Tag Archives: working dogs

Do Working Dogs Get Bored When They Retire?

I wish I could remember which book it was I read where a lady adopts a retired police dog (I think a German Shepherd), but then worries thinking it might be sick because it grows listless and seems so unhappy. Eventually she figures out that the dog misses working and sets about creating jobs to keep it busy. I want to say it was a book I read by Elizabeth Dearl, Twice Dead, but I’m not positive. (I know that book had a ferret. I just can’t remember if it was her book or someone else’s that had the retired … Continue reading →

Miko’s Job: Security Guard

Courtney wrote recently about all the different types of jobs that dogs can have. It got me thinking about my dogs, and the work they do for me. Moose is Chief Executive in Charge of Cuddling and Lally is my Morale Officer with her squeaky ball antics. The dog I had before I adopted Moose and Lally was the one who had a real job. Miko was my security guard. When I got my first full-time radio job and moved to Vermont, there was no question that he was moving with me. One of my tasks at the new job … Continue reading →

What Makes a Good Search and Rescue Dog?

The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation is on a mission. They are rescuing dogs, training them to save lives, and sending them out to work with firefighters and other emergency workers. This is the search dog pledge: no one is left behind. Most candidates for the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation come from shelters and breed-specific rescue groups. Dogs who are adopted by the SDF are guaranteed a lifetime of care — whether or not they work out as search and rescue dogs. Dogs that don’t complete the program are placed in loving forever homes. Active search dogs that retire … Continue reading →

Dog Breed: Akita

In Japan, seven breeds of dog are designated National Monuments. The Akita is one of them. At one time, only the Imperial family and ruling aristocracy could own an Akita; special leashes signified the rank and standing of the Akita’s owner. These days, the dog is an affectionate family member all around the world! The Akita comes from the mountains of northern Japan, and was bred to be intelligent and adaptable for hunting. This breed has a spiritual significance in Japan; they are regarded as loyal companions, protectors of the home, and a symbol of good health. When a child … Continue reading →

About Working Group Dogs

Working group dogs were bred to perform jobs — “working” isn’t just a clever name! American Kennel Club working group dogs are used to guard property, pull sleds, and assist in rescue efforts. Working dogs have also been seen carrying messages in wartime, guiding the blind, and working with police. Don’t confuse working dogs with herding or hunting dogs — in the American Kennel Club, these are separate groups of dogs. In general, working group dogs are intelligent, capable, and quick to learn. They also tend to be very large, and may not be the best pets for families with … Continue reading →

About Herding Group Dogs

The American Kennel Club divides show dogs into seven different groups: Sporting, Non-Sporting, Hounds, Terriers, Toy, and Working. Each group has particular characteristics in common. The Herding Group is the American Kennel Club’s newest classification, dating back to 1983. The Herding Group split off from the Working Group to include breeds with the ability to direct or control the movement of other animals. Traditionally, these dogs were used to herd livestock. Herding Group dogs are used today in parks to control flocks of geese and to move goats around for natural lawn control. Herding Group dogs are generally intelligent dogs … Continue reading →

Life With a Working Dog

You may have heard (or read) that working breeds like having something to do. This is true! They are intelligent, active dogs that can get bored (and destructive) easily. My Lally Beeber is a very hardworking dog. She slaves over a hot squeaky ball all day, and yet finds the time to help me with my chores. For example, Lally helped me make my bed this morning: Note the suspicious green ball in the upper right hand corner of the picture. Evidence at the scene of the “chores”. Note also the suspicious tan butt in the lower left hand corner … Continue reading →

Dog Breeds: Rottweiler

Okay, confession time: the Rottweiler may very well be my favorite breed of dog. I love big dogs and I love big dogs with big fat heads. And I’ve been so very lucky to meet amazingly sweet Rotties – like Schultz, who used to come play at the dog park with Miko and me and would plop his big butt right down on my feet. (Want to read more about our adventures at the dog park? Clicky clicky!) A Rottie is pretty easy to pick out of a crowd – aside from the muscular build, they have distinctive markings. The … Continue reading →

Dog Breeds: Old English Sheepdog

Yes, they can see through all that hair. Just wanted to get that out there. And it certainly is a stunning head of hair, isn’t it? Perhaps the most striking feature of the Old English Sheepdog is the thick, fluffy coat. The general myth is that this dog will need a LOT of grooming. But really, an Old English Sheepdog isn’t any harder to care for than any of the other longhaired dog breeds. At the very least, you’ll need to do a thorough brushing once a week to keep the coat free of mats. The nice thing about the … Continue reading →

Dog Breeds: Dalmatian

Seeing how a Dalmatian was the subject of a recent news story, I thought it would be a good time for a deeper look at the breed. Most of us know Dalmatians from the book and movie, 101 Dalmatians. They’re pretty easy to pick out of a crowd. White fur, black or brown spots. A medium to large sized dog, weighing somewhere in the neighborhood of 55 pounds. DID YOU KNOW: Dalmatians are born white, and develop spots later on. As far as temperament goes, Dalmatians are dogs of action. I’m talking virtually endless stamina and energy. This is a … Continue reading →