Jobs for Dogs

• 08-16-2008 9:49 AM

  spiritdogs Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 11,202 Points 1,020

  Jobs for Dogs Reply Contact  We're always telling people who have certain breeds that their dogs need a "job", so I thought this would be a good place for people to tell how they gave their own dog a job that simulates what the dog was originally bred to do, or a substitute to burn off some energy.  How about this format: 1. dog's name & breed   2. bred for  3. job(s) you gave the dog... Sioux - Australian Shepherd mix - herding livestock/guarding farm - therapy dog (she doesn't have much guarding instinct, just an alert barker), obedience, agility, farm dog Sequoyah - Australian Shepherd - herding livestock/guarding farm - watchdog, frisbee & tricks, agility (doesn't care for it as much as Sioux does), tracking (likes that), obedience, tennis ball freak, farm dog Maska - Foxhound mix - hunting - therapy dog, mobility assistance for my BF (if he falls, Maska can come help him up - nice to have a large dog with a good recall), tracking the coyotes on our walks, couch potato (couldn't care less if works or not-should probably be collecting unemployment LOL) tricks, obedience, farm dog Fergie - Yorkshire Terrier - hunting vermin - hunts imaginary vermin, keeper of the stuffies - playmate for the Aussie, lap dog, obedience, farm dog (as long as mom is on the other end of the leash) - elder statesdog at 19+   Regional Director for Massachusetts, International Positive Dog Training Association Director, SeniorCare Pawsitive Connections Program AKC CGC Evaluator #3669 Therapy Dogs, Inc. Tester/Observer Sioux, CGC, TDInc. Maska, CGC, TDInc. Sequoyah, CGC Fergie, Retired Lap Dog, Age 20 Dancer, CGC, TDInc. (1989-2006) #1 Heart Dog In memory of Mike, please become an organ donor today. "If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them and what you do not know, you will fear. What one fears, one destroys." - Chief Dan George "The fidelity of a dog is a precious gift demanding no less binding moral responsibilities than the friendship of a human being. The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth can ever be." ~ Konrad Lorenz

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• 08-16-2008 10:23 AM

  In reply to spiritdogs

  kle1986 Joined on 10-22-2007 KY Posts 3,099 Points 875

  Re: Jobs for Dogs Reply Contact (1) Cheyanne-Dalmation/Lab/Chow mix-  (2) various tasks/retrieve birds/hunting.herding,protection.  (3) my therapy dog, watchdog, food disposal, vermin disposal, chasing buzzards, family pet (1) Lillie- Irish Setter-  (2) field sports dog  (3)agility, exercise coach for me and Cheyanne, Samantha's pillow, family pet (1) Kujo- Chihuahua-  (2) pet (3) neighborhood pet( was gonna say family pet but that would be an understatement), tricks, watchdog, kitten entertainer, Samantha's sidekick, feet warmer Kimberly

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• 08-16-2008 11:23 AM

  In reply to spiritdogs

  willowchow Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 7,443 Points 445

  Re: Jobs for Dogs Reply Contact spiritdogs: We're always telling people who have certain breeds that their dogs need a "job", so I thought this would be a good place for people to tell how they gave their own dog a job that simulates what the dog was originally bred to do, or a substitute to burn off some energy.  How about this format: 1. dog's name & breed   2. bred for  3. job(s) you gave the dog... Willow, chow chow, bred for a wide variety of tasks, they are best at guarding entry ways, we put her out on the deck every night and she keeps watch and makes sure the cats (or anyone) don't get too close!  It's quite nice to just watch her do this, laying quietly, ears up, eyes looking over things, and if she sees something she just keeps an eye on it until it moves on or if it comes too close she'll get up and watch and if needed growl quietly at it.  We never "gave" her this job, she just started doing it.  We can see the difference in her mental health and it keeps her occupied.  She is also pet sitter assistant whenever it's cool enough for her to come with me.  And, "gotta go to work" and "go for a ride" pretty much mean the same thing to her.

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• 08-16-2008 11:27 AM

  In reply to spiritdogs

  4HAND Joined on 05-28-2008 wisconsin Posts 562 Points 35

  Re: Jobs for Dogs Reply Contact While retreival of fishing nets was the original purpose for which labradors were bred,Jewel wouldn't volunteer to jump in water.She won't even retreive a tennis ball or frisbee.What she does excell at is being a guardian to my son and any friends he has over.She is the self appointed security guard that patrols our acreage and home making sure all is well.Since only her mom was a lab perhaps there is some guardian blood in her veins. Tena Im not fat! Im big boned!....Eric Cartman, South Park

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• 08-16-2008 11:36 AM

  In reply to spiritdogs

  BlackLabbie Joined on 01-27-2008 South of Boston Posts 2,571 Points 230

  Re: Jobs for Dogs Reply Contact 1. Apollo, Labrador Retriever 2. Originally bred for retrieving fishing nets 3. Dock diver, MAJOR retriever of tennis balls/toys (you throw it, he'll glady get it), swimmer, hiking partner, traveling companion (loves going on cars/boats), camping buddy, co-worker (dog walking with me everyday) -Stephanie blacklabbie.weebly.com "Apollo" -Black Labrador Retriever "Patty" -Black American Cocker Spaniel "Molson" -Buff American Cocker Spaniel

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• 08-16-2008 2:07 PM

  In reply to BlackLabbie

  brookcove Joined on 09-10-2007 Semora, North Carolina, USA Posts 5,451 Points 595

  Re: Jobs for Dogs Reply Contact Fun topic. : 1. dog's name & breed   2. bred for  3. job(s) you gave the dog... Maggie: Finnish Spitz? mix who knows Locating/following/leading hunters to birds in woods, household companion Maggie's done frisbee, flyball, agility in her day, and these days is content with schlepping around with us Ben: Border Collie Herding sheep, herding trial competition, Ben's line in particular was bred for cattle work Ben did frisbee, agility, and flyball, and of course works sheep here.  He competed at the novice level in herding trials. Lu Maremma/GP cross Flock guardian - GPs tended to be used more territorial, while Maremmas are "followers" and active guardians (will move the flock to safety when needed) Lu acts 100% Maremma - she of course is a livestock guardian dog.  Besides sheep, she has guarded goats, chickens, ducks, and calves. Tully Maremma Flock Guardian That's what he does, and he does it well!  Zhi Chinese crested Originally ship rodent control, but mostly bred to be a novelty lap dog Zhi still has those ratter instincts, so I make sure she's got plenty of opportunity to go explore the barns and the fields, with me acommpanying her.  She loves to swim, also, and play fetch.   She's learning to play flyball too though it's a bit of a slow go since gas prices went up and made traveling the 80 miles to practice more of a big deal. Gus Border Collie See above, but Gus' breeder focuses on herding trial excellence (he's a multiple Nat. Finals winner) Gus, oddly enough, is content to be a companion to my husband all day.  He works maybe once a day for a few minutes, and he goes for walks around the farm and rides, but he's not go-go-go nor does he need it.  Gus is truly a testament to superior working breeding - that the number one quality is really a team spirit and self control. Ted Border Collie See above, Ted's lines are mixed cattle and sheep, but focus on sheepdog trial excellence Ted is very young and a bit of a hot head.  I will probably not breed him unless to exactly the right match, down the road if he shows amazing brilliance.  However, he gets about four or five working sessions per day, plus chores here and there, and besides that doesn't need huge amounts of play.  I do play with him because, you know, it's fun.   Lynn Leonberger X Household guardian, companion, water retrieval, light farm duty I'm encouraging all of the above behaviors in Lynn, and training her as if she were a young LGD mostly (in techniques, not as far as leaving her outside).  She's also learning to fetch and looooooooooooooooves to swim. Min Maremma Flock Guardian Min's been interesting because I'm taking her FROM her job, and acclimating her to the house.  I've been taking her on long walks so she can check out everything around us and still feel "part of the team" to some extent.  Becca Shouse: Irena Farm, Semora, NC Cord, Ted, Gus, Zhi, Maggie, Lynn, Lu, Min and Tully Waiting: Bubo & Ben "We didn't have a phone, and we couldn't call you!" Helen, AIDS orphan. Don't let them die of ignorance - WorldHelp.net "I-Dog Biggest Loser" Official Cheerleader/Mascot Start 09/15/08: 186.4 lbs Current 175.6 lbs

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• 08-16-2008 4:55 PM

  In reply to spiritdogs

  ron2 Joined on 09-10-2007 far north central Texas Posts 11,150 Points 595

  Re: Jobs for Dogs Reply Contact spiritdogs: 1. dog's name & breed   2. bred for  3. job(s) you gave the dog... 1. Shadow, 5 years old, Siberian Husky/Lab mix. (Sibe in temperment, metabolism, and much phyiology) 2. Pull hard and run fast in the coldest conditions on very little food. Protect and be pillows for children. Sometimes, herd reindeer. Must desire to run for hours and be smart enough not to run off into a creek or chasm. 3. Though some part of the walk will involve pulling (it's what he's good at) his job is mostly to listen to me. Even on a walk, I will use mushing commands and he understands them, too. A job he picked for himself is to protect DW. I watch him do it in the yard. He will place himself between her and the barky neighbor dogs. He also hunts squirrels and mice. As he's gotten older and because of the training, he doesn't pull as often, and not because I don't want him to but walking in LLW has been very rewarding.   The way you treat your dog in this life determines your place in heaven. - chukchi proverb

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• 08-17-2008 4:00 PM

  In reply to spiritdogs

  Infiniti Joined on 08-06-2007 Chicago Suburbs, Illinois Posts 1,632 Points 295

  Re: Jobs for Dogs Reply Contact  Honor     1. Alaskan Klee Kai     2. Companion, although the breed has the sledding mentality of the Alaskan Huskies it came from.     3. Honor does a lot of backpacking, which has actually helped with her drive to pull.  To help mentally tire her out, we do rally obedience.  She's starting agility soon, which should help with her desire to run, run, run! Nike     1. Shetland Sheepdog     2. Herding     3. Nike's still settling in to the routines of living in a house, but I can definitely see him loving agility.  He's very fast, and catches onto new commands and adapts quickly. Lisa and: URO1 'PR' AliAK's Vereesa Windrunner RL1 - "Honor" - Alaskan Klee Kai Victory At Marathon - "Nike" - Shetland Sheepdog RBIS GRCH 'PR' AliAK's Ain't No Mountn Hi Enf, CGC, TDI - "Eli" - Alaskan Klee Kai Dubby & Max - Holland Lop & Mini Lop The Dogs' Blog: http://lisa-itsadogslife.blogspot.com

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• 08-18-2008 8:34 AM

  In reply to Infiniti

  Jewlieee Joined on 03-23-2007 MI Posts 7,044 Points 4,570

  Re: Jobs for Dogs Reply Contact  Dakota - husky - bred to pull and run forever on little food.  In her younger years she was my rollerblading and hiking partner. Now she lays around the house and barks for food. Neiko - Aussie - herding/guardian dog - does agility, frisbee, sheep herding, hiking and will be a therapy dog once we get our papers. Lily - Aussie - herding/guardian dog - slowing working on agility and sheep herding. She's the resident house guard dog. Trying to get her in to tracking and rally. Abbie - Aussie - herding/guardian dog - will be in to agility, frisbee and sheep herding. Just trying to get through puppyhood atm.

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• 08-18-2008 1:18 PM

  In reply to spiritdogs

  GoldenAC Joined on 02-05-2007 Posts 281 Points 110

  Re: Jobs for Dogs Reply Contact  Selli 1) Golden Retriever  2) Bird dog for water fowl and upland game. Her line was bred for obedience trials (meadowpond) 3) specializing in agility right now but also doing obedience and rally trials.  We hope to do tracking and field work after we finish (we can only afford one trial a month and one set of classes at a time).  Selli also works as a temperament tester for our dog park and a calming influence for other dogs at the Dog-O-Mat, our self-service dog wash. Duffy 1) Golden Retriever / Shetland Sheepdog 2) Golden see above and Sheltie; sheep herder / farm dog (which I assume includes watch dog).  Also great obedience trial dogs. 3) no competition work (which he is opposed to on principal), no sheep (of whom he afraid), cat wrangler and protector, temperament tester and doorbell for the Dog-O-Mat.  Also Selli's biggest fan and posse.

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• 08-18-2008 1:49 PM

  In reply to GoldenAC

  stardog85 Joined on 09-10-2007 South Carolina, USA Posts 2,018 Points 180

  Re: Jobs for Dogs Reply Contact  Maggie: Border Collie/Cattle Dog cross, both breeds herd, just using different styles.  Jobs here include agility, therapy dog, hobby herding, general obedience, foster dog teacher.  She's also a world class snuggler and accompanies my DH and I on walks and hikes. Ziva: BC/Corgi/Jack Russell mix, herding from BC/Corgi, vermin extermination from the JRT.  Jobs here include SAR (in training), agility, therapy dog (in training), demo dog for my obedience classes, fetch, hiking buddy, general obedience, play group supervisor, and, of course, companionship. Erin, the Amazing Maggie Mae, Ziva the Wonder Dog, and Kestrel the Up and Coming "Always keep one still, secret spot where dreams may go." - Louise Priscoll

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• 08-18-2008 2:40 PM

  In reply to stardog85

  VanMorrison Joined on 07-02-2007 Probably North of you... Posts 1,986 Points 820

  Re: Jobs for Dogs Reply Contact Monroe Chocolate Labrador - originally bred for retrieving nets, his line is has a lot of field hunters What he does now - Monroe's agility days are over but he is an all round fantastic companion and he is REALLY good at getting that toy that we keep "dropping" in the lake.   Morrison German Shorthaired Pointer - bred to be an all round hunting dog (pointing and fetching in land and water) What he does now - runs and plays fetch a lot, chases Monroe, learning agility soon and is very good at obedience.  His best function right now is his ability for endurance cuddling.

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• 08-18-2008 4:06 PM

  In reply to VanMorrison

  kpwlee Joined on 06-17-2006 North Carolina Posts 5,605 Points 510

  Re: Jobs for Dogs Reply Contact  Bugsy Giant mutt (breed guesses include: Dane, boxer, bird dog, hound) - no doubt he was an accidental breeding What he does: hunts everything that moves and some things that don't, plays with his catch (until last week when he ate some cicadas and a mole), works constantly - patrols our premises and the neighborhood, walks/trots/bikes several miles a day with a purpose.  Entertains all.  Has CGC and working towards therapy dog cert and tracking.

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• 08-19-2008 9:06 PM

  In reply to kpwlee

  jennie_c_d Joined on 09-10-2007 Southeast Georgia Posts 10,159 Points 100

  Re: Jobs for Dogs Reply Contact  Emma, Parson Russell Terrier. Bred for hunting grey fox in England. Jobs include demo dog for basic and advanced obedience class, grooming shop greeter and dog calmer, puppy trainer extraordinaire, competitive rally o and obedience, and some minor pest control. She is also an ambassador for her breed. She fairly regularly shows people that their PRT do NOT have to be insane, and that rewarding calmness can create a wonderful house dog.   Ena, Chinese Crested. Vermin extermination and novelty lap dog. Jobs include learning house manners, basic obedience, conformation routines, and grooming shop greeter. She is also expected to tolerate constant grooming and handling. I think that's the novelty lap dog part

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• 08-19-2008 9:49 PM

  In reply to spiritdogs

  Kyda Joined on 09-15-2007 Arkansas Posts 799 Points 405

  Re: Jobs for Dogs Reply Contact Charlie-Siberian HuskyxGolden Retreiver Mix - Sibes were bred to be sled dogs and have extreme endurance, cold tolerence, and courage. Goldens were bred to retreive dead and wounded fowl to the hunter after it has been shot, they are also used as service dogs. Jobs: Backpacking, Biking, Swimming, Agility, farm doggy, amature goat herder (not that he has any instinct for it lol), trick. We hope to add Canine Good Citizen to the list soon, too. =) Frankie-Bull Terrier X Jack Russell Mix- Bull Terriers were used to hunt vermin, and fight other dogs. Many people outcross bull terriers to other breeds like wolfhounds to make pig hunting dogs. Jacks were bred to kill rodents and such. Killing an all manner of small birds, rats, and turtles. Professional stuffed Artic fox hunter. Fetches and basic obedience pretty well. Hamm-Labrador Retreiver-Bred as service dogs and to retreive dead fowl to hunter in cold water and weather. Fetches like a pro. Backpacking, Biking, Farmdog, Trailriding.

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