From the sports field to the airport runway, working dogs rely on their physical and mental capabilities, putting their all into the tasks asked of them by their handlers. Whether they’re winning medals, rounding up valuable herds, or busting drug rings wide open, it is your responsibility as their handler or owner to support their health and wellbeing both at home and work.
In this article, we’ll learn more about working dogs and how to optimise your working dog’s performance at home.
What is a Working Dog?
When you think of working dogs, Border Collies are usually the first that spring to mind. A blur through the paddocks after the flock, full of controlled excitement, and getting a buzz from every moment of their working day.
But working dogs span a diverse range of breeds and jobs: from police dogs walking the beat and taking down criminals, to sports dogs tearing up the agility field and guide dogs concentrating hard to keep their humans safe. Regardless of their breed or the job they do, working dogs love to work and, like us, need support to keep them at the top of their game.
15 working dog career paths
Here are 15 of the most popular working dog jobs. Can you think of any more?
● Guide dog for the blind
● Hearing dog
● Search and rescue dog
● Sports and agility dog
● Therapy dog
● Medical detection dog
● Police dog
● Drug and bomb detection dog
● Herding dog
● Hunting/flushing dog
● Sled dog
● Guard dog
● Acting dog
● Racing dog
● Truffle hunting dog.
Why is it Important to Meet the Extra Needs of a Performance Dog?
Just like us, a dog can only give their best performances when they are in peak physical and mental condition. A well-conditioned, healthy and happy dog can focus better, learn quicker, and exhibit greater endurance and stamina. If they're fit and healthy, they’ll also recover more quickly from a day's work – so they’re up and at ‘em when duty calls.
If your working dog is in optimal condition, their performance will undoubtedly improve, but they’ll also enjoy a better quality of life, feeling happy and settled in their work.
How to Optimise your Working Dog’s Performance
As with any dog, you’re already doing the basics to support their health and wellbeing. Regular vet checks, current vaccinations and preventative parasite treatments, training and, of course, plenty of love.
But there are extra things you can do that will support the specific needs of a performance dog, helping them to work at their full potential.
Feed a working dog diet
Although working dogs can eat normal dog food, their energy requirements often far outstrip those of a normal pet dog. They burn through more calories and have greater protein requirements to keep their muscles in tip-top condition. High-energy, high-protein diets specifically formulated for working dogs will give them all they need to power through their day, and support their recovery during periods of rest.
(And an added bonus for your pocket – in the UK, working dog foods are VAT-exempt!)
Use positive reinforcement
This may seem obvious to many, but in some fields the use of negative reinforcement in training is still common. However, using only reward-based positive reinforcement training has been shown to be more effective, resulting in dogs who learn faster, demonstrate consistent behavioural responses, and are less aggressive and reactive.(1-5)
Rest and quiet time
A dog’s need for proper rest is often underestimated. Just like us, sleep supports their brain development, learning capacity and immune systems, as well as their physical capabilities. If you want to optimise their performance at work, providing them with a quiet, cosy place to sleep is one of the simplest things you can do. Give them a high-quality bed to help them catch some Zs. Or, even better, invest in a Canissage Pulse massage bed and support their musculoskeletal health while they snooze.
Massage and stretch
The physical stamina and activity levels required of working dogs can take their toll on the musculoskeletal system. Tense muscles and uncomfortable joints mean working dogs will be more reluctant to work, lose endurance, and will ultimately be in pain and discomfort, reducing their ability to focus. Regular massage will help to support their muscles, easing tension and reducing pain. Introducing a Canissage massage bed has been proven to reduce pain and inflammation and will ready them for work and support their recovery.
A fitness programme
Working dogs are generally considered to be fit and healthy, but maintaining their foundational fitness has been shown to support mental as well as physical performance. It can aid injury prevention, increase focus and stamina, and develop resilience to external distractions(6). Look for a working dog fitness programme online, or work with a local canine physiotherapist.
Can Canissage Help Your Dog?
Canissage Pulse canine massage beds are the culmination of over 50 years of experience developing effective massage tools that utilise Cycloidal-Vibration Therapy (CVT). CVT has been shown in clinical studies to improve blood flow, relieve muscle/joint pain, and improve joint mobility. Canissage provides a simple and effective, reliable, and repeatable therapy designed to improve the circulation of blood around the body, helping to enhance performance and improve your working dog’s quality of life.
Order a Canissage massage bed today and support your hard-working dog at home – for comfort, health and performance.
References
Vieira de Castro AC, Fuchs D, Morello GM, Pastur S, de Sousa L, Olsson IAS. Does training method matter? Evidence for the negative impact of aversive-based methods on companion dog welfare. PLoS One. (2020) 15:e0225023. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225023
Makowska IJ. Review of Dog Training Methods: Welfare, Learning Ability, and Current Standards. Report prepared for the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (2018)
NOTE DISCLAIMER - WE SHOULD EMPHASISE THAT Canissage Cyclo-vibration Therapy IS NOT A CURE FOR THESE CONDITIONS, BUT IT CAN DO MUCH TO HELP ALLEVIATE THE SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH THEM AND AID HEALTH CONDITIONING. IT IS DESIGNED TO COMPLEMENT THE RANGE OF CURRENT THERAPIES AVAILABLE FROM YOUR VET, AND ITS USE CAN ALWAYS BE DISCUSSED WITH A VETERINARY PROFESSIONAL IF YOU ARE CONCERNED. YOU SHOULD NOT DISCONTINUE ANY CURRENT THERAPY WITHOUT FIRST SEEKING ADVICE.
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