Get Your Dog Off Unemployment!

All dogs were originally bred to help man with certain tasks and make his life easier; it’s deeply stored in their genes. Huskies pulling interstate sleds with vaccines, Border Collies herding sheep, Terriers keeping settlements free of rats, Retrievers helping bring in dinner, and patrolling Dobermans making sure the family was safe. Even companion dogs had a job, like providing comfort and accompanying their masters on long journeys.

Now, however, modern technology and the loss of rural lifestyle has decreased our need for help from our four legged friends. So, we obtain our dogs for companionship only, and promptly put them on Unemployment. This creates a real problem... we want our dogs to be good and entertain themselves when we are at work, and lie calmly at our feet when we return home. But chronic Unemployment leaves them with no way of burning off their mental and physical energy stockpiles. That energy has to go somewhere!

I know what I am talking about, because I own three high energy dogs who are constantly getting in trouble if I don’t channel their energy in constructive directions.... And who could blame them? I myself would probably get into trouble if I was unemployed my entire life. My work life helps keeps me focused, busy, and productive. Same is true for dogs.

So here is the simple truth: We need to give our dogs a job that keeps them out of trouble and provides mental and physical exercise. It should be an activity you and your dog can enjoy together as a team, and - ideally - it should be something your dog was originally bred to do. I am not saying that you have to move to a working farm and have a herd of cattle just because you invited an Austratlian Cattle Dog in your life, but look into high energy dog sports such as Agility, Flyball or Frisbee. If you have a Bloodhound, try some tracking or scent classes. Terriers would love to do earth work trials, and Retrievers excel in field work, hunting, and even dock diving.

If you can’t or don’t want to get involve in organized activities... come up with your own! Teach your dog to fetch, and he/she can help you pick up laundry, put toys away, and even bring you a beer! Teach your pet to playing hide and seek, and they can have fun with your kids. Create your own homemade agility course in the backyard using simple household items to burn off your pet's energy.

The possibilities are huge. Don’t be afraid to get creative, and remember: At the end of the day, a dog with a job is a tired dog. And we all know....a tired dog is a good dog.