Barking Up the Right Tree: Why Every Dog Deserves a Job

Dogs are born to work, and I’m not just talking about the big leagues - assistance dogs, police dogs, or therapy dogs - though those jobs are undeniably top tier in the canine world. From guiding the visually impaired to sniffing out danger, dogs know how to step up when it matters most. But “work” for a dog comes in all shapes and sizes, even for your everyday pet. Whether it’s responding to simple commands like “sit” (which they execute with the dedication of a doggy intern), fetching the post, guarding the house, chasing away squirrels or just being the best cuddle buddy when you’re feeling down, our pets take their “jobs” very seriously.

Dogs have had a purpose throughout history. Many were bred to work alongside people or to perform specific jobs - whether herding livestock, hunting, or guarding homes, dogs were carefully developed for their unique skills. Before domestication, dogs worked to survive, forming packs with the mission of protecting each other and their territory. No matter what the breed, all dogs have a true calling. Maybe your pet is a Maltese, tiny, fearless, and brave. Impish and energetic, their purpose may simply be to make you happy. And while your Chihuahua might not be taking down burglars, they will absolutely let you know if a leaf has had the audacity to blow past the window.

When these instincts aren’t utilised, some dogs can become bored, leading to behavioural issues. If you have a high-energy dog at home, you can keep them engaged by giving them “jobs” or “responsibilities” around the house. Something as simple as playing hide-and-seek with their favourite toy, learning new tricks, or even being in charge of “cleaning” fallen food crumbs can give them that rewarding sense of responsibility they crave. Plus, it means your floor stays spotless - a win win!

And let’s face it - dogs thrive when they have a purpose. Whether they’re guiding a blind person, sniffing out contraband, or simply being the best snuggle partner after a long day, their instinct is to have a role. They’re loyal little workers, always eager to impress, and unlike some humans, they don’t require a paycheck or a double shot of espresso to get going in the morning.

All they need is a simple task, a few treats, and some enthusiastic praise that makes them feel like the CEO of Cuddles Inc.

Seriously, if your dog could hold a press conference every time they did something right, it would probably last an hour, include lots of tail wags, and feature an excessive amount of “Who’s a good girl?!” chants from the audience.

Take the classic example of the “sit” command. To us, it seems like a simple obedience drill. But for your dog? This is serious business. Their posture becomes perfect, their eyes lock onto you with laser focus, and their tail wags in anticipation of the ultimate reward: validation. It’s as if they’ve cracked the code to quantum physics, and they’re ready for their Nobel Prize (or at least a tasty biscuit). Honestly, if we applied the same level of enthusiasm and commitment to our own daily tasks, we’d all be running Fortune 500 companies by now.

But it’s not just about sitting on command. Dogs love having a role to play - whether that’s fetching the TV remote, guarding the house from that terrifying postman, or alerting you when a single crumb has fallen on the floor. They take these jobs to heart. And when your pup dramatically plays dead after a “bang” cue? That’s not just a trick - it’s a full blown Oscar worthy performance, don’t you know?!

At Hope’s Therapy Dogs, we see this “working dog” mentality in action every single day. Our therapy dogs absolutely adore their roles working with children, and it’s as if they instinctively know it’s their job to comfort and support the kids they interact with. They can sense when a child needs a gentle nuzzle, a soft paw on their lap, or just a quiet, reassuring presence. But they’re also experts at switching gears, whether it’s chasing a ball with Olympic-level enthusiasm or showing off their twirls and high-fives to keep the fun going. They aren’t just providing companionship; they’re offering security, connection, and a sense of purpose that only a dog can deliver.

Science backs this up: studies have shown that giving dogs a job or task can improve their mental and physical wellbeing. It’s not just about keeping them busy, it’s about giving them a sense of accomplishment. A tired dog is a happy dog, and there’s no better way to wear them out (in a good way) than by assigning them meaningful work. Agility courses, scent work, and even interactive puzzle toys serve as mental workouts that dogs absolutely live for. If your pup had an Instagram bio, it would read: “No time for naps; working hard for treats and admiration.”

Now, I get it, not every dog is destined to be a service dog or agility champion. But that doesn’t mean they don’t need a sense of purpose in their daily lives. Giving your dog jobs can add structure to their day and offers an opportunity to teach them something new while spending quality time together. Whether it’s helping “sort” the laundry, fetching their own lead to get ready for walkies, or even just performing tricks on command, these small responsibilities help keep their minds engaged and their tails wagging.

So next time your pup gives you that eager, expectant stare, don’t brush it off. Sure, “sit” might seem like a tiny task to you, but for them, it’s a full on career move. Give them a job, shower them with praise, and watch as they become the star employee of your household.

Trust me, you’ll be handing out “Best Pup of the Month” awards in no time.