Does your dog need a job?
When we talk about working dogs, we’re not talking about Buddy the Border Collie clocking in for his 9-5 desk job (tough to type on a keyboard with paws, although would be nice to have them contribute to the rent…) We’re talking about having a “purpose.” Something to do that fulfills their need to be useful.
If we look back at some of the first dog/human relationships, they were centered around how dogs were beneficial to humans. And I’m way over-simplifying here, but most dog breeds that we recognize today were created (by selecting and breeding based on traits and qualities that were desirable) so they could help people—anything from personal protection, protecting a farmer’s flock, retrieving ducks for hunters, herding cattle from one pasture to the next, or even pulling a cart, etc. Dogs served a purpose. They worked for their supper. And nothing was free.
Fast forward to now, many people get a dog for companionship—and for the first time, breeds are selected based on their looks. (i.e. Dogs today are more likely to try to steal the bacon than bring it home.)
While that’s all good and well (that’s why I got my dogs), we have to remember they still have all of that need to work wired into their brains. It’s why we see a lot of dogs getting into trouble. Frustration from not having that part of them utilized, they will often “find” their own jobs—barking at the mailman, digging the biggest hole in the backyard, “herding” their family trying to walk to the living room, or even “protecting” their human mom from other people and dogs.
And while structure and breed/age/energy level-appropriate exercise will help, so can this one magic tool. The Doggie Backpack (my favorite that I’ve had over 10 years linked here and below.) A simple saddle-bag style sits comfortably on your dogs back and allows them to carry things on a walk or hike. Here are some reasons I love them:
Fulfills your dog’s need to work and have a purpose. Even if your dog is not traditionally bred to be a working dog, it is still beneficial and can help keep them content.
It increases the amount of exercise your dog is getting. (A 30 min walk with a backpack is like an hour walk without one.)
It’s mental and physical exercise that can help improve your walk. Your dog will be focusing on carrying the weight in the backpack and not on looking for other dogs or squirrels. I’ve used these even with smaller, anxious dogs to help them feel more secure and focus less on being nervous.
And last but not least, they can carry their own stuff. I like to put cold water bottles in both sides in the summer to help keep my dogs cool. They can also carry poop bags, collapsable water bottles, and any other supplies you may need.
Ready to have a happy, healthy and fulfilled dog? Put ‘em to work.
Xena with her backpack.