People often get dogs because they make great companions. However, other dogs have jobs they perform. Generally speaking, working dogs have natural instincts that have been carefully refined with training. This is done so they can perform specific tasks.
Certain breeds of dogs are classed into what Kennel clubs call “working groups”. Dogs in the working group traditionally are trained for tasks such as guarding or herding. Today, dogs might still be trained to do such tasks. However, many jobs can now be done by mixed-bred dogs, as well as multiple dog breeds.
There are many types of working dogs, and each one performs different tasks. This article explains a few kinds of working dogs. If you are in need of a working dog then you may want to make yourself familiar with the different out there pet care franchise.
Service Dogs
These dogs are sometimes called assistance dogs. Service dogs are trained to assist those with disabilities. There are specific guidelines in place regarding these types of dogs, as well as their treatment in public areas.
A service dog is trained to remain calm and behave in any kind of situation. This is why service dogs can go anywhere with their handler. Bear in mind that emotional support dogs and therapy dogs are not classed as service dogs.
A few examples of services dogs are as followed:
- Mobility assistance dogs
- Guide dogs for those with vision impairments
- Medical assistance dogs
- Seizure dogs
- Hearing dogs for those with hearing problems
Golden retrievers, standard poodles, Labrador retrievers, and German shepherds are dogs that are commonly used for working dogs. When patients receive a therapeutic plan, then they may be given a therapy dog, which offers emotional support. Often, these dogs visit daycare centres and schools to help teach kids about working dogs and/or dogs in general.
Any kind of dog can be a therapy dog. However, they do need proper training, a good temperament, and having been socialised. Therapy dogs can’t be fearful.
Police Dogs
These types of dogs are often referred to as K-9s. They are trained to help police and other law enforcement officials. Dogs that have been trained to be police dogs protect their handlers. The dogs can even hold suspects, chase them down and sniff out illegal and legal substances. Sometimes dogs are classed as detection dogs if they’ve been trained to detect substances.
German shepherds are typically used as police dogs. Belgian Malinois are sometimes used, too. Do note that extensive training is required for police dogs.
Military Dogs
These dogs assist military members. They can be used as trackers, detectors, and scouts to name a few. The dogs are often used in search and rescue efforts. Belgian Malinois, Dutch shepherds, and German shepherds are typically used as military dogs.
Detection Dogs
These dogs have a great sense of smell and positive reinforcement motivates them. Detection dogs can sniff out several substances or a specific type of substance. Illegal drugs, human remains, and explosives are a few things detection dogs can sniff out.
In some cases, detection dogs can sniff out cancer, types of insects, and abnormal blood sugar levels. Detection dogs are used in various industries, such as wildlife biology, law enforcement, and even healthcare to name a few. Traditionally, detection dogs were used for sniffing out truffles and hunting.
Beagles are commonly used as detection dogs. So are golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers are often used, too.
Let’s not forget to mention that search and rescue dogs have an exceptional sense of hearing and smell. These dogs have undergone extensive training and are used in many different areas. This includes avalanche rescue, tracking, and cadaver location to name a few. Common breeds used as search and rescue dogs include border collies, Labrador retrievers, and German shepherds.
