Types of Dog Jobs, Could Your Hound be a Working Dog?

Dogs, aka clever hounds, have been working with humans for centuries, performing a variety of tasks to help make our lives easier. From herding livestock to detecting drugs or explosives, dogs can be trained to do various jobs. In this hound article, you will discover some fascinating facts about dogs and the most common types of hound jobs currently in use. Could your pet be a working dog? Read on to find out!

Working Hound Jobs 

Agricultural Hounds

Some breeds are better at certain jobs than others. For example, breeds like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds excel at tasks such as sheep herding or cattle driving, while Labrador Retrievers and German Shorthaired Pointers make perfect hunting companions. Of course, not every pet parent is a hunter or sheep farmer, but it illustrates some key facts about dogs. First, these breeds are extremely intelligent, and second, they make excellent work colleagues!

Medical Hounds

One of the most interesting facts about dogs is that their incredible sense of smell is up to 100,000 times better than the average human's sense of smell.

So this next bit will make a lot of sense!

Did you know certain hounds are trained to sniff out cancer and even dangerous bacteria like Clostridium difficile (C.diff)? These specialized dogs can pick up on subtle changes in odor, allowing them to alert their owners/handlers if they detect anything suspicious.  

Detective Hounds

For a long time now, dogs have been used to detect explosives and drugs. You only have to walk through an international airport to spot these hard-working canines. However, nowadays, with technological advancement, criminals have found other ways of getting up to no good. This means that many dogs are now trained to detect electronic devices such as microchips and computers!

Therapy Hounds

Dogs have also been found to be incredibly loyal, forming strong bonds with their owners. This loyalty makes them perfect for jobs such as therapy or service dogs. These dogs can be any breed, shape, or size as long as they have a gentle yet friendly temperament. They are often used in settings where people have experienced emotional upset or in places where they can help lift the mood of those struggling with illness or disabilities. Some examples include hospitals, disaster zones, nursing homes, schools, and rehabilitation centers.

Can My Dog Be a Working Hound?

Yes! It's entirely possible – many dog breeds are capable of learning new tasks. For example, out of the many fun facts about dogs pet parents research, did you know that the average dog can understand up to 165 words and gestures? That's more than most human toddlers!

With the right training and dedication, your pup could help make your life easier or even save lives. Whether herding livestock, detecting diseases, or even providing a little comfort, there's a job for every hound!   

Where to go for Advice

The best way to find out what kind of work would suit your hound is by speaking with an animal behaviorist or trainer. They will be able to assess your pup's strengths and weaknesses, giving you an idea of what kind of job they would be best suited for.

While there are many facts about dogs on the internet, the truth is not every hound is suitable for sniffing out explosives or hunting down would-be thieves. Therefore, an assessment of your dog's temperament and abilities would ideally be the first step.

Hound Work is Totally Paw-sible

So if you think your pet could have a career as a working dog, don't hesitate! Together you and your loveable hound could help change the lives of those in need of a furry canine friend or work colleague.

Image by 0fjd125gk87 from Pixabay