Signs Your Dog Needs A Job

The Trouble with Unemployed Dogs

You might not think about dogs needing employment, but the truth is that dogs with nothing to do will act out. Just as people need gainful employment to lead fulfilling lives, dogs need to have work to do, to keep them occupied. How do you know if your dog needs a job? And if your dog does need an occupation, how can you provide your dog with the necessary work? Here, we offer some signs to look for, that indicate your dog needs a job.

• Bored dogs fight with their friends. If you notice that your dogs are in conflict with one another, it is a sure sign of boredom and the need for something to do. As puppies are developing, going from babyhood to adolescence to early adulthood during the first two years of life, their behavior can upset the other dogs in the house. Puppy training is often stopped when potty training is complete and the dog can be off-leash, but further training is needed to keep dogs from getting bored. A new dog with nothing to do will focus its energy on the other dogs in the house, chasing them, licking their faces, body blocking, and stealing their toys. This can lead to dog fights, if you don’t adjust your young dog’s focus and begin training again.
• Excessive barking is a sign that your dog needs something to do. Barking can be a sign of boredom or restlessness, when a dog has pent-up energy because he or she doesn’t have enough to do. Especially when a dog has slept during the day, barking can become a problem in the afternoon and evening, showing that the dog is in need of a job.
• Unfocused dogs will pull on the leash. You should be able to walk your dog with the leash loose. If your dog is pulling on the leash continually, it is because of a lack of focus and excess energy. All that stored up energy will come out with mindless leash pulling and overexcitement about being on a walk. Giving your dog something to do will help disperse some of that energy and excitement, making walk time more enjoyable.
• The zoomies can be a sign of misdirected energy. Does your dog ever get the zoomies? Some dogs run around the house with abandon, running over people, other dogs, and furniture, failing to respond to cues, stop when asked, or come when called. It is like the brain takes flight, the body takes over, and the house or yard becomes a racetrack! When this happens, it is a sure sign that the dog needs a job.
• Biting can be the result of a lack of work. If you have a dog that bites when you are cuddling, playing, or grooming, it can be the result of the dog needing a job. When dogs don’t have work to do, they can become over-aroused, and they don’t know what to do except to bite. Give your dog a job, and you stop the biting before it happens.

What Kind of Job Does Your Dog Need?

Puppies need training, and grown dogs need to do something physically and mentally stimulating. Jobs are largely breed-dependent, and you can either give your dog work to do at home or attend a course together. At home, interact with your dog and provide games and puzzles for the dog to use alone. Another great option for giving your dog something to do is enrolling the dog in doggy daycare. This gives dogs the mental and physical stimulation of navigating canine social interaction, and when play is overseen by humans, it can be structured and beneficial.

Dr. Dave’s Can Help You Care for Your Pet

From dog health to dog grooming to doggy daycare, Dr. Dave’s Doggy Daycare, Boarding, and Grooming is your one stop shop! Our staff full of pet lovers has extensive experience in the pet care industry, and we understand that your pets deserve the best of everything. If you don’t want your dog to be lonely while you’re away from home, our daycare services will provide socialization with other dogs and a staff that will pay special attention to your pet’s needs. If you need to go out of town, we will keep your dog safe and happy, and we have a certified veterinarian available 24/7 in case of health care issues. Does your pet need grooming? We’ll provide your pet with a spa day worthy of royalty. For more information about all the services we offer to pet lovers and their furry family members, call 408-647-2774 in Saratoga, 408-520-4902 in Campbell, or contact us through our website.