Dogs may be a “man’s best friend,” but let’s not forget that we initially formed a relationship with these four-legged creatures so that we could work together to achieve success. Even today, dogs love to help their human companions and feel worthwhile when we give them a task to do.
Discover some of the best doggupations on offer to the pups of the world, plus how these incredible canines can change how we live and work.
1. Police Dogs Keep Law and Order
Dogs are so prominent in the police force that they have their own unit: K9. While they engage in various tasks, from crowd control to arrests, police dogs are possibly most acclaimed for their impressive sensory abilities.
The sniffer dog helps solve crimes and protect people by detecting various things, including drugs, explosives, and human remains. The superior odor detection that dogs possess is integral in helping the police force to do their job effectively.
The German Shepherd is among the most common breeds associated with the police force, often employed thanks to its size, odor detection, and general abilities.
2. Guide Dogs Help Handlers Navigate the World
Guide dogs improve the lives of millions of sight-impaired people by “seeing” the world for them. These dogs aid in several everyday tasks, from crossing the road to picking up the newspaper.
Initially used in WW1 to help blinded soldiers, the training modality established by Gerhard Stalling soon spread across the globe. Today, service dogs have special privileges allowing them to assist their owners in several public venues. True service dogs behave exceptionally well in all circumstances.
The most common breeds trained to become guide dogs are Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. This is thanks to their mild temperament, easy-going nature, and positive response to training.
3. Hearing Dogs Work with Deaf Individuals
Guide dogs have been helping the blind for over a century, but it wasn’t until the 1970s that hearing dogs were first employed to help the deaf. Nowadays, dogs can improve the lives of people with sight and hearing impairments by providing mobility and medical assistance.
Hearing dogs help their owner to be more aware of their environment by alerting them to noises such as doorbells, phones, or alarms. They also keep them safe outside by communicating the presence of oncoming vehicles, animals, or other people.
Retrievers thrive in the role of hearing dogs, alongside Cocker Spaniels and Poodles, who all help to increase the general living standard for individuals with hearing impairments.
4. Therapy Dogs Enhance Owners’ Quality of Life
The concept of animal-assisted therapy was first introduced to the world by Florence Nightingale in the latter part of the 1860s. The popularity of this method continued to grow throughout the 20th century.
The benefits of animal interactions on human health are well documented. A study published in 2015 found that “pet owners had a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease when compared with nonowners.” Another study into the benefits of companion animals demonstrated that our four-legged friends could reduce our risk of loneliness and depression while enhancing our social skills and interactions.
No breed of dog stands out from the others in the therapy profession. Instead, it’s about matching the dog’s personality to the patient’s character and finding a combination that works. Essential qualities for a therapy dog are that they have a mild temperament, are well trained, and have experienced good socialization.
5. Search-and-Rescue Dogs Save Lives
No search-and-rescue mission is complete without dogs in tow. These impressive canines are among the first on the scene during any disaster or accident and can help lead police to a missing person in a short space of time.
Search-and-rescue dogs are trained to hone their impressive sense of smell to the particular scent of a human. This allows them to pick up the trail quickly and lead police to where they need to be. First used in WW1 to locate injured soldiers, most search-and-rescue operations now employ dogs for their superior abilities.
These dogs work in various fields, including tracking, avalanche rescue, cadaver location, and specialized searches. Among the most popular dog breeds employed in search-and-rescue missions is the Bloodhound, which possesses one of the best senses of smell of all the dog breeds.
6. Sheep Dogs Help Farmers with Livestock
The term “sheepdog” applies to dogs who herd or guard sheep. Herding is the trickier of the disciplines as it requires quick thinking and sharp movements to get it right.
The practice’s origins are unknown; some say that sheepdog trials began as a competitive sport in New Zealand in 1867, while others credit the Welsh with the launch of this competition in 1873.
The Border Collie is the most popular breed of dog to work as a sheepdog, thanks to its speed, agility, and attentiveness. This dog species can also control the flock using its trademark stare. Other popular herding breeds include King Shepherds, Black Mouth Curs, and Icelandic Sheepdogs.
