Many dogs are companions, but there are dogs that perform very serious jobs. These dogs are known as working dogs, which gave been thoroughly trained to perform specific tasks. Dog breeding organizations and kennel clubs classify certain breeds as “working dogs”.
Traditionally, working dog breeds were trained for guarding and herding purposes. However, in the present, they may or may not perform these tasks. In fact, many types of breeds can perform such tasks.
With that said, here are a few types of working dogs and the types of jobs they are trained to perform:
Service Dogs
These types of dogs, also called assistance dogs, have been trained to assist those with disabilities. There are special guidelines set by the Americans with Disabilities Act. These guidelines cover service dogs and their treatment in public areas.
It doesn’t matter what type of situation it is, a true service dog will remain behaved. This is why service dogs can go with their handler anywhere. Keep in mind emotional support dogs and therapy dogs are not classed as service dogs.
Here are a few examples of service dogs:
- Seizure dogs
- Guide dogs for visually impaired people
- Hearing dogs for those with hearing impairments
- Mobility assistance dogs
Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, German shepherds, and the standard poodle are the most common breeds used as service dogs.
Therapy Dogs
Therapy dogs are often used as part of a therapeutic plan that a doctor has provided to their patient. These dogs can offer emotional support to injured people or sick people. Therapy dogs are often brought around to nursing homes and hospitals, as well as to schools and daycare centers. They are used to educate children about therapy dogs or dogs in general.
Any breed, age, and sized dog can be trained to become a therapy dog. However, dogs do need the right training, temperament, and socialization skills. Therapy dogs have to be non-fearful, well-tempered, well-trained, and well-socialized.
Police Dogs
These types of dogs are trained to assist law enforcement personnel, including police officers in the line of duty. These dogs have been trained to protect their handlers. They can perform tasks such as tackling criminal suspects, holding suspects, and chasing them when they are attempting to run from the police. Many police dogs have been trained to serve as detection dogs, which can sniff out illegal substances such as narcotics.
German shepherds and Belgian Malinois are the two most common breeds used for police dogs.
Military Working Dogs
These dogs are trained to assist military members. They may perform tasks such as detecting mines or scouting areas. Some dogs are used as sentries and trackers. Military dogs might also take part in rescue missions.
Belgian Malinois and Dutch shepherds are the two most common breeds used as military working dogs.
Detection Working Dogs
A strong sense of smell is one of the traits detection dogs are known for having. Positive reinforcement is what really motivates these types of working dogs. Detection dogs can sniff out several types of substances or a specific type of substance. As a side point I would recommended seeing pet franchises available.
Detection dogs might be trained to sniff out blood, drugs, human remains, or even explosives. Some dogs have been trained to detect bed bugs, high or low blood sugar levels, as well as cancer. Law enforcement, healthcare, and wildlife biology are a few fields that are known for using detection dogs.
Golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers are the two most common breeds used as detection dogs.
Search And Rescue Working Dogs
These dogs are known for their amazing sense of hearing and smell. They are trained to help with rescue efforts. This is why they are used in various fields such as avalanche rescue, tracking and cadaver location.
German shepherds, Labrador retrievers and border collies are a few of the most common breeds used as search and rescue dogs.
Herding Working Dogs
These dogs work with cattle, sheep and other types of livestock. Some dogs are born to be herding dogs, while others have to be specifically trained for the job they are going to be performing. Some dogs that are born into the herding dog group might not be naturally good herders, even after training, which is why some dogs in the herding breed group make better companion dogs.