Handlers are Guardsmen who do not shift, but serve as psychically-bonded "translators" for Protectors. Their primary role is to understand and interpret what a shifted Protector is doing or thinking. While they are not shape shifters, they are also not fully human from the perspective of normal humans, often exhibiting behavior similar to Protectors in social situations. They do have heightened senses (hearing, smell) although nowhere near the degree of Protectors.

Handler manifestation occurs in tandem with Protectors, that is, during adolescence (10-13 years old). The difficulty is that Handler manifestation is far more subtle, and if unexpected, can be mistakenly written off as asthma, allergies, or as various mental disorders (depression, bi-polar, autism). If the child is not raised around dogs and is not experiencing a strong manifestation, they can grow up and live their entire life as an unidentified Handler, although they will usually suffer a variety of related health issues, and generally die before forty years old.

Unlike Protectors, Handlers are not on a countdown to bonding. If they are not bonded by 25, they will probably never bond, but as long as they keep some association with other Guardsmen they can live long, healthy lives. Some unbonded Handlers have gone on to become experts in normal-dog training, or working with dog rescue associations/shelters. Rarely, older unbonded Handlers will find themselves unexpectedly drawn to bond with a young Protector, and these May/December bonds are often highly romanticized in literature, music, poetry and movies.

Also unlike Protectors, Handlers can outlive their bondmates, and even (very rarely) bond with a new Protector.

For information about the role and status of Handlers in society, visit the Social Roles page.