Dogs Need a Job…

It’s a statement that I have made to so many people over the years as a trainer. And sometimes it can be honestly a copout. There are plenty of dogs in the world who don’t have jobs who have a wonderful lives.

When trainers like myself say this is a working dog or this dog needs a job - what we mean is this dog that has been presented to us needs some type of fulfillment that they are not receiving. There is something innate in this dog, either in their personality or in their genetics most likely in the breed(s) that makes them up that is causing them to lack fulfillment and that is leading to bad behaviors.

there are a few basic needs that all dogs require to have fulfillment. Your dog has needs that must be met including food, water, shelter - that shelter includes a safe environment where they can be free from stress either caused by other dogs or other people or children. This is why trainers pushing towards crate training. Your dogs need to have physical and mental needs fulfilled. Physical is stuff like going for walks and playing. Mental fulfillment includes in enrichment - being able to use their five senses and just be a dog. Being able to sniff, chew, lick, watch, & listen. This is where the idea of enrichment toys and sniffing walks comes into play. This is were training or dog sports comes into play. As a hole most owners remember to take care of physical needs they usually forget about mental needs when they are actually the more important part.

We say your dog needs a job because a job/the job that your dog historically did provided both physical and mental stimulation, structure & fulfillment.

I 100% believe the majority of dogs can have a fulfilled life without a “real” job. But owning a dog and specifically certain breeds is a lifestyle choice that you have to be willing to commit to.

if you’d like to learn how to fulfill your dogs needs my door is always open.

Happy Training -KB