Things You'll Need:
- Imagination!
- Patience
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Step 1
Dogs were meant to work, all the way back to the time they were wolves. They had jobs! They didn't sit around the cave, hut, or igloo all day, waiting for handouts. There was no such thing as a "free lunch!" They earned their keep! Early man coached wolves to help with the hunt, and to protect them. They got paid with food.
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Step 2
As wolves evolved into rather unattractive, nasty smelling, fouled-tempered, unpredictable "dogs"; man, so as not to be eaten, learned to display Alpha status. He put them to work by training them to pull carts and sleds. Help with hunts. Dogs worked keeping fields, mills and barns free of rodents and predators. They were trained to guard temples, monasteries and castles. They have and still are, trained for war! They for centuries they have found survivors buried under avalanches and collapsed buildings. They now have jobs sniffing out drugs, contraband, lost children and even cadavers. You will find them guarding heavy equipment. Working with law enforcement, they are the front line. They guard and herd livestock. They make hunting a much easier and safer sport for their human, by taking the risks. They loyally and without complaint serve the blind, and deaf. As therapy dogs, they help children learn to read. They put a smile on the face of shut-ins, elderly and nursing home residents. They help autistic children bond to something! Dogs are meant to work!
The list goes on and on. Most dogs were not bred to sit around the house, snacking on treats while watching the Animal Planet. They were bred to help us. -
Step 3
Find a job for your dog, and watch them thrive!
Make your dog happier by making them feel important and needed. Teach them to:
1. Bring in the paper and mail
2. Help with the groceries
3. Pick up that sock or towel you dropped when lugging laundry
4. Get their dinner bowl for you to prepare
5. Drag the trash bag out
6. Bring you a tool or the hose
7. Push open a door
8. Find your keys!
9. Get your slippers, shoes, coat, gloves or hat. This comes in real handy when whatever you are looking for, has been pushed under the bed!
10. Carry your stuff and their own, while on walks and hikes...get them a backpack! Watch the difference in their attitude!
It's not hard to get started. The next time you walk into the house with groceries, use their excitment and enthusiasm as a tool for training. Hand them an object, tell them "TAKE." Once they take it, have them follow you into the kitchen, tell them "GIVE." As soon as they make the association of "TAKE" and "GIVE," and follow your commands, PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE them immediately. After that, they will look forward to "helping" you, as they follow you back and forth to the car, bringing in the groceries!
To get more from your dog, it only takes 4 basic commands, 2 of which they should already be familiar with:
1. Take
2. Give
3. Push
4. Find
Keep it fun! Teach "TAKE" and "GIVE" while playing fetch. Let them know how proud you are of them as soon as they respond appropriately.
BOTTOM LINE: Try it! You will be amazed how quickly they catch on, as well as how happy they are, to be of service!
