The Working Dog
The first relationship between wolf and man thousands of years ago began with meeting mutual needs, accepting the other as family, and placing their lot together. From the earliest days of the domesticated dog, working together has been an aim.
December 19, 2011--Working Gundogs
The working dog, though one species, is many different breeds all with inherent strengths bred into them. Most of those strengths were tasks that were needed and temperaments desired.
One of the first tasks given the dog was that of hunter and watchdog. The modern police, rescue, or military dog continues that tradition. Traditional K9 units and military police dogs have had the task of tracking, cornering and apprehending criminals, maintaining security, and using their heightened smell and hearing to aid officers.
Shepherds are among the most used for these tasks. For rescue personnel, a dog can find a person trapped in a dangerous situation rescue personnel may be unaware of. Bloodhounds may be best for search and rescue. Beagles can be a top choice for detection dogs, ferreting out bombs, or inspect airport luggage. A Bouvier can detect propane leaks. Cadaver dogs are used to sniff out decomposing bodies, even under running water. Disaster dogs are specially trained to find survivors and victims after natural disasters. Some dogs are used to catch scents within the air or find the source of a scent to track a desired clue. An added job of war dogs in military is in mine detection.
The role of the personal service dog has evolved over the past century in helping people with some disability to live a more independent and safe life. The most well-known of these working dogs is the guide dog for visually impaired or blind individuals. The hearing dog is a great help for those with hearing impairments or full deafness. These animals make such an impact on some who are moderately disabled that they make the difference between being dependent on people around the clock and living independently. Seizure alert dogs are trained to help prevent injury when seizures occur, retrieve medications, or to summon help when needed. There are now service dogs that help with a number of physical disabilities, and a new area is with people with autism. This has been found to help socialization, communication, and drug-free mood stabilization, as these dogs tend to re-focus and calm people that have sensory overload, like those with autism.
There are many other services dogs have given. Herding animals continue to assist sheep herders and cattlemen as they have for thousands of years. Sled dogs are often used in rough terrain to transport injured people. A Saint Bernard comes to mind. Hunting dogs help people to track and corner game. Therapy dogs are being used to bring cheer to those in hospitals and nursing homes. A newer job for dogs is that of detecting cancer. This is a new field that is still experimental but shows promise, as some dogs have not only detected cancer, but pinpointed where in the body it was contained.
Dogs have kept the bargain long ago made to assist and partner with people. They continue to show us new ways they can use their strengths to make our lives better.
Dogs are truly remarkable co-workers, and friends.