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Give your dog a job - do we really need to give our dog a job to improve their behaviour?
Friends of the Dog
Friends of the Dog
freepix
Do Our Dogs Really Need Jobs?
The idea of dogs having “jobs” is something that’s always made us pause. I mean, between our own work, family responsibilities, grocery runs, walking the dogs (and everything else life throws our way), do we really need to start writing up résumés for our pups too?
If you go by the dictionary, a job is defined as “a paid position of regular employment” or “a task or piece of work, especially one that is paid.” Based on that alone, it’s safe to say dogs don’t need jobs. And we definitely don’t need the extra pressure of feeling guilty for not giving them one!
Maybe it’s the word “job” that’s throwing us off. Because what a dog really needs is something a bit simpler—and a lot more fun.
So, What Does a Dog Really Need?
Besides the basics like love, good health care, food, and social time, what most dogs crave is mental and physical stimulation. And honestly, we believe mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise—maybe even more so.
As canine behaviourists, we’ve seen what happens when dogs don’t get enough mental engagement. Boredom, frustration, and unwanted behaviours start to pop up. It’s no fun for anyone—least of all your dog.
In our experience (and backed by a lot of research), the single most enriching activity for dogs is sniffing. Letting them follow their noses is incredibly satisfying and mentally stimulating. Ever watched a dog on a solo mission, nose to the ground, tail wagging like mad? That’s a happy dog. It’s even said that 15 minutes of mental stimulation can equal the tiredness of a 45-minute walk!
So, while your dog doesn’t need a 9-to-5, they do need to work that amazing nose and brain of theirs.
How Can We Make This Happen?
There are so many simple ways to meet your dog’s mental and physical needs—here are just a few ideas:
As you can see, the options are endless—and most of them are cheap or DIY. You don’t need to hire a dog trainer or spend a fortune. Just give your dog the chance to think, sniff, and play, and they’ll be far happier—and far less likely to develop behavioural issues.
So no, your dog doesn’t need a job. But a bit of daily “enrichment work”? That’s the sweet spot.
The idea of dogs having “jobs” is something that’s always made us pause. I mean, between our own work, family responsibilities, grocery runs, walking the dogs (and everything else life throws our way), do we really need to start writing up résumés for our pups too?
If you go by the dictionary, a job is defined as “a paid position of regular employment” or “a task or piece of work, especially one that is paid.” Based on that alone, it’s safe to say dogs don’t need jobs. And we definitely don’t need the extra pressure of feeling guilty for not giving them one!
Maybe it’s the word “job” that’s throwing us off. Because what a dog really needs is something a bit simpler—and a lot more fun.
So, What Does a Dog Really Need?
Besides the basics like love, good health care, food, and social time, what most dogs crave is mental and physical stimulation. And honestly, we believe mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise—maybe even more so.
As canine behaviourists, we’ve seen what happens when dogs don’t get enough mental engagement. Boredom, frustration, and unwanted behaviours start to pop up. It’s no fun for anyone—least of all your dog.
In our experience (and backed by a lot of research), the single most enriching activity for dogs is sniffing. Letting them follow their noses is incredibly satisfying and mentally stimulating. Ever watched a dog on a solo mission, nose to the ground, tail wagging like mad? That’s a happy dog. It’s even said that 15 minutes of mental stimulation can equal the tiredness of a 45-minute walk!
So, while your dog doesn’t need a 9-to-5, they do need to work that amazing nose and brain of theirs.
How Can We Make This Happen?
There are so many simple ways to meet your dog’s mental and physical needs—here are just a few ideas:
- Tap into their instincts:
Got a herding breed? No need to rent a flock of sheep. A sturdy, smooth ball (bigger than your dog can pick up) can work wonders. One of us had a Border Collie named Brady who spent hours pushing a “herding ball” up and down the hallway. It doesn’t have to be a fancy one—just something tough, light, too big for the mouth, and fun to push around. - Digging breeds? Let them dig!
Set up a digging pit—indoors or outside. For inside options (and without destroying your living room), try a cardboard box filled with old toilet paper rolls, crumpled paper, or even a kiddie pool full of plastic balls. Hide a few treats in there, and your dog will be entertained (and mentally fulfilled) for ages. - Sniff-friendly walks:
Not all of us have giant fields to let our dogs loose in. But even at your local park, you can clip on a long lead and let them explore at their pace. Don’t rush them—sniffing is the whole point. - Snuffle mats:
These are great for both sniffers and diggers. Toss in some treats, and watch your dog enjoy the hunt. - Hide and seek:
Hide treats around the house or garden. Your dog will love the challenge—and so will you, watching them figure it out! - Treat-stuffed toys:
Use things like empty toilet rolls or treat-dispensing toys to keep them busy. - Puzzle games:
These are brilliant for brain work, though they usually need a bit of supervision at first. - Rolling toys:
Toys that move around while releasing treats are great for solo play.
As you can see, the options are endless—and most of them are cheap or DIY. You don’t need to hire a dog trainer or spend a fortune. Just give your dog the chance to think, sniff, and play, and they’ll be far happier—and far less likely to develop behavioural issues.
So no, your dog doesn’t need a job. But a bit of daily “enrichment work”? That’s the sweet spot.
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