Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Does your dog work? Should your dog work?

On Terrierman's Daily Dose, he wrote a great post lately entitled "And What is the Work of Your Dog?" His is a blog that I read frequently but do not often comment on. I don't know about working terriers. My dog experience is largely and completely related on this blog, and doesn't amount to much when compared with others, both on and off the blogosphere.

It's a very good question, though. Dogs only recently became our couch adornments (I mean, other than the toy breeds, whose whole point is to be couch adornments). Pretty much every breed was created for a purpose, some more specific than others. It's worth looking at the history of your breed, and considering your expectations of your dog, and how their lives go.






The Doberman was created and bred to be a personal protection dog. Arguably, the Doberman today is not what the breed was fifty years ago, or a hundred. There's even, in some cases, a clera difference in the drive possessed by show and working line Dobermans. Dobermans have been softened, made more personable. They're not really "one man dogs" anymore (though I guess you wouldn't know that at my house...Elka listens...sometimes....to people other than me. She also sometimes doesn't listen to me, if she thinks she can get away with it. I tend not to allow that.) I've heard (and related) the anecdote that Ferry v. Rauhfelson of Giralda would not let the judge at Westminster touch him when he was at the show in the 30's. I've also heard that a Doberman in the 70's bit a judge, and it was after that the softening of the temperament was worked on. Now they're comfortable on our couches, trustable with friends and family, and happily eating pizza when offered.



If Elka could be said to have work, it's as my service dog. I have not rigorously trained her for public access; frankly, I didn't anticipate the need. Sometimes, my migraines are worse than others. The fact that I'm in the process of kicking my soda habit (Day 17!) has really exacerbated my headaches lately. Detoxing from aspartame and sugar and all that other stuff (I'd switched to diet, you see, but then tried to go back to regular. And then wondered what it was I was playing at and stopped drinking it altogether) is not pleasant, and for the first week resulted in headaches that painkillers wouldn't actually do anything about. Caffeine on its own didn't help with those either (tea and coffee are still on the table, you see), and so poor Elka was telling me, clearly, "Hey, you're kind of in trouble here". And I was replying "Yes, I know, but we just have to wait it out."


I'm feeling much better now, and so Miss Elka is able to be off high alert. She's been able to return to her other jobs, which include taking empty plastic bottles to the kitchen. There's a five cent deposit in New York, you see, so we collect our cans and bottles to return when an amount that's worth the trouble has amassed. So, to Elka, empty bottles = treats (empty cans, too). She has on occasion mugged somebody for their full bottle and brought it to me; I had her bring it back to them. But, bottle returns are not personal protection. Am I selling my dog short? Between those two jobs, she seems content enough. She keeps mentally active in that way, and our physical activity tends to be more of the "walk and play" variety.



I've mused before on whether Elka would protect the house. Even as a puppy, on occasion, she's interposed herself between me and an oncomer. So, would she protect me? I don't know. The next time there's a WAE (working aptitude evaluation) near us, I intend to go. It's meant to be a test of instinct, and in theory, all Dobermans have the protection instinct. 

So, thanks to the Terrierman for the food for thought. I don't have definitive answers, but I've enjoyed chewing on the question.

26 comments:

  1. I think it's so sweet that Elka is watching out for you while you're switching to a healthier diet. If she's not meant for protection, why not see if she'd make a good therapy dog? Or just patrol New York for empty bottles and I'm sure you'd make a killing! :P

    I had Beamer evaluated to become a therapy dog right when he turned one. He passed with flying colours. When we went to the senior home, he freaked out and growled at a senior (first time he's EVER growled at anyone, go figure). So we are working on socialization before we try again. Beamer's half shepherd, so he occasionally herds smaller dogs. He gets low to the ground and waits for them to approach before he goes after them. It's pretty adorable. Beamer thinks it's his job to protect me whenever he sees sketchy people coming towards me. He can be pretty intimidating when he wants to be. Honestly, it's Beamer's job to be my bed warmer :)

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    1. I have thought about doing therapy dog training with her. There are nursing homes in town to visit, and also a somewhat local "kids read to dogs" program.

      Bed warmer is another of Elka's jobs! I'm surprised I left it off. Of course, she's also a "massage therapist" at times, while she's trying to get comfortable on said bed >.>

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  2. I think Elka would protect you if the need arose. I was interested to observe that even my sweet natured Collie has become protective when she thinks I need it.

    As for jobs - the English Bull Terrier was developed to be a gentleman's companion. Gracie has adapted and makes a fine woman's companion. She is excellent at her job, and tries to companion me to the point of being a second skin. If anything, I wouldn't mind her taking a vacation from work more often...but we're in this for the long haul.

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    1. Ah, I didn't know that the English Bull Terrier was a companion breed! They're such neat dogs, and so it's good that Gracie is entirely suited for her work ;)

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  3. We only work to raise green bucks for rescues
    Benny & Lily

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    1. That is a fabulous job! Rescues certainly need it, for all the good work they do.

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  4. My stud muffin Timmy the Poodle would and has bitten people who he thought were threatening to me. They were being funny, but he has no sense of humor. I think most dogs would exercise their inner guard dog if their human was in danger.

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    1. I agree - I've had a Beagle a Saint blend, and a Coonhound "defend" me, though it wasn't necessary but to them, I was being threatened. Would Justus defend me? Probably - but I won't count on it since he's mostly a Whineramer.

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    2. poor Timmy the Poodle, being so valiant at the wrong times! Human senses of humor can be so inscrutable.

      I think Justus probably would too, Roberta....even with the Whineramer nature ;)

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  5. My dogs aren't doing what they were bred for, but I think they're satisfied none the less. I wonder how many of today's dogs still have that natural instinct of their breed?

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    1. It's a topic of hot debate, to be sure. In the Border Collie world, in the Doberman world...I'm sure in others as well! Growing up, I didn't even think about what the "retriever" in Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever meant. Now I know, though, and I wonder.

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  6. I would like to have a job... but who would give me a job? Could be difficult... your glasses are very stylish...

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    1. Hmm...apparently Weimearaners are "all purpose gun dogs". Does that mean you fire bullets when you bark? Make good bread (like all purpose flour)? I agree, it's difficult! You could get your own Doggles too, at least ;)

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  7. I hunt tree rats! And, real rats, and possoms and kittehs (haven't caught one of those!! BOL), I thinks that is a real job, since that is what I was breed for. Butts, I don't have to do it full time, so I'm off the clock most of the times! hehehe
    Ma can SO relate to your my-grains! OMD! Ma is NO funs when they strike, and this month has been bad. Caffiene is the hard thing for Ma to quit. She tried switchin' to decaf tea, butt she couldn't sleep (who knew caffiene withdrawls would keep one awake?! Geesh)
    Anyway, Ma chickened out and went back on caffiene.
    Kisses,
    Ruby

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    1. I think that does sound like a real job! (though maybe the cats are happy you're only a part timer)

      I'm keeping the caffeine, I daresay, but the artificial sweeteners and chemicals are what I'm ultimately giving up. Caffeine headaches, migraine or otherwise, are no joke!

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  8. Our first Australian Shepherd was very protective of me and the kids, keeping them in the yard, watching for bad guys. It really was her job to ride herd on the children. Our current Aussie mixes get abused by my ducks, so their job seems to be entertainment.

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    1. The ducks have turned the tables! Maybe they've been watching Loony Tunes?

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  9. I've pondered this also but since our two Labradors hate the water I wonder what they would want to do?? Jack is working hard at being a good citizen right now and Maggie is working on being a braver citizen. Maybe when we master those we'll try to venture into the pool.

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    1. Citizenry could be a golden ticket to the pool! That kind of thing might give Maggie more confidence, anyway. Or maybe they never will; it's nice that they don't HAVE to ;)

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  10. I wonder about this a lot myself (and posted a long, rambly post to said effect that went over like a lead balloon).

    I'm pretty sure that Silas is supposed to be a hunting dog of one kind or another. He is far and away the happiest when he is hunting for and locating things. Only tug is nearly as awesome as hide-n-seek. We're in a class right now, but when it's over I think I'm going to do some DIY nosework training with him.

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    1. You mean like a lot of my rescue fundraiser posts ;) I've been terrible about reading other peoples' blogs this month (It's CampNaNoWriMo don'tcha know), but I've tracked said post down and will read it! I do like wondering about your Silas.

      Nosework can be a lot of fun, I hear tell! Will you do it in a "tracking" kind of way, or in a "find the object" kind of way (laying trails vs. using a scent item like birch or whatever)? Or both! I think that's a DIY benefit, you don't have to worry about what "the class" is doing.

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  11. I work a lot!
    I bark to the neighbors, to the wind, to the birds...
    I am responsible for the security of our house!
    I'm always on the alert! Although I am very spoiled and sweet, in a dangerous situation, I would not hesitate to give my life to protect my mom!

    Kaiser

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  12. Hope you're coming to the end of your detox.

    Honey's job is to help with foster dogs. She's very good at it. I think there are all kinds of unconventional jobs for dogs.

    You're lucky to have a dog who taught herself a job.

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  13. Kat...just a comment regarding your dogs reaction at the senior home. My Moses (doberman) is the most congenial guy except when he first met my mother...who walks with a limp and cane. He growled and became very verbal. After about 30 minutes, with her walking around the house, and me having him on a leash he was just fine. Never a problem since. I believe it is because of an abnormal gait...it is unfamiliar...something registers as "off" therefore worrisome. It has also happened when we are on walks and someone approached with a stilted walk. This is my third doberman that initial reacted this way....but all became non reactive when they were exposed to the different gaits and reassured that all was okay and no danger existed. Good luck.


    ce from a normal walk to something that is a little "off" for them.

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    1. sorry edited sentence on the end...computers???!!!!

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