5 Types of Jobs for Dogs
We all know dogs can make wonderful pets, but dogs also are extremely helpful to humans in a lot of other ways. I was shocked at all the interesting jobs dogs can have, and it made me appreciate their level of intelligence. Here are five of the most interesting types of jobs for dogs.
Rescue people
One of the first jobs that probably comes to mind when you think about dogs with jobs is ‘search and rescue.’ Dogs can be specially trained to work together with other dogs and people to save people from earthquake debris, avalanches, and other hazardous situations. These dogs are trained to be able to smell people through all sorts of dangerous places, including being able to find us through thick earth and snow. This helps them save a lot of lives in these jobs and are invaluable when it comes to search and rescue. Dogs can even be trained as lifeguards. They are taught to pull rafts to stranded people as well as swim to great depths to rescue the drowning. I remember growing up hearing many inspirational stories about good doggos finding and rescuing people. They were so heartwarming and inspiring.
Fight crime
Besides rescuing others, dogs are great at fighting crime. This is mainly due to their awesome noses that can be trained to sniff out almost anything. From sniffing out bombs and drugs to cell phones and even cadavers, dogs are crucial in fighting crime all around the world. In the US, K9 units have been widespread since the 1950s. Their heightened senses and animal instincts make officers and civilian lives safer. Along with their sniffing jobs, dogs also provide physical protection to humans in K9 units, at malls, and at TSA checkpoints in airports. And this isn’t just in the US. Many other countries use dogs to help with security and fighting crime as well. One of my favorite stories of these hero dogs are stories of dogs in Columbia: These dogs help fight terrorism by learning how to skydive into remote areas where they are used to find drugs, bombs, and terrorist dens in places that aren’t easily accessed by foot.
Protect museums and houses
Dogs can also detect many different kinds of bugs. This has been a great advantage to exterminators looking for specific nests of bugs. One museum in Massachusetts has even trained a young puppy named Riley to find bugs in artifacts and other priceless objects. Riley has helped prevent many infestations of damaging bugs. His job is currently still experimental, but as he continues to perform well many more puppies might be hired to protect museum artifacts.
Farming and Ranching
Our canines also make awesome ranch dogs. Dogs have been herding sheep and other farm animals since the middle ages, and they are still employed in these jobs today. Where I grew up, there is even an annual sheep herding competition called the Soldier Hollow Classic. At this competition, sheepdogs herd sheep through different increasingly complicated routes as directed by their handlers. These routes might include gates, open fields, fences, and specific enclosures. I have many fond memories of going with my family and neighbors to the competition. It was always so cool to watch these intelligent animals do this awesome job. It shows the extreme intelligence of our furry friends.
Assist doctors
Dogs can also be trained in the medical field. They can be trained to help people with blindness, deafness, epilepsy, and even with allergy and diabetes alerts. Some sweet puppies are trained to assist in therapy. At our local university, therapy dogs are often hired around finals to hang out in the hallways to help stressed college students and brighten up their day. One of the newest jobs dogs can have in the medical field is sniffing out cancerous tissue in humans. Though this is still relatively experimental, dogs may become vital to early cancer detection.
What doggy-job did you find the coolest? Leave your comments down below!