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Home » All Articles » Pet Care Tips » Do Dogs Like Having Jobs?

Do Dogs Like Having Jobs?

Pet Care Tips 4 min read

Have you ever noticed how your fur kiddo seems happiest when they have something to do? Whether they’re going to town on a chew toy or learning something new with you, they just seem to thrive more when they’re engaged. It may leave you wondering, “Do dogs like having jobs?”

The experts say… yes! Dogs with jobs to do like having jobs. Whether it’s being a therapy dog or just receiving tasks from their pet parents, they’re no more stressed out than other pups. In fact, being mentally engaged is really great for their overall health.

Why Dogs Love Having a Purpose

So, why would a dog want a job in the first place? To answer that, we have to go back to their origins. Most modern dog breeds were originally bred for very specific tasks. For instance, Labradors were bred to retrieve hunted game from the water. German Shepherds were bred to protect livestock. Terriers were bred to hunt small pests.

Those instincts are still in them, even if they seem to be more adapted to a couch than a field. Working gives dogs a sense of purpose and an outlet for their natural drives. Plus, jobs help them burn off extra energy and challenge their brains a little. That’s because when a dog completes a task, it actually releases the happy chemical, dopamine.

Are Therapy Dogs Stressed Out?

What about dogs who have more involved jobs, like helping out humans as assistive animals? Surely even our pups get stressed from their jobs. Well, researchers put it to the test and found that no – dogs don’t mind being employed. Their study measured markers of stress before, during, and after animal-assistive interventions (programs to help humans). They found that the levels of stress were low and similar across all times, meaning it’s not really stressful for a dog to help humans in this way.

On the contrary, dogs without things to do may become bored, which can affect stress levels.

What Happens When a Dog Gets Bored?

Just like us, dogs can get bored if they aren’t stimulated or challenged. But unlike us, who might just turn on the TV or read a book, dogs must find their own source of fun. Unfortunately, these “self-assigned jobs” are often troublesome.

The common signs of boredom in dogs include:

Barking at every passerby
Chewing furniture or possessions
Pacing or whining
Shadow chasing or tail biting

However, certain signs can also indicate underlying medical problems. If you aren’t sure whether it’s boredom or not, be sure to check in with your veterinarian.

But if boredom seems to be the cause, they might just be telling you that they’re ready for some mental stimulation.

Easy Jobs to Give Your Dog

While your dog may not have access to a flock of sheep, there are easy ways that pet parents can give their dogs a sense of purpose.

Here are a few easy jobs you can introduce today:

Toy Retrieving: Teach your dog the names of their toys and ask them to pick them up and put them back in their toy basket.
Find It: Hide small pieces of healthy treats, such as NHV Pumpkin Treats, around the living room and tell your dog to find them. Scent work uses a massive amount of brainpower and leaves dogs feeling relaxed.
Puzzle Feeding: Ditch the standard food bowl. Use puzzle feeders, lick mats, or snuffle mats so your pup has to work for their dinner.
Herding Practice: For high-energy breeds, try playing with a flirt pole or a large herding ball in the yard to satisfy their natural instincts.

Support Your Working Dog

If your dog has a job, or maybe you’re just increasing their activity levels, it’s natural for their bodies to feel the extra wear and tear.

First and foremost, it’s important to support them with good nutrition. The food that goes into their bodies will not only keep them mentally and physically fit for their tasks, but it will help them to stay resilient against disease. Additionally, regular veterinarian care is also important to help detect any potential changes in their health.

To help keep their digestion and energy up, NHV Multi Essentials offers a blend of superfoods like alfalfa, kelp, and oat, which naturally contain vitamins and minerals needed to keep the body strong and moving. Whether it’s a physical or mental task, nutritive supplements help to give your fur kid a little goodness from nature.

You can also give them NHV Beef Liver Jerky as a food topper. The rich brown color comes from iron-rich protein, which may help to keep their blood healthy and muscles strong. Simply put smaller pieces on their food as a protein top-up, or feed whole for a chewy treat to keep them stimulated.

A Happy Dog Is A Working Dog

Giving your pup daily tasks does a lot more than just entertain them. It helps strengthen the bond you share, keeps them happy, and prevents boredom. By giving them lots of mental stimulation and combining that with holistic support, you can help your little worker live a long and happy life.

Does your fur kid have a favorite job at home? Or maybe they’re a therapy dog? You can reach out to our team of Pet Experts using the chat box below if you want personalized supplement and treat suggestions just for them.

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NHV Pet Experts

We have a dedicated group of pet expert professionals, including veterinarians, vet techs, and other pet professionals to guide you through any questions. We’re committed to your pet’s wellness and can offer additional tips, resources, nutritional advice, and more.