If you own a dog you’ve probably heard the phrase, “dogs need a job” a hundred times, especially if you have a dog who is more than just a couch potato.
Dogs original purpose was to help people. Whether it was helping bring in the livestock, guarding the family home, or helping catch the next meal, they earned their places in our lives.
Most dogs these days have a completely different life. They hang out in the house, watch us watch TV, go on walks and provide general companionship.
Unfortunately, they still have some instincts that are not well suited for polite society and can cause them to have problems if they’re not properly channeled.
Here are 5 things you can do to help channel those instincts(more commonly called drives) and live a more cohesive life with your dog.
1. Trick Training
Did you know your dog can get titles for learning tricks? This is probably the easiest way to give your dog a job and build a better relationship at the same time.
Do More With Your Dog has four basic levels of trick titles available and a ton of other fun things in the same realm like a Stunt Dog title. Submissions can be done in video format so you don’t even have to leave your house.
The AKC also has five levels in their Trick Dog Titles from novice to elite performer. You have the option of finding an in person evaluator or submitting a video.
If you have one of those dogs who needs to learn new things to keep boredom at bay, this may be just what you need. Pick a trick, maybe watch a video on how to teach it, and train your dog in short, exciting sessions and you’ll have a title in no time.
2. Scent Detection
When most people think scent detection they think police dogs but there are actually pet versions of this skill that are relatively easy to get into and don’t require a ton of props.
The AKC and UKC have two different types of scent work trials; Odor Search(looking for essential oils) and Handler Descrimination(looking for the handler). Each organization has multiple levels for both.
There’s also The National Association of Canine Scent Work that only does essential oils and is structured in more of a class environment.
If you have a dog who’s always sniffing, this might be just the job they need. It’s incredibly fun to watch.
3. Obedience
So many dog owners think of obedience as a chore but the world of obedience is huge and can be incredibly fun.
Rally Obedience done both by the AKC and UKC as titles encourages dog owners to work on things they’d never have thought of before. Designed like an obstacle course, each level has signs that tell you what to do in a specific order. I highly recommend watching a video as my explanation does not do it justice.
The AKC also has the Canine Good Citizen titles which incorporate obedience in practical, real life scenarios.
If your dog already knows some basic obedience and loves to train, try taking it a step further by making it harder and aiming for a title. It’s not commonly thought of as a job but obedience can be a good outlet to help your dog in the long run.
4. Jumping
I’ve met a ton of dogs who’s athletic abilities rival Olympians and having a proper outlet for them is essential. Here are just a few sports/activities that involve jumping for those athletes.
Dock diving- a sport where the dog jumps into the water. There are titles for longest jump and some that involve going after a toy suspended in the air. There are tons of organizations for this sport and titles to be won. A couple organizations to learn more are North American Diving Dogs and DockDogs.com
Agility- agility is probably the most common dog sport in North America. The dogs jump, climb, and navigate obstacles at incredible speeds. Another sport that has multiple organizations and titles available. The United States Agility Association has a ton of information on getting started.
Disc Dog- if your dog loves frisbee and jumping this may be the sport for you. Disc dog incorporates frisbee, jumping, and tricks to make one super fun sport. Again, there are multiple organizations and titles available. Search for a local group here or just watch some online tutorials.
If you have a dog who loves to jump look into taking a class on one of these sports and see if you and your dog enjoy it.
5. Urban Mushing
If you have a dog that loves to pull, doing urban mushing could be the perfect way to channel that. It’s exactly what it sounds like, your dog pulls you!
There are multiple types of urban/dry land mushing and if you’re into competition, they have races too! Rather than an organization, most people join local groups in their community.
Urban mushing is less structured than some of the aforementioned jobs. It can be done with a bike, a scooter, or even a wheelchair and is a great way to build a relationship with your dog.
Disclaimers and Overall Encouragement
Not all dogs can do all of the things listed above. Please do not try to do Urban Mushing with you Frenchie. Make sure your dog is in good physical health before doing anything strenuous and ask your vet if you’re unsure.
All dogs can do SOMETHING. There are tons and tons of sports and activities you can do. If you try something and don’t like it, try something else.
If you are dealing with an issue with your dog don’t wait to start doing something. Having a job or an outlet can actually help with bad behavior.
Lastly, don’t get down on yourself if you or your dog isn’t immediately good at something. You should be doing this for fun first, then titles if you want them.
If you ever need help or encouragement, Contact Us, we’re here for you.
