Working Like a Dog--Literally!
We consider our dog to be a lot of things: companion, family, friend. But what about employee? That’s probably not something that often comes to mind when you look at your four-legged friends, but he or she is actually pretty capable of handling a job.
A Job Can Give Your Pooch a Purpose--and Happiness!
As humans, a steady job gives us purpose. It gives us a reason to get up each morning. Additionally, the right job can challenge and stimulate us. And, let’s face it, the pay doesn’t hurt either. Being that dogs and humans have so much in common with us, why wouldn’t they also enjoy the benefits of meaningful work?
A few benefits your dog can get from working include:
- Mental stimulation that will make them less likely to misbehave
- Exercise that will help them stay in good physical shape
- Increased confidence and less anxiety
- Social interaction--most dogs love to make friends!
And, if the two of you end up working together, you both get the benefit of a strengthened bond.
Every Kind of Dog Can Have a Job
Just as the same as it is with us, not every dog is cut out for every job--but there is a job perfectly suited for their unique qualities. It may take some time to find the right fit, but it can be done. Here are some jobs your furry friend might enjoy:
- Service and assistance. There are a variety of ways that dogs can serve and assist, including helping the elderly or handicapped live more independently, aiding children with autism, guiding the blind and deaf, and even being responding to the seizure of people with epilepsy.
- Search and rescue. Dogs that aid in search and rescue are trained to detect missing people by scent. Their sniffers are so amazing, they can detect people hidden under debris, in the wilderness and hazardous, and even underwater.
- Water rescue. Dogs who are both strong and love the water can be trained to recognize and save an unconscious swimmer.
- Police work. Typically, German Shepherds are used for k-9 work, but there are other breeds, such as bloodhounds, labs, and beagles, that are used as well. With proper training, police dogs are able to help police officers pursue suspects, solve crimes, and enforce public order.
- Herding. Have an Australian cattle dog, border collie, or kelpie? If so, your pooch may be a natural at driving livestock, such as fowl, cattle, and sheep. Even if your dog is another breed altogether, he or she might be cut out for the job, too, especially if their specialty is barking and running in circles.
- Sled dogs. You might think the need for sled dogs is obsolete, but there are still places where they are beneficial. In states like Alaska, dogs are often used to deliver supplies and medication to remote towns.
- Guard (watch) dog. Dogs are natural protectors, keeping us safe by using their bark and their keen sense of smell and hearing. Guard dogs are used frequently by farmers to watch over livestock. They are even used in the military to keep soldiers safe!
- Therapy dog. The primary role of a therapy dog is to make people feel better. Dogs that are gentle, calm, and good with people can be a huge benefit to patients in hospitals or hospice, residents in nursing and retirement homes, children in schools, and people located in disaster relief areas.
Dogs Can Even Work From Home
Even if your dog isn’t officially employed, so to speak, there are things he or she can do at home to sharpen their mind and strengthen their body. For example, if you go like to go hiking, let your dog hike alongside you while carrying his own bag. Play games with your dog, such as hide and seek, fetch, and frisbee. You can even teach your dog how to scent for something as simple and fun as a treat or beloved toy.
Need an assist? There are plenty of classes right here at Central Pet (e.g. agility, tricks) and online resources out there that can help you get started.