Give your dog a Job!

[Amaruq]

Even without a specific JOB what are other ways people use to mentally stimulate their dogs?

When I was training my guys for SAR I would get some NEW empty paint cans and put "scent" in a one or two and either line them up or set them in a circle and have the dogs "search" them. Excellent way to work on indications and also for scent discrimination. This can be done with treats under a styrofoam cup, with treats or toys under a planter or even plastic Easter Eggs with a small treat inside. We still have Easter Egg hunts nearly every year. They even find just the empty plastic eggs but again they were trained to find human scent sooooooo anyway.

What fun GAMES do you play to keep your dogs mentally stimulated and happy?

[BlackGSD]

Originally Posted By: AmaruqMelanie, I forgot my disclaimer about "most" or generally speaking. I am still baffled that there are at lease three HOUNDS, one sheepdog, a spaniel and a terrier in the "Miscellaneous". Very confusing when there is a whole group dedicated specifically to those "groups" yet they are in the "Miscellaneous"......WTG AKC! <sarcasm>. Anyway, generally speaking I am speaking in broad terms in situations like this as I know there are many exceptions.

That isn't the point of the Misc class.

They are generally breeds that folks are HOPING to get "regular" AKC status. If/when that happens, they will be placed in the appropriate group.

This is from the AKC site:

"The breeds currently eligible to participate in the Miscellaneous Class are still enrolled in the AKC Foundation Stock Service®. FSS® enrollment is maintained until the AKC Board of Directors accepts the breed for regular status.

Authorities acknowledge that throughout the world there are several hundred distinct breeds of purebred dogs, not all of which are AKC recognized breeds. Those officially recognized for AKC registration appear in the Stud Book of the American Kennel Club. The AKC provides for a regular path of development for a new breed, which may result in that breed’s full recognition and appearance in the official Stud Book as an AKC recognized breed.

Briefly stated, the requirement for admission to the Stud Book is clear and categorical proof that a substantial, sustained nationwide interest and activity in the breed exists. This includes an active parent club, with serious and expanding breeding activity over a wide geographic area.

When in the judgment of the Board of Directors such interest and activity exists, a breed is admitted to the Miscellaneous Class. Breeds in the Miscellaneous Class may compete and earn titles in Companion Events and also select Performance Events. Miscellaneous breeds are also eligible to compete in Junior Showmanship. They may also compete at conformation shows, but here are limited to competition in the Miscellaneous Class and are not eligible for championship points.

When the Board of Directors is satisfied that a breed is continuing a healthy, dynamic growth in the Miscellaneous Class, it may be admitted to registration in the Stud Book and the opportunity to compete in regular classes."

[Amaruq]

OK. I learned something..... I will admit that I am not a HUGE AKC fan but that is just me. Thanks for the info Tracy!

[BlackGSD]

No problem.

[Brightelf]

Today, I saw a big pile of rolled up, clean Norwegian wool socks lying on a round wooden sidetable in the livingroom, and began to carry then into the bedroom to put them away in the wardrobe. (we have armoirs/wardrobes here, no built-in closets) Then, I thought: No way! GRIMM would love to do this JOB!

Wouldn't you know it? He did! He became serious, calm, self-important... "The King" of the balled wool sock task. He had to take each one I gave to him, calmly carry it IN HEEL, all the way across the livingroom, down the hallway, into the bedroom, and sit at heel in front of the wardrobe until I said "Out" and took the balled socks from him. He then had to heel (man, did he look proud and SERIOUS-- something my "silly" dog NEVER looks!) all the way back to the lil table in the livingroom, sit, and wait for me to hold in front of him the next balled socks for him to "Take it" and "Heel" all the way back to the bedroom's wardrobe.

The final balled socks, he couldn't wait-- he looked at the socks, looked at me-- and I said "Take it"-- and let him pick them up from the table! He was so eager.. but so CALM! That in itself is amazing. <span style="color: #FF0000">Focused, calm, intent, serious... that's usually not my Mr. CrazyButt!</span>

Job = temporary personality transplant!!

[DancingCavy]

Miscellaneous is the category they put dogs in before they're officially AKC recognized, if I'm not mistaken. Xolos are in the Miscellaneous category for now as AKC is not yet certain what group to put them in.

**EDIT** Nevermind. Jamie, read page 2 before posting. D'oh!

[DianaM]

Quote:What fun GAMES do you play to keep your dogs mentally stimulated and happy?

I love the training challenges here. I have yet to find something better than agility for the perfect combination of mental and physical exercise. Item discrimination is another great one. Melanie (IliamnasQuest) probably could write a novel on fun things to teach a dog to prevent it from getting bored!

I am slowly teaching Renji to pick up stray clothes so one day I can have him grab all the laundry that might have dropped. Then I want him to sort darks from whites..... I think it's possible!

[Amaruq]

Diana, just make sure when he puts them in the wash he uses the correct water temperature too.

[adas]

Aloha, Patti, so your socks got washed twice!

[Brightelf]

Ssssshhhh.. hubby doesn't know Grimm was carryin' his socks. He'd FREAK!