Chronic SOS - September 20, 2023
Back with more dogs with jobs! This was a big hit with my friends and family!
I'm going to be starting with a dog that I think is the best (I'm biased) - JD!
I originally adopted JD in the hopes of training him to be an allergen detection dog. He was initially an emotional support dog and after I bonded with him, we started training with the help of a dog trainer.
We had three training phases: basic pet training, public space etiquette, and finally allergen detection training. It didn't take him long to learn the basics, so we began training on public space etiquette. Additionally, I trained him on a few tasks: turning on lights, opening doors, and helping me keep my balance. He's very smart and learned everything fast. We were able to make a few public trips and he did fantastic!
He suddenly began to act really nervous and skittish and difficult to control. He had a clean bill of health from his vet, so I had no idea what was going on! Around that time, I started to struggle with my health more often. I would faint and wake up to JD nuzzling me and licking my face. Sometimes he'd sniff my forehead and cry. When I was diagnosed with the brain tumor, it all made sense - he could smell it!
He lived with my parents while I was in hospitals and facilities after my injuries. When I moved back home, I was pleased to find out that he remembered the training! We obviously haven't been able to continue training, but he remembers the tasks I taught him and I've taught him some for anxiety and other helpful things. He's still technically an ESA, but with the addition of the tasks, he's a service dog; but he works from home!
Next, a different type of detection dog: explosives. These dogs often work in airports, but may also go with the "bomb squad" to look for explosives as bomb threats are called in.
Explosives are created with a few different compounds. These aren't detectable using a human sense of smell, but are easily detected by dogs. If the dogs detect explosives, then the perpetrator(s) (if possible) are detained, the area evacuated, and the bomb squad can come in to safely detonate or disable the explosives.
Lastly, a type of working dog that most people are familiar with: herding dogs. Herding dogs have been around for centuries! There's even a category of dog breeds - appropriately named "herding dogs" - that include dog breeds that were specifically bred to herd and have herding instincts.
Australian Cattle Dogs (blue heelers), for instance, nip at the heels of livestock in order to get them to move in the directions they want. Corgis behave similarly and also nip at the heels. Border Collies often get in front of the herd while crouching and staring intensely. Some breeds bark and use other methods to herd. All of these are modified predatory behaviors that have been selectively bred over many generations.
The dogs are all very high energy breeds that need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation!
All images courtescourtesy of the AKC
They are typically owned by the people who also own the livestock. Common livestock include: sheep, goats, and cattle. The dogs gather the livestock into a specific area, lead them to different areas, and protect the herd.
Bonus: cats with jobs
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