Working Like A Dog

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Working Like a Dog Working dogs have many skills that make our daily lives much easier. There are many types of working dogs: livestock, defense, service, and search and rescue. Livestock dogs are used to aid shepherds and ranchers in either protecting or herding their livestock. There are two groups of livestock dogs; guard dogs and herding dogs. The guarding dog works independently of the rancher or shepherd and is often left alone to protect the herd. They are usually larger than herding dogs and are gentle and calm but can become fierce and brave when necessary to protect the herd against a predator. Good livestock guard dogs are instinctively protective of the animals they have been entrusted to guard. A good example of a livestock guard dog is the Great Pyrenes, they are rock-solid and independent. They have been known to wear down a path as they walk the perimeter of their territory protecting their herd. Herding dogs are trained to work using hand signals and verbal cues. Their job is to control the herd either by keeping them together or moving them where they are directed. The herding dog works in cooperation with the rancher or farmer. A good herder also has an innate ability to keep the herd together. Shetland Sheepdogs, and Border Collies are well known herding dogs. Both types of livestock dogs must be gentle and not hurt the livestock entrusted to their care. The defense dogs are usually used in military, police or security work. These dogs need to have a connection to their handler. They must be loyal and courageous often willing to put their lives on the line for their handlers. They are chosen because of their natural inclination to guard and defend territory and people they see as their property. These dogs need to be massive in size for intimidation, chasing down criminals and holding suspects until their human partners can join them.

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