|
|
Dogs with Jobs  RESEARCH YOUR BREED What was the original purpose of your breed? Whether you own an Afghan Hound or a Westie, a German Shepherd or a Pug, it is important to understand what your dog was breed to do. Owners often forget that the behaviour that prompts a dog to run or stay close, hunt or guard, chase and kill, herd, work with people or work independently are all the result of generations of carefully selected traits. Most dogs today are added to provide companionship, spending endless hours alone while their family is at work / school, however it is important to remember that what our dogs have been genetically selected for, they will continut to exhibit throughout their lives. We must take this into account when training & problem solving, as they will suffer frustration at not being able to fulfill their destiny.
It is our responsibility to provide suitable outlets for those 'hard wired' behaviours.
As a self confessed 'neat freak' I have taken great pleasure in training my dogs to help around the house.
Gone are the days of picking up their toys!
Using positive, motivational training methods, Mako (my G/S), has been trained to open & close doors, (see picture on left), carry groceries, pack away toys & find my keys! Roy, (my B/C), was also trained to open & close doors, fetch the morning paper & often helped out by removing our socks & place them in the laundry hamper. (See pictures below).
   When deciding what types of things you would like to teach your dog, spend some time observing her natural behaviours.
- Does he like to retrieve?
- Is her nose always glued to the ground?
- Does he use his paws a lot when he plays, greets you, etc?
The answers to these questions will enable you to channel your dogs natural talents into becoming a real help around the house.
Don't fool yourself into thinking that your dog will help out just to please you. After all, I don't enjoy house work. I work for the payoff - a neat, clean house. I don't think my dogs are overly excited by this! What they do enjoy however, is a game and a tasty reward!
These behaviours are complex & you will need patience & positive reinforcement to begin training small, achieveable goals that will ensure both you & your dog are set up to succeed. This will also enable you to create a solid foundation in which to build the next step.
Thinking outside general 'obedience' exercies is a fantastic way to increase the bond between you & your pooch, gives you a 'helper', provides mental stimulation and is sure to impress family & friends!
Now, to train my dog to get a coke from the fridge!
|