Working Dog Training

Working dogs are bred to work in close association with humans in activities such as guarding, policing, pulling sleds or rescuing.



Working dog training is generally an easy task as the dog breeds selected for this purpose are strong and intelligent and are able to learn quickly. Some of the working dog breeds include rottweliers, newfoundlands and Doberman pinschers. Working dogs may be bred for several different tasks and hence the training for each task varies. Working dogs play a very important role in human society.



These dogs provide an essential service to their owners and become an integral part of their lives and the communities to which they belong. Therefore working dogs are also rewarded with the praise and respect that they rightly deserve.

Basic obedience training forms the basis of training for any type of task. The commands for dog obedience training includes sit, stay, down and come. Since working dog breeds are quite obedient and alert, they pick up on such training rather fast.



Food rewards are the best way to reinforce learning. When training a working dog, it is important to remember that the best type of training is that which begins at an early age. Some working dogs that are bred for guarding may be too aggressive. Training them at an early age will help keep them more friendly and gentle. In the case of police dogs, the training is more intensive and rigorous that other training. A great deal of time is spent in the training of just one police dog. Suitable dog breeds are first researched and located and then trained to serve as effective service dogs. The dogs must also be within the correct age range as they cannot be too young or too old. Working dog trainers are themselves trained professionals who are aware of many working dog training secrets and use various effective methods.

Once training begins, the dog training methods are customized according to the age and capabilities of the dog. The dog is taught various types of tracking methods, gun conditioning, environmental dangers and how to protect his handler. The dog must learn all the procedures before he can move on to the next level. Specialized lessons are also conducted such as avoidance of obstacles, item retrieval, explosive location and how to behave in combative situations. Working dogs must also be able to deal with crowds, distractions, different environments and unusual objects. Working dogs are usually medium to large in size and often quite independent. As a result such dogs are generally unsuitable as family pets. However, working dogs are also intelligent and quick to learn.