I have spent much of my life ‘in dogs’. Either as an owner, a trainer, a groomer, an exhibitors assistant for someone with show dogs, or, in the office of a trainer of service dogs for the disabled.
In my home, I've had pet dogs, retired show dogs, and retired working dogs from different disciplines.
Here's my experience and view on the matter:
Dogs needs breaks from a given task just like humans do. This is why, when we're actively training a dog, training sessions are kept short and sweet.
This is also why, when paired with a working animal/military working dog, the best handlers take ‘play breaks' with the ‘reward object’ (more often than not, a ball or a toy) and rest breaks without thier gear on* (more on that in a moment).
When paired with a service dog, those dogs, too, are encouraged to take play breaks, in order ‘to just be a dog'.
How do dogs tell the difference? The gear and the ‘let's get dressed' command to put thier collars, harnesses, and what-have-you on before going to work. After the work is done, the command is applied in reverse with the ‘let's get undressed’ and from there ‘just being a dog' commences.
I hope this helps. If you have questions, please ask; I'll be happy to help if I can.
This is amazing insight! See, this is why I write the things I wonder...I knew someone out there must have answers.
All of this is so fascinating to me and I LOVE how dogs are so adaptable to human whims when, if left to their own devices, we'd never know their full capabilities.
I'm not a K9 handler at work, but I do work very closely with them. Those dogs have such a high drive that it's clear they want nothing more than to do exactly what they are trained to do. There is no doubt in my mind that they'd do it even knowing the risks. The K9 handler's job is really just to hold them back!
Thanks for the law enforcement perspective, Erik. I've heard that about duty dogs, especially the Malinois breed. People say it's cruel to only have them as pets because they need WAY more to do than just be a dog. Duty dogs fascinate me.
I can't speak for all dogs. But I know that border collies love to work. They will run after sheep until they can't even breathe anymore, and if you ask them to do more, they jump up even if they still haven't caught their breath. Those dogs LOVE work. I think it's play to them.
Border collies are such a unique breed, aren't they? Any time I've seen one at a dog park it's is HYPER fixed on a ball. Literally nothing can break its focus. I've seen videos of them herding too and its crazy how neurotic they are lol.
As long as a dog is treat motivated he’s happy to be a working dog.
I do believe they have an emotional life. I once worked with a an animal energy healer when Apollo wasn’t eating well. She told me all the emotions he was going through and after “listening” to him and clearing his energy he started eating again!
I’ve worked closely with credentialed animal behaviorists through the years and the general consensus among those with whom I’ve had this conversation is that yes, dogs do thrive with a job that is meaningful and appreciated (behaviorists agree that dogs comprehend this clearly) and also, dogs can and truly do suffer from burn-out and mental health concerns due to high demands made by handlers or family on their emotions and trained skills. Behaviorists also go on to say that recognizing the burn out of working dogs is key to compassionate handling and longevity of the canine partner. Burn out has been observed in therapy horses and other heavily-used equines such as pack animals and dude ranch strings. Consider the look on the face of a dude-ranch horse, packing a chubby tourist for the 150th time up and back down the same 1 mile trail. Their expressions are easily interpreted as numb. These horses are called “bomb-proof” by their owners. The simple definition of that term is “mentally shut down. “ burned out working animals will continue to do their job, but they do not express any joy in their work.
Oh man, Sandra. Reading this broke my heart. The part about trail horses is so sad and I'm not even surprised to hear that because I have ALWAYS thought about horse especially. Even when I'm watching shows from the wild west, I've thought maaaan we ask a lot of animals. Those horses didn't ask to go to battle and be around gunshots all the time. Just like military and police dogs don't ask for those jobs. I feel like I care too much about their feelings and it makes me uncomfortable.
I really appreciate your informative comments. Definitely food for thought.
I often wonder if my dog is bored as I work from home tapping away on my computer, but then I look over and she is belly up in her dog bed, feet thumping in the air. If I wake her, she looks up at me with a goofy grin.
I really do think that she is quite content with her job, which she is very good at. All she has to do is make sure I get out in nature at least once a day, tolerate a few kisses and hugs and snout squeezes (and cute aggression from the Hobbit), and remind me to feed her even when I haven't forgotten.
She prefers humans to other dogs, just as I prefer dogs to other humans. We get each other that way.
LOL. I wonder the same thing about working from home. I think Dezi thinks I'm here for her pleasure 100% of the time. When she hears me coming downstairs from my office she acts like she hasn't seen me since last year...every single time.
Met a Maremma dog last week who lived within the gates of a stunning vegetable garden and chook pen. Her job to protect the chooks against foxes and eagles, which she did perfectly. She did this as a natural instinct. AmaZING!
I wonder the same things. I think maybe dogs, unless they've been terribly abused or neglected, are kind of Zen masters in that they don't resist whatever their outer circumstances are. They just go with the flow. Until there's a squirrel.
I envy those go with the flow dogs because I know Dezi probably will never be one of them. Aside from how awesome and loving she is, she's always on alert and a little anxious.
I'm not sure honestly. My gut reaction is to say no they don't get tired of it, because I truly think if you treat them well, dogs are hard-wired to want to please and get a lot of joy and fulfillment from doing it. On the other hand, we as their humans have to be cognizant of how much we're asking and be able to read their body language to know when they've had enough and need rest. I get immense pleasure out of being my dogs' emotional support human and caregiver, and I think they get the same reciprocating. Just my thoughts.
Charlie, I think your response mirrors my thoughts the most. Part of the support she gives me is in the knowing that I'm giving her a good life. Watching her sleep happily and peacefully does more for my soul than therapy 😁
Depends on the relationship with the human. I’ve seen dogs used and oppressed. Our dogs let their preferences be known (couch not floor, in/outside as they wish) save the kibble which I concede is a pretty nasty way to be nourished. We love them and aim to consider their needs as family members of a different species but as with human-on-human love space always exists between, especially when no/minimal verbal skills exist to communicate. We’re only now considering other species brains- so much to learn. Dogs are essential for us! They bring joy and yes, help process nonverbal emotion beyond that which we are able or aware of. They protect us. In an ideal relationship there is mutuality/interdependence. I believe our dogs would say- yeah, this family is crazy but they love hard and right.
Hali, thanks for such a thoughtful response! We do have so much to learn from dogs and I believe we can and should be able to tell when our dog isn't having fun anymore. I'd give my right arm to know what goes on inside my dog’s nutty head 😊
such specist arrogance to think humans are tops…and that’s before we start talking politics. thanks for the good conversation- helps me feel more human.
I think it depends on your point of view. I'm certain my dogs think I'm their emotional support human, and cook, and maid, and playmate. They make sure their comfort and needs are a priority every day. Of course, I don't mind. I don't think they do either.
Lol I think I could say the same for all of those points. Dezi certainly knows how to make herself the center of the universe...and I don't mind at all 😁
I read the title and had an immediate reaction. My answer is yes, especially if people look to their dogs to support them but never give back to the dog. It made me think of all the people who carry around their dogs or lean on them for emotional support but never let the dog play like a dog, or take him for a walk, or feed her proper dog food. When it becomes all about the human and not about the dog, the human has gone too far. The dog should be tired of holding up both ends of a relationship.
What about in cases where the service dog is serving an incapable (physically impaired) human? I wonder a lot about that. I hope those dogs get as much leisure time as they deserve. I'm sure they get love but is human love enough?
Good thinking! Many service dogs and the people whom they serve are trained to included mental and physical breaks and canine-appropriate stimulation. Its the other humans who make their animals into service pets without training and knowledge that supports the animal.
Love! I think all dogs are emotional support dogs for their people. As I write this, one of my pups is lodged between my legs on my recliner and the other one is wedged into my right side, at my elbow, watching me type and napping on and off. It's heaven. I wonder if they consider me their emotional support person? xo
I love that they have each other. Once I discovered how great it was to have two dogs instead of one, I made a promise to myself to always have two. It's really good for them. They adore one another. They have a shared crate, two beds. I'm looking at them right now. They're in the same bed, cuddling. I'm so lucky. xo
I've always wondered if Dezi would benefit from a sister but as a renter, two dogs aren't really an easy thing. It's bad enough having one extra large one.
I have spent much of my life ‘in dogs’. Either as an owner, a trainer, a groomer, an exhibitors assistant for someone with show dogs, or, in the office of a trainer of service dogs for the disabled.
In my home, I've had pet dogs, retired show dogs, and retired working dogs from different disciplines.
Here's my experience and view on the matter:
Dogs needs breaks from a given task just like humans do. This is why, when we're actively training a dog, training sessions are kept short and sweet.
This is also why, when paired with a working animal/military working dog, the best handlers take ‘play breaks' with the ‘reward object’ (more often than not, a ball or a toy) and rest breaks without thier gear on* (more on that in a moment).
When paired with a service dog, those dogs, too, are encouraged to take play breaks, in order ‘to just be a dog'.
How do dogs tell the difference? The gear and the ‘let's get dressed' command to put thier collars, harnesses, and what-have-you on before going to work. After the work is done, the command is applied in reverse with the ‘let's get undressed’ and from there ‘just being a dog' commences.
I hope this helps. If you have questions, please ask; I'll be happy to help if I can.
This is amazing insight! See, this is why I write the things I wonder...I knew someone out there must have answers.
All of this is so fascinating to me and I LOVE how dogs are so adaptable to human whims when, if left to their own devices, we'd never know their full capabilities.
Thank you so much for this. 😊
I'm not a K9 handler at work, but I do work very closely with them. Those dogs have such a high drive that it's clear they want nothing more than to do exactly what they are trained to do. There is no doubt in my mind that they'd do it even knowing the risks. The K9 handler's job is really just to hold them back!
Thanks for the law enforcement perspective, Erik. I've heard that about duty dogs, especially the Malinois breed. People say it's cruel to only have them as pets because they need WAY more to do than just be a dog. Duty dogs fascinate me.
I can't speak for all dogs. But I know that border collies love to work. They will run after sheep until they can't even breathe anymore, and if you ask them to do more, they jump up even if they still haven't caught their breath. Those dogs LOVE work. I think it's play to them.
Border collies are such a unique breed, aren't they? Any time I've seen one at a dog park it's is HYPER fixed on a ball. Literally nothing can break its focus. I've seen videos of them herding too and its crazy how neurotic they are lol.
As long as a dog is treat motivated he’s happy to be a working dog.
I do believe they have an emotional life. I once worked with a an animal energy healer when Apollo wasn’t eating well. She told me all the emotions he was going through and after “listening” to him and clearing his energy he started eating again!
Dogs certainly take on a LOT for their humans in return for nothing but love (and treats) ❤️
I’ve worked closely with credentialed animal behaviorists through the years and the general consensus among those with whom I’ve had this conversation is that yes, dogs do thrive with a job that is meaningful and appreciated (behaviorists agree that dogs comprehend this clearly) and also, dogs can and truly do suffer from burn-out and mental health concerns due to high demands made by handlers or family on their emotions and trained skills. Behaviorists also go on to say that recognizing the burn out of working dogs is key to compassionate handling and longevity of the canine partner. Burn out has been observed in therapy horses and other heavily-used equines such as pack animals and dude ranch strings. Consider the look on the face of a dude-ranch horse, packing a chubby tourist for the 150th time up and back down the same 1 mile trail. Their expressions are easily interpreted as numb. These horses are called “bomb-proof” by their owners. The simple definition of that term is “mentally shut down. “ burned out working animals will continue to do their job, but they do not express any joy in their work.
Oh man, Sandra. Reading this broke my heart. The part about trail horses is so sad and I'm not even surprised to hear that because I have ALWAYS thought about horse especially. Even when I'm watching shows from the wild west, I've thought maaaan we ask a lot of animals. Those horses didn't ask to go to battle and be around gunshots all the time. Just like military and police dogs don't ask for those jobs. I feel like I care too much about their feelings and it makes me uncomfortable.
I really appreciate your informative comments. Definitely food for thought.
I often wonder if my dog is bored as I work from home tapping away on my computer, but then I look over and she is belly up in her dog bed, feet thumping in the air. If I wake her, she looks up at me with a goofy grin.
I really do think that she is quite content with her job, which she is very good at. All she has to do is make sure I get out in nature at least once a day, tolerate a few kisses and hugs and snout squeezes (and cute aggression from the Hobbit), and remind me to feed her even when I haven't forgotten.
She prefers humans to other dogs, just as I prefer dogs to other humans. We get each other that way.
LOL. I wonder the same thing about working from home. I think Dezi thinks I'm here for her pleasure 100% of the time. When she hears me coming downstairs from my office she acts like she hasn't seen me since last year...every single time.
She and I both prefer dogs to other humans 😁
Met a Maremma dog last week who lived within the gates of a stunning vegetable garden and chook pen. Her job to protect the chooks against foxes and eagles, which she did perfectly. She did this as a natural instinct. AmaZING!
They’re famous for guarding penguins 🐧
Penguins!! No way!
I've never heard of a Maremma dog. I'll Google that after work!
I wonder the same things. I think maybe dogs, unless they've been terribly abused or neglected, are kind of Zen masters in that they don't resist whatever their outer circumstances are. They just go with the flow. Until there's a squirrel.
Lol those damn squirrels!
I envy those go with the flow dogs because I know Dezi probably will never be one of them. Aside from how awesome and loving she is, she's always on alert and a little anxious.
I'm not sure honestly. My gut reaction is to say no they don't get tired of it, because I truly think if you treat them well, dogs are hard-wired to want to please and get a lot of joy and fulfillment from doing it. On the other hand, we as their humans have to be cognizant of how much we're asking and be able to read their body language to know when they've had enough and need rest. I get immense pleasure out of being my dogs' emotional support human and caregiver, and I think they get the same reciprocating. Just my thoughts.
Charlie, I think your response mirrors my thoughts the most. Part of the support she gives me is in the knowing that I'm giving her a good life. Watching her sleep happily and peacefully does more for my soul than therapy 😁
Depends on the relationship with the human. I’ve seen dogs used and oppressed. Our dogs let their preferences be known (couch not floor, in/outside as they wish) save the kibble which I concede is a pretty nasty way to be nourished. We love them and aim to consider their needs as family members of a different species but as with human-on-human love space always exists between, especially when no/minimal verbal skills exist to communicate. We’re only now considering other species brains- so much to learn. Dogs are essential for us! They bring joy and yes, help process nonverbal emotion beyond that which we are able or aware of. They protect us. In an ideal relationship there is mutuality/interdependence. I believe our dogs would say- yeah, this family is crazy but they love hard and right.
Hali, thanks for such a thoughtful response! We do have so much to learn from dogs and I believe we can and should be able to tell when our dog isn't having fun anymore. I'd give my right arm to know what goes on inside my dog’s nutty head 😊
such specist arrogance to think humans are tops…and that’s before we start talking politics. thanks for the good conversation- helps me feel more human.
My pleasure, Hali. It's nice to talk about literally anything besides politics these days lol 🙄
I think it depends on your point of view. I'm certain my dogs think I'm their emotional support human, and cook, and maid, and playmate. They make sure their comfort and needs are a priority every day. Of course, I don't mind. I don't think they do either.
Lol I think I could say the same for all of those points. Dezi certainly knows how to make herself the center of the universe...and I don't mind at all 😁
I read the title and had an immediate reaction. My answer is yes, especially if people look to their dogs to support them but never give back to the dog. It made me think of all the people who carry around their dogs or lean on them for emotional support but never let the dog play like a dog, or take him for a walk, or feed her proper dog food. When it becomes all about the human and not about the dog, the human has gone too far. The dog should be tired of holding up both ends of a relationship.
What about in cases where the service dog is serving an incapable (physically impaired) human? I wonder a lot about that. I hope those dogs get as much leisure time as they deserve. I'm sure they get love but is human love enough?
Good thinking! Many service dogs and the people whom they serve are trained to included mental and physical breaks and canine-appropriate stimulation. Its the other humans who make their animals into service pets without training and knowledge that supports the animal.
This is one superheroine dog's opinion on this: https://davidperlmutter.substack.com/p/make-a-dogs-day
Love! I think all dogs are emotional support dogs for their people. As I write this, one of my pups is lodged between my legs on my recliner and the other one is wedged into my right side, at my elbow, watching me type and napping on and off. It's heaven. I wonder if they consider me their emotional support person? xo
Nan, I bet they do see you that way, to an extent. Your dogs also have each other for canine stimulation. You've got a well rounded situation there 😊
I love that they have each other. Once I discovered how great it was to have two dogs instead of one, I made a promise to myself to always have two. It's really good for them. They adore one another. They have a shared crate, two beds. I'm looking at them right now. They're in the same bed, cuddling. I'm so lucky. xo
I've always wondered if Dezi would benefit from a sister but as a renter, two dogs aren't really an easy thing. It's bad enough having one extra large one.
Yes, renting does complicate things. And my pups are each about 15 pounds. Very different scenario. xo