Working dog – training
Besides breed, another way to classify dogs is by their work. You could say that a working dog is a dog that just does more than just hang around, play tricks, and be cute and cuddly all day. Some dogs have 9-5 jobs just like humans.
Kinds:
There are many types of working dogs. Some of the different positions are:
-Service dogs that help visually or hearing impaired people complete everyday tasks
-Rescue and/or search dogs that assist in finding disaster victims and rescuing them when necessary
– Therapy dogs visit sick people in hospitals and their homes, bringing joy to the patient
– Sleds are primarily used for sporting events in snowy terrain, but sometimes help transport people and supplies
-Pastoral assistance in controlling cattle and sheep
– Police or K-9 dogs are actual members of the police force who protect and serve the community
Breeds
Not all are made to become working dogs. Poodles aren’t hired to work for the police, but they make great lap dogs. Chihuahuas are definitely not meant for sledding. There are certain breeds that are instinctively or genetically programmed to perform tasks with both ease and a certain level of satisfaction.
Hunting for example, popular breeds that go hunting are hounds, terriers, retrievers, setters and pointers. The following breeds have been used by the police: Bloodhound, German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Rottweiler and Belgian Malinois. Therapy dogs are a mix of different breeds.
Training of working dogs
However, it is not enough that the dog is part of a long line of, say, hunting dogs. Working dogs still need to be trained to become effective at their job. Depending on the type of work they do, training for both puppy and handler can be long and exhausting. This is particularly evident for dogs used to sniff out bombs, mines and controlled substances. These dogs have to train for long hours. But in the end, it’s all worth it for the K-9, the handler, and the person receiving the dog’s service.
Socialization
The training of each puppy should be tailored to the breed as well as the type of work the dog is expected to perform. Part of their basic training is socialization. Working dogs must be comfortable with other people, other animals and their surroundings. You can’t have a dog that barks at every K-9, cat or child it sees. Even if his job won’t require him to be around people and other distractions, this dog is still expected to be calm in a variety of situations. Little ones who will perform a work function should be exposed to their future jobs as soon as possible. This is to introduce them to the environment at an early age.
Obedience training
Another basic training that working dogs need is obedience training. These little ones need to know how to follow commands. During obedience training, complete trust and mutual respect is formed between the K-9 and its handler.
A variety of training techniques are used during obedience training. Some of these techniques are: collar and leash training, clicker training, positive reinforcement, reward training and even dog whispering. Obedience training is a lot of hard work, so it’s important to make it fun for the puppy.
Proper obedience training will turn any dog into a confident, calm and happy dog. Obedient dogs love to please their owners and handlers, which makes it easier to train them to do their jobs.
Job specific training
Since there are many different types of working dogs, there are also different types of skills that each of them must master. For example, service dogs that help visually impaired people learn to open and close doors, light switches, closets and drawers, they carry various objects, including pill bottles or medicine, and guide their masters safely through busy streets. Hunting and herding dogs are usually learned on the job because they accompany their owners everywhere at an early age. They instinctively perform their duties in order to please their masters. Their training is not as rigorous as military dog training.
Police dogs are trained to attack and subdue criminal elements, sniff out drugs and other illicit substances, and perform patrol, search and retrieval functions. The dogs, which are hand-selected to work side-by-side with law enforcement officers, go through rigorous training. The amount of man hours spent training just one dog is high. It is also expensive for the department. However, once trained, the service these dogs provide is invaluable.
Whatever level and degree of training a dog has to qualify as a working dog, what matters is the relationship that forms between the dog and its trainer, handler or owner. It is this relationship that will foster mutual trust and respect between the two and in turn make it easier to train the dog to do his job well.
It’s truly amazing what working dogs can do. They protect people and property, make life easier for people with disabilities, and some bring joy and comfort to sick people. This doesn’t happen overnight. After the initial training, some working dogs need to be constantly trained and retrained depending on the work they are performing. Working dogs are hardworking and loyal dogs who will put their lives on the line without hesitation. They are simply amazing!
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