When you hear the term “working dogs” do you think of Border Collies, Huskies and Doberman Pincers? Today dogs of various breeds are being given important and interesting jobs to do.
Dogs in Search and Rescue
It takes a truly special dog to be successfully trained for search and rescue. You may have seen some of these dogs on TV news in reports of earthquakes and other natural disasters. They played a huge part in the aftermath of September 11.
Search and rescue work requires many hours of training and practice. It is hard work for both the dog and its handler. Dogs are taught to find people by the scent of their skin. They can follow an odor in the air or on the ground. Some are taught
Service Dogs
Dogs are also used as eyes, ears and limbs for people with disabilities. They can guide a blind person down the street, alert a deaf owner of a phone call or visitor, and do things like open doors and turn on lights for people with limited mobility.
They can remind people to take their medicine, warn epileptics of impending seizures and alert heart patients if they are about to have a heart attack. They can even call 911.
Canine Nose a Big Asset
Dogs are also being used to detect certain types of cancer. Their amazing sense of smell enables them to detect cancer cells by the smell they give off. They have even found cancers that doctors and tests had missed.
This sense of smell is also employed at airports, train stations, borders and even schools. Dogs are used to detect explosives, drugs and other contraband - including fruit.
Dogs can sniff out insects, such as termites.
Enlisted Dogs
They are in the army, too. Dogs, mostly German Shepherds, are used as sentries, scouts and messengers. They are taught to sniff out landmines.
Over 19,000 dogs were enrolled in the K9 Corps during World War II. They are credited with saving thousands of lives. Most were used for sentry duty, but scout dogs were of extreme importance as well.
Healing Dogs
Dogs and other animals are increasingly being used in hospitals and nursing homes. They provide companionship, relax patients and help patients to heal quicker.
Pets are useful in emotional therapy, especially for children, improving the child's ability to participate in the therapy.
They are often brought in when people have suffered a traumatic experience, such as the school shootings we hear so much about. Dogs are used in special programs to help children learn to read.
Dogs More than Best Friends
Dogs are man's (and woman's too) best friend, and not just because they are such good companions. They have very special talents, and are always willing to work.
They love to have something important to do, it keeps them sharp and you can impress your friends. Try teaching your dog to turn off the lights, close a door, or find your car keys.
Observe your dog and what he likes to do, and see if you can't put it to good use.
And the next time someone says they “worked like a dog” today, ask him or her just what kind of job they do!
