Story by Jenny Cain & Jeremy Brown The Complete Canine
The English Mastiff, Australian Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, Miniature Schnauzer, and Basenji – what do they all have in common? They are all breeds developed to perform very specific, practical tasks. For the purpose of this article, we’ll use the term “working breeds” as an umbrella to encompass several categories.
Today, many working breeds are welcomed into homes as companion dogs, rather than being assigned jobs. It’s important to understand their unique physical and mental needs, as well as the best training practices, to help your working dog thrive and be the best dog they can be!
There are many different categories, but some of the most well-known are Herding, Working, and Sporting. Through selective breeding, humans have developed dogs that excel at working and thrive with that stimulation. Negative behaviors can occur when their needs are not considered. From destruction to aggression, when their needs aren’t met for exercise, stimulation, and training it’s common to see behaviors that are undesirable pop up. Instead of fighting their behavioral traits and instincts, let’s explore some ways to incorporate those traits into training that is effective, positive, and fun for both owners and the dogs!
Herding dogs can be work-driven, controlling, tenacious, energetic, intelligent, vocal, and easily frustrated. Putting just some of these traits together makes for a dog willing and eager to learn. They will need consistent and fair behavioral expectations to help them adapt to a life that isn’t centered around working. Positive reinforcement works best for this group. Use what motivates your dog, such as food, toys, praise, affection, or environmental rewards.
It’s important for dogs to know basic obedience commands but there are commands beyond the basics that will appeal to the breed’s disposition.
A very versatile command is a finish command, such as “all done”. Herding dogs can fixate on something and that can lead to compulsive behavior.
A command that lets them know that the activity they are engaged in is finished, whether playing fetch, doing training exercises, or watching something move in the distance, will help settle your dog and teach self-control.
Since herding dogs are the movement police and tend to focus intensely on things, a “watch me” cue can be a very helpful way to redirect their focus. They naturally fixate on a target, so why not make it you? This command is for maintaining eye contact until released. To be successful in real-world situations, practice with minimal distractions in the beginning and slowly add in more distractions, both indoors and outdoors.
Herding dogs are natural controllers, and to them, it makes sense to control your movements too! Teaching to “heel” is a great way to enjoy a walk without them going all over the place. It helps them learn to walk in a straight line and match your pace.
Working dogs are a diverse group – intelligent, strong, watchful, and alert. Bred to assist humans, they excel at jobs such as guarding livestock or property, pulling leads, and performing rescues. They are often misunderstood due to their protective nature. These breeds require extensive socialization, clear management techniques, physical exercise, and mental enrichment. If possible, researching the desired breed beforehand can help immensely with your journey with these powerful dogs!
Below are some training commands that will help your working dog become a great companion:
“Sit and stay” for greeting people is a must for ensuring positive interactions with others. People will be impressed by your dog’s self-control and it is a great way to spread positivity about these breeds.
“Loose leash walking” is when the dog walks beside you with no tension on the leash. They are allowed to have some room to go a little ahead or behind and also stop to smell the roses. Due to their protective and alert nature, they often want to lead so they can scan their environment. Allowing them that freedom, without pulling, will help both dog and human have a relaxing and fun walk.
“Leave it” is a cue that tells the dog to immediately stop and disengage from an object. Whether it’s something harmful on the ground or a moving object that has snagged their attention (and may cause barking), this will be immensely beneficial for your powerful dog.
Sporting dogs are known for their high energy levels, agile movements, keen intelligence, loyalty, and friendly personalities. These breeds pair well with those that have an active lifestyle. They make great running and hiking partners and need a home with plenty of room in the backyard. If you have a pool, teaching them to swim is great too! Along with these great qualities are also some behaviors like a high prey drive, obsessive focus, and an endless supply of energy. Rather than fighting these traits, consider ways to use them to your advantage.
For example, if your dog loves hunting lizards but won’t disengage when asked, then teach them a “find it” cue. This will redirect their attention to searching for hidden treats, toys, or even a specific scent.
Your sporting breed may catch a scent and bolt off to investigate. They also have energy for days and often may be so engrossed in what they are doing or playing that they will not hear you call for them. Teaching a “come” command is important for every dog, but with these breeds, they will need to know this command for more than just basic situations.
With their instinct to hunt comes the instinct to pick things up with their mouths. The “drop it” command teaches the dog to immediately drop and release what is in their mouth. This will save you a game of chase to retrieve the object, or a hefty vet bill if it’s something dangerous.
Working breeds are such a fun and unique group of dogs! Understanding their physical and mental needs, as well as their personalities, will help you overcome challenges, have fun with them, and help them become a well-rounded dog that thrives in your home.
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