Consider giving your dog a job

Alicia Louters
Posted 5/19/21

There are numerous studies published about the benefits

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Consider giving your dog a job

Posted

There are numerous studies published about the benefits – mental, physical and emotional – of owning a dog. There are even dozens of articles arguing the benefits of having a dog-friendly workplace.

I think, often people can focus too much on what their pet can do for them. Don’t get me wrong, they can do a lot for us, but sometimes people (including myself) forget to provide for our pets beyond their feeding, watering and physical exercising.

Last weekend, I covered two events, both involving dogs ­– a search and rescue demonstration in Torrington and a police K-9 certification in Lusk.

These dogs were incredible to watch – their skills, but also their drive. At the search and rescue event, when one dog was working, several others constantly barked in excitement, waiting for their turn.

Several breeds of dogs were specifically bred for a certain type of work, like herding, hunting and guarding. These working breeds make great pets for many people. But as pets, most dogs don’t have the jobs they were bred for.

My dog Missy is an English springer spaniel, bred for hunting upland game (grouse, pheasants, etc.). Since I’m a terrible shot, I never had her trained for hunting. Still, she consistently finds dead animals, chases cats and squirrels and is particularly fascinated with robins. 

Sitting around all day, waiting for me to come home from work is not where she is her happiest. Studies find dogs need mental stimulation, just as much as physical exercise.

A 2013 study in the journal Animal Cognition suggests that dogs get more excited for rewards that are earned. The study found, just like for humans, mental stimulation has positive effects on a dog’s confidence, physical health and behavior.

Dogs without jobs that make them think are more likely to “problem behaviors” like excessive barking, digging, chewing on items and jumping on people.

I have cousins who compete in dog sledding. Imagine being bred to pull and run, but never being able to take off at full speed. Several dog breeds have generations of instinct, naturally telling them to work.

It’s not realistic for every dog to be a sledding, search and rescue, hunting, herding or service dog. But that doesn’t mean your dog can’t have a job.

I’ve had my dog for over half my life and her daily tasks have looked different throughout that time. For years, I competed in 4-H dog shows, training Missy for obedience and agility. She absolutely loved it. Now, I let her swim often and track scents in the park. As she has gotten older, I can tell her hearing is on the decline. I’m working on introducing physical cues to replace verbal ones.

Other ideas, from a veterinary blog, include different types of training, games, swimming, mentally stimulating toys (like the hollow Kong toys), playing with kids, nose work and socializing with other dogs and people (even just trekking through Bomgaars). A quick internet search can provide a plethora of information on the subject. 

I’m not saying your dog doesn’t love snuggling and watching Disney movies with you but listen to the experts and make sure you’re giving your dog purpose. They just might thank you, with better behavior, better sleep or stronger bond with you.