beams. Successful completion of this course grants you the capability to direct crane load movements and inspect lifting equipment within Australia.

It’s important to note that this course does not address the prerequisites for performing rigging tasks. To engage in rigging work, a High Risk Work Licence (Class RB, RI, or RA) is mandatory.

Course outcomes

. Compliance with Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Legislation, encompassing Acts, Regulations, and the Duty of Care.
. Application of Australian Standards and National Standards.
. Proficiency in selecting lifting equipment.
. Competence in inspecting lifting equipment before usage.
. Decision-making skills in choosing slinging methods.
. Ability to direct crane operators, especially in situations where loads are beyond their view.
. Requirements for HRW Licence

Career opportunities with a Dogging licence

With this nationally recognised qualification, you’ll be well-positioned to pursue stable, high-demand jobs, such as:

• Dogger — Manage load movements on construction sites, guiding crane operators in line with safety protocols.
• Rigger — Progress to rigging roles that involve assembling and dismantling structures, with advanced opportunities in basic, intermediate or advanced rigging.
• Crane Operator Assistant — Work alongside crane operators, providing vital direction and assisting in equipment setup.
• Logistics Coordinator — Oversee load-handling processes in large-scale logistics hubs or warehouses.
• Infrastructure Project Worker — Contribute to Australia’s growing infrastructure sector, where skilled doggers are in demand for complex projects involving cranes and heavy machinery.

With your Dogging licence, you’ll have the flexibility to work across a range of industries and sites, from bustling city construction projects to remote infrastructure developments.

Get practical and hands-on Dogging training at FHV — sign up today!

Boost your expertise in the high-risk work sector with a Dogging licence from FHV. Our hands-on course equips you with essential skills to select and inspect lifting equipment, direct crane operations and safely manage load movements. You’ll learn how to choose the right slings, chains and shackles, assess their condition and provide clear instructions to crane operators when visibility is limited — all critical for a safe and efficient work site.

FHV’s Dogging course prioritises practical training, giving you real-world experience with the equipment and techniques you’ll use on the job. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to apply these skills in sectors like construction, transport, logistics and heavy machinery operations. Sign up today to increase your competitive edge and prepare for success as a licenced Dogger in any high-risk environment.

Check out the available schedules for our Dogging course in Sydney below, or register today — night classes are also available! For additional training, we also offer High-Risk Work Licence courses such as trucking and rigging.