There are certain jobs, ranging from ones that demand immense courage and devotion to some more distinct canine professions, which demand the assistance of a dog if one wishes to execute them effectively.
Thanks to the long-standing partnership between canines and humans, dogs continue to play various roles in the current workforce. Through their specialized training, dogs have become such experts in certain fields that they are the only candidates for particular tasks.
Dogs that search and rescue
One Search Dog, which can detect human scent from up to 500 meters away, is capable of replacing the search efforts of around 20 individuals searching on foot due to their exceptional sense of smell, quickness, and flexibility.
When lost in the wilderness of a mountain, which has happened to quite a few people due to Covid restrictions on travel, seeing a wet nose and wagging tail eagerly offering help is the most reassuring sight. The Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team was inundated with over 250 calls in 2021 from visitors who had flocked to Snowdonia.
For over half a century, Search and Rescue dogs have aided humans. The National Search and Rescue Dog Association (NSARDA) teaches and certifies canines to search for individuals presumed to be lost, regardless of the environment. NSARDA-certified dogs and handlers collaborate with Mountain Rescue, Lowland Rescue, and law enforcement and emergency services professionals.
Although there are many different breeds of search dogs, Border Collies, Spaniels, and Labradors are particularly adept at using their natural ability to air scent, trail, and persistently track down people who are in distress.
Sniffer dogs
With over 220 million olfactory receptors in their nose, dogs possess a sense of smell that is 10,000 to 100,000 times more powerful than that of humans, enabling them to detect a diverse range of scents. Compared to the mere 5 million olfactory receptors humans have, canines’ noses are significantly more sensitive.
Border agents utilize sniffer dogs to identify illicit substances and prohibited items, making them a common presence in airports, seaports, and international railway stations globally.
Multi-skilled dogs trained to detect various items including drugs, firearms, tobacco, cash, and smuggled individuals have been working at the UK’s borders since 1978. Currently, there are 74 dogs with this capability. Gun dog breeds, such as Cocker Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels, and Labradors, are well-suited for detection work due to their innate hunting and retrieving abilities, which have been honed to detect specific scents.
In Scotland, a fresh team of canine sensors will be stationed at airports, ports, and package centers to assist in recognizing animal-derived goods that may pose a hazard of infections like foot and mouth or African swine fever.
Dogs have received specific training to detect coronavirus in humans before the appearance of symptoms, even up to five days early, as demonstrated in a trial held at Helsinki-Vantaa airport in Finland. The project is being overseen by Anna Hielm-Bjorkman, a professor at the University of Helsinki, who has reported that the dogs have demonstrated nearly 100% sensitivity and efficacy.
The Medical Detection Dogs, a new type of sniffer dog, are making waves in the field of disease detection. Through pioneering work with Bio Detection Dogs, this charity is training the dogs to detect diseases such as cancer, neurological diseases, and bacterial infections much earlier than current methods allow. This breakthrough technology from these specially trained canines is hoped to provide a quicker and more cost-effective method for scientists and medics.
The organization trains Medical Alert Assistant Dogs to aid individuals with life-threatening illnesses such as type 1 diabetes, Addison’s disease, and severe allergies. These dogs use their remarkable sense of smell to detect subtle changes in odor that occur before an emergency and signal the person to take preventive measures, potentially saving their life on a regular basis.
Dogs that provide daily support
Assistance dogs offer both practical assistance and companionship to individuals with varied disabilities, allowing them to have a greater sense of independence, boosted confidence, and a loyal companion.
In addition to the renowned Guide Dogs, which have assisted individuals with vision impairments in achieving independence since 1931, there are also Hearing Dogs that are specifically trained to notify individuals who are deaf of crucial and potentially life-threatening sounds that they may not have otherwise detected, such as the doorbell, alarm clock, and warning signals such as fire alarms.
Assistance dogs trained by the charity Dogs for Good provide support to both children and adults suffering from various disabilities. These intelligent dogs are taught to assist in tasks such as dressing and undressing, retrieving items, opening and closing doors, and even aiding in physiotherapy routines. In addition to this, the charity’s Family Dog department offers guidance and assistance to families with autistic children, helping them to strengthen the bond between their pet dogs and their children.
Moreover, the Community Dogs program collaborates with adults experiencing autism, learning disabilities, and other personal requirements in various community environments, as well as with children in schools that cater to individuals with special educational needs, to enhance their confidence, well-being, and competencies.
Dogs for Good is seeking alternative methods to assist individuals with dementia in England and Scotland, allowing them to live full and active lifestyles within their homes and communities. The Forest of Dean Dementia Action Alliance collaborated with Julia, Georgie’s handler, and Georgie, a dementia community dog, to deliver targeted therapeutic sessions to those in the early and moderate stages of dementia. According to Julia, Georgie is an amiable and tranquil dog who enjoys the presence of people, quickly forming bonds and utilizing her natural ability to make them feel protected and valued.
Dogs on the farm
With their ‘herding eye,’ a single highly skilled Border Collie is capable of maintaining control over an entire herd of sheep.
Although modern farms incorporate advanced agricultural technology, the traditional farm dog still holds an irreplaceable position.
Dogs have been an integral part of farm life for a long time, and this continues to be the case. From terriers that serve as versatile farmhands to Border Collies, which have been hailed by the late Eric Halsall, the famous frontman of BBC’s One Man and His Dog, as “the world’s smartest dog.” This breed’s distinctive attribute, the “herding eye,” is a focused stare that enables them to completely manage their flock.
The Bearded Collie is among the other farm breeds that are well-liked. Additionally, there is the Huntaway, with its black and tan coat, which was first bred in New Zealand and is celebrated for its ability to solve problems. Another breed is the Kelpie, which resembles a dingo and was initially created in Australia and is proficient in herding sheep to enclosed areas.
BONUS: Dog training 101 — How to set realistic goals and where to get started
Dog training can be categorized into two main levels. The first level is skill-based training, where a dog trainer can teach basic manners to your dog, such as sitting, staying, and lying down. On the other hand, if your dog experiences behavioral issues such as anxiety, fearfulness, and aggressiveness, then you require the services of a dog behavioral consultant like Brianna Dick from Pack Leader Help.
“The way that I approach dog training is behavioral psychology based,” says Dick, who is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals. “We’re not looking at just the physical behaviors of dogs. We’re looking at their emotions and the relationship they have with their humans.”
Begin with behavior training if you require both skill training and behavior training, focusing on the more intricate aspect of the two. While a canine trainer may have some ability in instructing your furry friend how to sit, a dog behavior consultant will be much superior in assisting your canine companion in managing separation anxiety.
Be realistic.
Fratt explains that not all dogs will enjoy going to the dog park, just as not every human will develop an affinity for raves.
Kim Brophey is an applied ethologist, a family dog mediator and the owner of The Dog Door Behavior Center. She also wrote a book titled “Meet Your Dog: The Game Changing Guide To Understanding Your Dog’s Behavior .” Brophey uses a framework called L.E.G.S (learning, environment, genetics, self) to explain dog behavior. Say, for example, your dog is barking at your guests.
Brophey suggests that the breed of dog could have been specifically chosen over a period of many years to protect against intruders entering through the front door. Due to the fact that a German shepherd’s inherent instinct to safeguard its territory cannot be altered through training, readjusting one’s expectations may be necessary.
Decide how you’d like to train your dog.
Regarding training approaches, there are several choices available such as group sessions, individualized instruction, board and training, day training, and independent training, amongst others that are most prevalent. Group classes are less costly but provide lesser individual attention. Fratt notes that board and train facilities come at a higher cost and entail more risk.
“If the trainer spends all this time training the dog in this really specific context and then basically just hands you the leash, takes your check and walks away, there’s a very good chance you’re not actually going to be able to implement those new strategies and skills … successfully in your home.”
Your decision will be influenced by both your financial resources and the objectives you aim to achieve through training. If your dog showcases aggression towards another domestic canine, it’s likely counterproductive to conduct training sessions elsewhere besides your home.
It’s important to note that you will need to participate in your dog’s training, but it doesn’t need to consume a significant amount of your time. Fratt reports that she devotes approximately five minutes daily to training. Additionally, much of the assignments given to you by trainers can be enjoyable and effortlessly incorporated into your daily routine.
Our experts recommend free or low-cost online resources for dog training that won’t break the bank.
- Kikopup on Youtube and Instagram
- Fenzi Dog Sports Academy
- K9 of Mine
On her website, Dick has put together a collection of complimentary resources, while Fratt presents a selection of educational lessons called Training Tuesday Free Lessons.
Understand the methodologies.
The field of dog training is entirely unregulated, allowing anyone with a website, Instagram profile, or physical shop to assert themselves as a dog trainer. Consequently, there is no authoritative guidebook dictating which techniques should be employed during dog training, leading to many disagreements among trainers. Nonetheless, the majority of trainers can be classified into two general groups:
One group of trainers who adopt a positive approach is exemplified by Fratt. Their method involves rewarding dogs with treats or pleasant experiences when they exhibit desirable behavior, encouraging them to continue doing so and even associating positive experiences with things that may initially scare them.
Balanced trainers, including Brianna Dick, employ a combination of positive reinforcement techniques and disciplinary methods such as the use of e-collars in their training.
According to Dick, e-collar training utilizes a collar worn by your dog that you manage through a remote control, providing a stimulus to their neck whenever necessary, such as a shock, sound, or citronella spray, to correct their behavior. The dog training community is split over e-collars, particularly those that give off shocks.
Dick cautions against trainers who rely solely on e-collars for all dogs, as it is a generic approach that may not yield satisfactory outcomes. Instead, he recommends seeking a trainer who takes the time to understand your unique situation, including your bond with your dog and your daily routine with them.
Find a good trainer.
If you’re searching for reliable positive reinforcement trainers or well-rounded trainers in your locality, a recommended starting point would be the lists compiled by different professional organizations. There are various such associations available.
- International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
- Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
- The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
- Karen Pryor Academy (KPA)
- Pet Professional Guild
- The Academy for Dog Trainers
- Pat Miller Certified Trainers
Subsequently, schedule interviews and reach out to previous clients. Determine which trainer evokes a sense of comfort within you. Verify their ability to articulate their training techniques.
