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Working Dogs
Working Dogs, especially working cattle dogs, need to replace their inherent energies if they are not kept in a situation where they work or herd on a regular basis. All dogs have specific physical needs depending on their breed. Working dogs are in the working dog class of the AKC because of their strength, high-drive and mental alertness. For centuries, working dogs and herd dogs were at home using the strengths that they were bred into doing hard work for man. As manufacturing and technology developed over the years, and the need for dogs and the space for farms decreased, working dogs were quickly becoming unemployed - even though they were still being bred. Not every working dog or cattle dog can find work as a police dog, or go through search and rescue training. Those who have chosen to raise a working dog, owe these dogs an opportunity to funnel their energies. Not doing so is likely to lead to aggression. The best way to funnel these energies is exercise through play.
Working dogs are highly intelligent. If left without stimulation, they could find unhealthy activities to keep themselves occupied (biting, destroying, chasing). Playing with working dogs, either formally in competition or informally in your backyard, gives working dogs the mental stimulation they need. Play also serves to reinforce training commands and keep them in optimal health. It keeps the dogs flexible, and it teaches them how to control their actions and how to react in unexpected situations. Today, play comes in the shape of many competitive games that can nourish your working dog's inherent traits.
Working dogs that are bred to herd, such as "cattledogs" or "blueheelers" or "Australian Cattle Dogs," have a strong herd instinct - that is actually a civilized form of a "prey" drive. As farms disappear, but the intelligence and dedication of cattle dogs, remain, "Herd Trials" for herd dogs and working dogs have become more popular both within and outside of the AKC. In herd-trial style play, the dog can work with livestock, or simply a big open field with obstacles. "Stop," "Stay" and "Return" obedience commands can be reinforced with herd style play. Cattle dogs are frequently the blue winners at AKC trials, but other working dog breeds are quickly capturing top titles.
German Shepherds are particularly adept at Schutzhund, which is a police-dog type training. Whether or not your dog is entering into police training, exercising your work dog through search and find and obstacles course runs will keep your working dog smart, obedient, and satisfied.
Winter working dogs can find stimulation in sled--racing or mushing, or Skijoring, which is pulling the owner on cross-country skis. California working dogs might have more fun pulling their owners on skates or bikes. The muscular builds of working dogs can develop their strength and muscles from training for weight pulling competitions, and jumpy spunky working dogs might enjoy the new sport of "Musical Freestyle" - where dogs are taught to dance to music off leash.
Working dogs are facing heavy unemployment these days, and it's our job to give working dogs the energetic outlets they need. Playing Frisbee with your working dog, or letting your cattle dog run obstacles, are just some of the ways working dogs can keep their strength, energy, and intelligence intact. Let exercise and play be your dog's work. There's no rule saying an unemployed dog has to be a lazy dog. Get to work - and start getting your working dog some fun jobs to do!
Max 
