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Working Dogs

The expression “working as hard as a dog” didn’t arise out of nowhere. These canines are trained to be more than just a mere companion or pet. Working dogs are perhaps the most physically strained bunch of the dog family. The list of ‘jobs’ working dogs can do is far from limited. Take the rescue dog for example. The name itself denotes the great responsibility of assisting people who are in danger, perhaps in the water after a boat disaster. Detection dogs are used in airports sniffing luggage for prohibited contraband and other illegal substances. It isn’t unusual to find War dogs tracking mines or wire laying. Perhaps the most common working dog profession is the police dog. We see them on episodes of ‘Cops’ chasing down the bad guys, jumping onto their backs and diving in with their teeth all in the name of justice. The reality is, many of these jobs can be dangerous to either animal or man but fortunately, canines have a better track record of escaping hazardous situations more easily. On the positive side of the working dog jobs, there are definitely some “happier” canine careers. Therapy dogs are used for exactly that purpose, therapy for the elderly, the ill and injured and even provide emotional gratification for the dog trainers themselves.

German Shepherds are known to be family friendly dogs with lots of energy and loyalty in their personalities but they are also incredible guard dogs and boast of great strength, intelligence and obedience. These German originated canines wear many hats in the working dog industry. With the most common being a Police dog, they are also aids to the blind and handicapped and serve as great search and rescue animals. Then there is the ever loving Golden Retriever which has a gentler role to play in the working field but still equally as important. Golden Retrievers are good with people in general so it’s not surprising to find them around children in hospitals or in nursing homes with the elderly. Rottweilers on the other hand are beautiful dogs with a not so beautiful reputation. Perhaps because they are closely associated with police departments, and search and rescue squads, they are used for more aggressive positions however, they can be just as loving a family oriented dog once in the hands of the right owner who will train him to nourish those qualities.
Because one can’t escape who they truly are, this is the same for working dogs. As pets, a working dog must still be given work to do to fulfill its purpose as a working dog. A working dog that is constantly tied, ignored or treated as a piece of the furniture can eventually become neurotic and lethargic. This in turn will lead to destructive behavior or an attempt to escape. The best way to deal with a working dog as a pet is to realize its full potential and engage them in activities that will mentally and physically stimulate their true nature.