Many dog owners have certainly heard the term working dog. These are dogs that are used for a specific job or a specific task. Often classic hunting dogs come to mind. However, there are also great differences. For example, there are so-called utility dogs. How these differ from their colleagues, you will learn in this blog post.
What is a "working dog," anyway?
A working dog is a dog that has been bred for a specific job or activity. Thus, working dogs are the busy bees among dogs. However, the difference with other breeds that are also active and eager to work, such as hunting dogs or terriers, is that they have been bred to work with humans. They want to work in a team and rarely look for their solutions independently. Their special ability to learn things quickly and also the desire to be always active with mind and body makes them the perfect companions for all those who want to work with their own dog. What such work can look like, for example, I will tell you a little further down in the text.
Among the working dogs, of course, there are also the most diverse representatives. The German Shepherd is probably the most popular among them. Rottweiler, Doberman, Malinois and Bouvier des Flandres also belong to them. And, of course, the German Boxer.
Life with a working dog:
In any case, it is once again a different kind of responsibility within the society in which we live than with a dog bred for the pure company of people. Working dogs have more energy, they want to work, to exercise, physically and also mentally. Some of them can become a problem in the wrong hands. Underdemand makes them sheer crazy, they then become uncontrollable.
To counteract this, there are numerous working dog clubs to provide a controlled outlet for these active dogs.
I absolutely want to emphasize that the sport of working dogs is not a danger to humans and/or dogs. The three sub-disciplines tracking, obedience (admittedly a very outdated word for the joint teamwork on the dog field) and protection serve on different levels to challenge the dog optimally in all its abilities. Only powerful, healthy and psychologically resilient dogs with self-confidence and at least a good drive disposition are suitable for this team sport.
Certainly, it is also important that the dog has a certain resistance to stimuli. This can be worked on specifically, because the so-called "switch" from free and independent work in the actions in the protection service, back to obedience always requires strength of nerve. For me, especially the joy of working together is the most beautiful thing. Working dogs are always ready to do something with you. The "will to please" is certainly differently strongly pronounced, but the desire to please you at work is given with all.
In the protection service the dog is allowed to bite into a prey (e.g. a bite cushion or a so-called "sleeve"). Of course, after a precise procedure, which includes a high degree of obedience, which is laboriously worked out together. I have never seen dogs as proud as with a "conquered" protective service sleeve.
What is everyday life like with a working dog?
Experiences from the life of Sarah with Elsa
Of course, I can only speak of my breed, the German Boxer (other working dog breeds are of course experienced very regularly in sport). My current Boxers are very different, but one thing always unites them. The active, joyful and strong urge to work with me. Elsa, for example, has less joy in simply romping in the woods. She could, of course, and does, after I have sent her away several times. Before that, however, she constantly "asks" for tasks, for example, she offers to walk on foot, although I have not given a command.
In general, I can say that boxers just like to be kept busy. It doesn't have to be the working dog sport (but of course it offers itself), it can also be obedience or the work in a rescue dog team.
If working dogs are not used to their full potential - and it is by no means enough just to take them for a walk - they are difficult to handle in everyday life. They are not the dogs that stroll beside you in the park and then lie quietly under the table in the café.
However, a working dog can also do all this if it is worked with on other days.
Due to the great pleasure of working together, working dogs are always very related and also affectionate. They want to share their life with you and not be left to themselves. Joint activities are the greatest happiness for them, but also the cuddle units, after a fulfilling day on the couch.
For me, working dogs are by far the greatest dogs, this "we-feeling", being a team together, training together and thereby feeling well protected in the evening when you go lonely ways, is just really great.