What’s your dog’s job

Most dogs today don’t do the jobs their breeds were originally developed to do. Yorkshire Terriers were tasked with keeping the Yorkshire textile mills free of rodents. We’d wager that most modern-day Yorkies have never even seen a mouse, let alone know what to do with it.

That doesn’t mean your dog, whatever their breed’s purpose, should lie on the couch all day eating bonbons. Dogs love having a job and a purpose. So these days it’s up to us to enrich their lives by giving it to them. 

Simple as can be

Your dog’s “job” doesn’t have to be anything complex or elaborate. Reimagine your regular routine just by changing the viewpoint.

Instead of “taking the dog for a walk,” think of it as “helping Mom (or Dad) get their steps in.” Phrase any everyday task into something the dog can help with. If your dog’s toys are all over the house, have them help “declutter.”

That one’s easier than you might think. Just have a basket nearby and point at a toy, encouraging your dog to go get it. When they do, have them bring it back and you drop it in the basket. 

This “chore” will absolutely turn into chaos and playtime. But that’s the point. So what if your dog pulls every toy back out of the basket? Aren’t you both having fun? 

Most important job

Your dog’s only real job is to be a good companion. It works out best when it works both ways. You don’t have to take your dog everywhere you go. You don’t have to train or compete for any of the dog sports. You do have to, or should, do what you can to enrich your dog’s life. Give them a job. There may not be a morning newspaper to fetch, but your dog will be happier when they have a job.