It’s A Dog’s Life—

Get Your Dog Off Unemployment

By Mary Jane Anderson

Most dog breeds were developed to perform a useful task for man, such as herding, retrieving, or guarding. These jobs required high energy levels which includes excitability, running barking and digging. Today our dogs are not required to “earn their keep,” and because of that our dogs are becoming “couch potatoes.”

However, even though they are unemployed, the traits admired and sought after by the shepherd are unacceptable to the pet owner today. On the other hand, the dog has become bored and frustrated, just hanging around. With this combination of inborn traits and boredom in our dogs, behavioral problems can develop. Why not use the dog’s inborn instincts to work for you in our modern society?

Herding dogs, like the German shepherd, collies, or shelties, love to chase. Unfortunately, from the dog’s point of view, there is not a flock of sheep in the backyard. Many herding dogs easily adapt to their instincts by chasing cars, joggers and children. Car chasing can become a dangerous occupation for the dogs, as well as causing serious accidents on the highway. But, a bad habit can be controlled for the welfare of your dog and others. A daily chase of a ball, a Frisbee or jogging will direct the herding instincts of chasing and running for the betterment of the dog’s health, as well as the owners, children and the neighborhood’s peace of mind.

Retrieving is a favorite game for all dogs of all ages. For some dogs, such as the golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers, retrieving is their lifetime pursuit of happiness. Some dogs are so obsessed that they continue retrieving in the house even after the ball game in the backyard has ended. They retrieve any object that is close at hand: socks, shoes, brushes, or clothes. You name it and it’s in the dog’s mouth. Rather than scolding the dog who will not give it up, use the retrieving instinct to your advantage. Encourage your dog to bring it to you and praise him for a good job. You might likely receive a soggy sock once in a while, but grin and bare it, it’s better to wash the sock than to pick up a chewed sock he left behind.

Barking is the heritage of the working dog or watch dog. Many dog owners want a watch dog that will alert them to strangers around the house. How many times do I hear, “He is a good watch dog,” as the owner is trying to find a good home for their dog? I believe that too many dog owners have the wrong conception of a watch dog. The dogs I hear of seem to be just noisy dogs, constantly and uncontrollably barking. A watch dog in the truest sense is trained. The dog barks to alert the owners but is quiet at other times. If your watch dog does not know the difference, the dog must be retrained by avoiding the stimuli. Discipline must be done every time the dog barks without a cause until he learns the meaning of “Quiet.”

Another natural inborn instinct for terriers and dachshunds is digging. They were bred to burrow underground after rodents. This is not an easy problem to solve as your dog digs up your garden. But, it can be controlled and redirected. Some trainers have suggested to provide the dog with a digging area or fence off inappropriate areas to keep the dog under supervision. Rattling cans or water corrections can work well if you can catch your dog in the act. If you startled your dog at the scene of the crime and give a firm and sharp verbal correction you will get his attention.

Employing your dog with simple tasks will bring enjoyment for you and your dog. Your time and efforts will be rewarded as you work through your problems. Both you and your dog will let off steam in a positive manner solving your problem and enjoying it at the same time.