Working Dogs Vs Couch Potatoes

There are many breeds of dogs that wouldn’t work if you paid them for it due to their lack of interest in the job or lack of energy. Size has nothing to do with any of it – the huge Mastiff is more laid back and easy going than the tiny Chihuahua or Pomeranian. But all are just as happy being pet dogs and enjoying time spent with their caring owners. They like napping on the couch with their owners, or watching television while sitting in the laps of soap-opera buffs.

An important thing to remember with all dogs is if they don’t want to do something, they probably won’t. It has to be something in their genetic background that they were bred hundreds of years to do – an example is herding sheep or cattle. Border Collies will herd children or cars, if not able to herd what they were trained to do – cattle or sheep. If that is removed from their life, they become depressed, irritable, and develop many behavior problems. On the other hand how well do you think a little Rat Terrier would herd? They would rather dig a hole to China under the sheep, as they were bred to for varmint removal and such, but not herding. Forget it!

So try to do a little researching on the breed of a dog, and why he was developed, before you purchase one and make his life miserable, in addition to your own. Appreciate why you brought him home, understand why he is here in this world, and what his purpose in life is.

Choosing a working dog means that you are prepared to do some training and provide your working canine with a task. Selecting a breed that is more of a pet dog will ensure you have a companion, but may not assure you of a dog that will have working dog training and abilities.