For generations we have been breeding dogs to do specific jobs for us, a few obvious examples are:
Terriers were bred to hunt vermin
Border Collies to herd sheep
Spaniels to hunt and retrieve game
When choosing a breed of dog, we often consider: size, appearance, past experience, coat type, etc. It's also really useful to ask ourselves, ‘what was the original purpose of the breed?’, as this will tell us a lot about the kind of lifestyle they are likely to thrive in.
Many breeds have been subdivided into working and show types. The working types have been selectively bred to do a specific job. Therefore, they tend to be high energy, busy dogs and can be quite hard to live with, particularly for first time owners. The show types, although they originally worked as well, have subsequently been selectively bred for the show ring, they will usually be calmer and easier to live with when kept as a pet.
Most of us are aware that breeds such as Border Collies are used to herd sheep, however what we don't always realise is that the instinct to herd will still be present to some extent in a Collie who is kept as a pet. This is why we often see Collies with problems such as chasing traffic, joggers, cyclists and trying to herd children, other dogs etc.
In the same context, Labradors and Spaniels were originally used to hunt for and retrieve game. They will generally inherit the desire to carry things and will instinctively pick things up. It’s usually seen as really cute when they carry their toys around, but can be problematic when they run off with our possessions, or are picking up litter or stones. Rather than trying to stop them, which is really hard for them to understand and can even lead to problems such as resource guarding, we need to find safe ways to allow them to utilise their natural desires/instincts.
Cockerpoos and Labradoodles have become very popular cross breeds. It's worth bearing in mind that the poodle was originally bred as a gundog. If a working line (as opposed to show lines) Cocker Spaniel or Labrador is one of the parents used in the cross, the result can be a very energetic dog.
As an experienced dog trainer and behaviourist, the kind of challenges relating to working breeds of dog that I am regularly asked to help with include: hyperactivity, high prey drive, sensory overload, chewing, digging, picks up/steals/eats clothing/stones/litter etc, excessive barking, reactivity and aggression.
To successfully meet the needs of such dogs, we need to be willing to work in partnership with them, embracing their instincts and giving them appropriate, safe outlets for them.
A Recipe for Success
Research - before you buy or rehome a dog of any breed, take the time to research different breeds, ideally spend time with the type of dog you're interested in and consult with people who are familiar with them.
Choose a knowledgeable breeder who rears the puppies in their home and begins socialising and habituating puppies whilst they are still with them. These breeders will usually offer ongoing support, and commonly for the dog's whole life.
If you are thinking of rehoming a dog, choose a rescue centre who thoroughly assess the dogs and match them with prospective owners. A good rescue centre will also provide ongoing support. The Association of Dogs and Cats Homes is a regulatory body whose members are assessed to high standards, so their website is a helpful resource when looking for quality in a rescue centre https://adch.org.uk/
Socialisation/Habituation - this is how a puppy learns all about the world around him and what is and isn't acceptable in the society he lives in.
The breeder should have already begun your puppy's socialisation/habituation experiences. Once you get your puppy home, it's important that you continue to give them gentle exposure to the things that they are likely to experience later in life – including people and other animals (socialisation) and objects/sounds/smells/places (habituation).
This needs to be done sensitively, especially in the case of working breeds who can very easily become overwhelmed in busy environments. Take care to introduce your puppy to things gradually and to make sure their experiences are positive. Introduce new things from a distance and watch your puppy's body language carefully, only move closer when he is happy and relaxed.
Management - is useful throughout your dog's life but especially as he is growing up. Utilise a crate and/or puppy pen to provide a safe area where your dog can relax. A variety of food dispensing toys and chews will keep him occupied when you are busy and help him to form a positive association with his crate/pen and being left alone. Stair gates and barriers can be used to prevent access to rooms where your dog might get into mischief. Long lines are really useful when teaching your dog to come when called, as they allow your puppy to explore at a little distance from you and then be encouraged to return to you for a reward – while you ultimately retain control of the lead. Digging is a natural dog behaviour, so in your garden perhaps fence off an area for your dog to keep your plants safe, then in their own area provide a dedicated area or a sand pit for your dog to dig in.
Appropriate Exercise - try to exercise your dog in different environments so that they get plenty of variety. Dogs explore the world via their noses, so make sure you allow them lots of opportunities to sniff.
Working breeds often quickly become bored and can therefore become frustrated with on-lead street walks. Invest time training them to come when called, even in distracting environments, so that they can safely have regular off lead exercise.
Avoid excessive chase type activities which are likely to increase your dog’s levels of adrenaline and arousal. For example, repetitive ball throwing/chasing can quickly become obsessional and over-stimulating and is also extremely hard on the joints, risking long-term health problems. A good alternative is to allow your dog to use his nose to search for food or toys, as this provides mental as well as physical stimulation likely to result in a calmer and more fulfilled dog.
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise, so consider what activities you could do with your dog. For example, scent work is fabulous for all breeds/types of dog and can be a life saver for working dogs who really benefit from getting to use their body and brain in this natural way. It can be as simple as scattering a handful of their daily food in the grass. There are also lots of organised activities available, such as man-trailing, detection, tracking, pet gundog training, as well as sports such as agility or working trials.
With puppies and young dogs who are still growing, it's important not to over-exercise them and to avoid high impact activities. Think in terms of taking them on adventures to explore and learn about the world, rather than taking them for walks from A to B.
Training and Sensible Boundaries - dogs, especially the working breeds, have developed over many generations to work in close partnership with humans, looking to us for direction and support. Having sensible boundaries and teaching a dog what is acceptable behaviour will increase their confidence and ensure everyone's safety. Some owners worry that training their dog will somehow stop them having fun, however this really isn't the case at all! Spending time training your dog using reward-based methods will help you to build a positive relationship and allow you both to enjoy much more freedom. For example, teaching your dog that he waits rather than 'makes a dash for it' when the front door opens keeps him safe, and teaching him to come when called means he is able to have lots of off-lead exercise.
Finding a good Dog Training Instructor will help you to learn how to train your dog and avoid many problem behaviours. Be aware that the term ‘Dog Trainer’ is not legally protected, therefore finding someone to support you who is accredited is essential to avoid the risk of being ill-advised and using methods which might be damaging. The Association of Pet Dog Trainers is a UK-based regulatory body assessing qualified and experienced dog trainers to a high standard and you can find a member via their website https://apdt.co.uk/find-a-trainer/
Resources - this includes anything that the dog finds valuable. It's important to teach dogs that we aren't going to grab and take away things they value, instead always exchange an item for something of equal or more value. Young dogs of all breeds, but especially gundog breeds who have been historically bred to do just this, will pick up and carry almost anything. Puppy owners, especially, often panic that the puppy is going to hurt himself and immediately rush to take an object out of his mouth. However, this can very easily lead to a breakdown of trust – the puppy is driven by his instincts and the owner is inadvertently going against these and frightening him, with the end result often being a degree of resource guarding. We can prevent these problems by teaching our dogs that if they bring something to us, we will trade this item for a treat or another toy. Managing the environment by putting away anything of ours which they are likely to steal, as well as giving them a selection of toys, chews etc which they can pick up whenever they want, will help to keep them occupied and avoid a lot of human frustration. Teaching your dog to search for and retrieve toys will also give him a healthy and enjoyable alternative outlet for his natural instincts.
Sleep - dogs need more sleep than people. As well as sleeping for a long stretch overnight, they also need several naps during the day to keep them happy and healthy. Many dogs however, especially the working breeds, can really struggle to ‘switch off’ and rest when things are going on around them. Providing a safe, quiet area in the home where they can always rest undisturbed, along with appropriate food toys/chews, and the sound of white noise or music can really help. Ideally, establish a routine where your dog is exercised, then when you get home give them a food toy or chew to help them settle, followed by quiet time when they can rest.
If you'd like to read more from Sue Pickering you can visit her website here
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