Tag: working dogs

Dogs at Work: Beagles

Posted on April 21, 2022 - 8:37 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Known for their soft expressions, noisy baying and fiercely acute noses, beagles are loved by multitudes around the world. Distant cousins to foxhounds and harriers, these hardworking scenthounds often have naughty streaks, yet, with the right coaching and enough training, are extremely loyal to their packs — whether hunting rabbits and other small game or hunting snuggles on the couch.

The beagle has a long but contested history dating back to around 400 B.C., when the breed was mentioned in ancient Greek documents. Even the breed’s name is challenged, however, with some saying it derives from the French term for the open-throated bellowing sound beagles make in the field: “be’geule.” Others say that the name comes from the Gaelic word “beag,” meaning small.

Some reports of small “foothound” packs hunting rabbits and hares in England date back to 55 B.C., where the Romans were thought to have arrived with the small breed. A breed for the “common man,” the beagle was considered ideal for English gentlemen who didn’t have the means to afford feed or stables for horses, but still wanted to have the thrill of the chase and the hunt.

Beagles were imported to the U.S. in the late 1880s and became a recognized breed in the American Kennel Club circa 1885. Small and compact, the breed comes in two varieties measured at the shoulder. The first variety is for dogs smaller than 13 inches, while the second variety is a little taller, standing between 13 and 15 inches. Built like miniature foxhounds, the beagle should be muscular and solid, with floppy ears that frame the face. However, one of their most important features is their nose, which can house more than 220 million scent receptors. Beagles also have white tips on their tails called “flags” that help hunters on foot spot them in the field.

Some famous beagles include Snoopy, the lovable but headstrong companion of Charlie Brown from the Peanuts cartoons, as well as Uno and Miss P, the only beagles to have won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club, in 2008 and 2015, respectively.

Congenial and tolerant, beagles are ideal family dogs, but they can be a little obstinate when those 220 million receptors kick in and they pick up a scent. An ideal beagle home will include a fenced-in backyard where they can follow their noses without escaping. With adequate training and a little patience, beagles can be affectionate and loyal family dogs.

An interior graphic detailing six fun facts about beagles.

Dogs at Work: Boxers

Posted on March 31, 2022 - 2:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Known as lovable, affectionate, intelligent, and sometimes goofy, Boxers are bright and possess a good work ethic. Their alert expression and athletic frame allows them to move smoothly and gracefully, just like the athletes whose occupation they share their name with, and—just like Muhammed Ali or Sugar Ray Leonard—they defend their families and their titles fearlessly.

Boxers and their close cousins, the bulldog and mastiff, trace their roots back to the Assyria, an ancient civilization in the Middle East. As long ago as 2000 B.C., ancestors of the boxer were used in warfare and hunting deer, wild boar and even bears. The breed was most pronounced throughout Europe and England and has been depicted in Flemish tapestries dating from the 1500s.

But it was in Germany where the boxer became the breed we know and love today. Initially known as the Bullenbeisser, the breed was part of noble German estates and became the butcher and cattle dealer’s dog. It was also in Germany where the boxer was first selected for police training, further ensuring the breed’s place as one of the ultimate working dogs.

Despite their ancient pedigree, boxers are relative newcomers to the U.S., having only been introduced at the turn of the century. Officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1904 in the Working Dog class, they have excelled in dog show rings including the Westminster Kennel Club show in New York, where they have won more than two dozen group wins and the overall grand prize title four times. Now, the AKC marks the breed as the 14th most popular in the country, and they’re known for their unparalleled affection for their families and children.

Early socialization with people and puppies is essential to channel the boxer’s curiosity and energy. They are highly trainable, but often get bored with repetition, so they’re excellent at a broad range of canine activities including agility, dock diving, obedience and even herding. They also excel at being service dogs, and their imposing frames and alert expressions make them exceptional drug detection and search-and-rescue dogs.

And, they’re well-choreographed.

Most boxer owners will tell you about the “kidney bean” dance boxers do—a wild contortion where they excitedly twist their bodies into a semicircle and start turning circles, the wild ballet outward proof of their unequaled status as lovers, not fighters. Whether your boxer is a working dog defending their titles in the show ring, or dancing for the family, they’ll show you why they’re one of America’s favorite dog breeds.

An interior graphic detailing five fun facts about boxers.

Dogs at Work: Samoyeds Kept the Cold and Wolves at Bay

Posted on December 30, 2021 - 3:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

According to legend, the phrase “three dog night” describes a night so frigid that early hunter-gatherer people needed three dogs to sleep with them to stave off the cold.

Although where the phrase originated is unclear, it could very easily have originated with the semi-nomadic Samoyed people of Siberia and their namesake Samoyed dogs. In a region where the temperatures can drop to minus 60 degrees Fahrenheit and lower, those thick-coated dogs snuggled in to keep plenty of families toasty warm at night.

Subsisting on hunting and fishing, the Samoyed people depended on their strong dogs to herd reindeer, hunt for bear, fight off wolves, haul sledges and even tow fishing boats. The dogs’ exemplary work ethic, in freezing temperatures, attracted the attention of Arctic and Antarctic explorers.

Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen took a team of Samoyeds on his 1893 expedition to the North Pole. The breed was also tapped to lead explorers such as Amundsen and Shackleton to the South Pole. The conditions were extremely harsh, and some dogs didn’t make it home.

In 1906, a dog named Moustan of Argenteau became the first Samoyed registered to the American Kennel Club. The dog came from St. Petersburg, Russia, and was originally owned by Grand Duke Nicholas, a brother of the Czar. Today, Samoyeds compete in obedience and agility events and can still be found herding sheep and cattle.

An interior graphic detailing seven fun facts about Samoyeds.

Dogs at Work: Siberian Huskies

Posted on November 4, 2021 - 2:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Huskies originated in northern Siberia, one of the coldest and most inhospitable regions of the world.

There, they served as sled dogs and companions for the Chukchi people, carrying food and supplies between inland settlements. Over time, these semi-nomadic people were forced to extend their hunting territory to the sea. Thankfully, their huskies were uniquely capable to tow sleds laden with walrus meat over long distances in snow and arctic temperatures.

In the early 1900s, a Russian trader by the name of William Goosak brought Siberian huskies to Nome, Alaska, to help carry precious cargo during the Gold Rush. The dogs became famous for their sledding capabilities, especially after winning long-distance races such as the All-Alaska Sweepstakes.

The event that really put huskies on the map occurred in 1925, when a husky named Balto led a team of sled dogs more than 650 miles to Nome, Alaska, to carry lifesaving antitoxin for children suffering from an outbreak of diphtheria. Owned by the famous musher Leonhard Seppala, Balto is memorialized with a statue in New York City’s Central Park.

An interior graphic detailing six fun facts about Siberian huskies.

A Taste of the Wild Guide to Working Dogs and Their Jobs

Posted on August 12, 2021 - 9:41 am by
A Bernese Mountain Dog Pulling a Cart

For the sweeping majority of dogs, their primary ”occupation” is to provide companionship to their people. Tail thumps, warm kisses, constant company and unconditional love. It’s an important job, and one that most family dogs are more than happy to do every second of every day. “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life,” after all.

As we’re all fully aware, there are dogs with actual jobs and some dog breeds that exist because of those jobs. We’ve all seen police K9 units and guide dogs making valuable contributions to society. But there are some working dogs that are more behind the scenes (quietly brightening the day at hospitals or nursing homes), and some work so far off the beaten path that many of us don’t even know that dogs could have those jobs (see avalanche rescue dogs below!).

The following collection entries from our ongoing series about dogs and their jobs is far from comprehensive, but if you’re a dog owner looking at hard working dog breeds, it should give you some insight on the wide world of working dogs. What jobs can a working dog have? What dog breeds are best for those jobs? Read on!

Therapy Dogs Brighten the Day at Nursing Homes

A therapy dog lying in the lap of its owner on the couch.
A therapy dog doesn’t have to be one of the common working dog breeds, but it doesn’t hurt!

They’re the cuddly kind of service dogs. Even if the grandkids regularly come to visit, it’s never quite enough for those seniors living in nursing homes. Visiting therapy dogs can help ease feelings of loneliness, lift the spirits and simply provide a good time for all involved. Since most dogs are equal-opportunity lovers, they’ll park their muzzles on the nearest knee, nuzzle into palms and provide unconditional love to anyone with a soft lap and open arms.

It’s hard to say who likes the nursing home visits more: the therapy dogs or the residents. From the hands eagerly petting the soft coats to the tails banging against the floor, it’s safe to say that everyone wins when a dog visits. Service dogs like these can also help reduce anxiety, provide comfort and even promote social interaction among other seniors. Therapy dogs can come from any of the working dog breeds, but really, any of the dog breeds will do if the dog is snuggly enough.

READ MORE ABOUT THE GOOD CHEER THAT THERAPY DOGS BRING

K9 Cops Put the Teeth in Law Enforcement

A German shepherd dog lying in the grass wearing a police harness.
Police dogs can be from any of the working dog breeds, but German shepherds are the most common.

Day after day, police dogs risk their lives to work in dangerous situations and help protect their handlers and citizens from harm. As you can imagine, training a dog to handle the intricacies of patrol work, urban tracking and detection can be costly, and most police departments simply don’t have the budget for this kind of expense, relying on donations from private citizens and corporations. So our four-legged public servants who live to protect and serve are often true community efforts, and their dedication shows.

READ MORE ABOUT POLICE DOGS

Water Rescue Dogs Take Lifeguard Duties Seriously

A dog jumping into the water while wearing a rescue harness.
A job for water-loving dog breeds.

Water rescue dogs are one of the working dog breeds who have to be trained to perform a wide range of water-related duties. Their primary job is to rescue struggling swimmers, but that’s no simple task. Water rescue dogs are trained to swim to the victim, who then grabs a handle on the top of the dog’s life jacket and is towed to safety. If the swimmer is unconscious, some dogs can flip the person on their back so their head is out of water, grip the upper arm and bring them to shore. Or if a small boat is stranded, the dog can use a rope to tow the vessel and passengers in. Although any dog can be trained for water rescue, the best water rescue dogs are large breeds that have the strength and endurance to tow people and/or boats over distances of a mile or more.

READ MORE ABOUT WATER RESCUE DOGS

The Bernese Mountain Dog Is a Dog of All Trades

A Bernese mountain dog pulling a cart on wheels through the grass.
Bernese mountain dogs are the jacks-of-all-trades of working dog breeds.

They’re smart enough to herd livestock. Brave enough to protect the farm. Strong enough to pull carts. Cool enough to … deliver cheese? The Bernese mountain dog, also known as the “working dogs of the Alps” have a long history of important work. And today, this strong breed excels in agility, herding, tracking, rally and even drafting and therapy.

READ MORE ABOUT THE BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG

Avalanche Rescue Dogs: The Search for Survivors

A Saint Bernard standing in the foothills of a mountain range with a small barrel of supplies tied around its neck.
Saint Bernards are the primary dog breed used for avalanche rescue.

When millions of pounds of unchecked snow come barreling down a mountain, your best bet for survival often comes on four legs. Search and rescue and avalanche rescue dogs are highly trained canines who can cover ground much faster than their human counterparts. For instance, an avalanche dog can typically search 2.5 acres — roughly the area of two football fields — in about 30 minutes. To search the same area, it would take 20 people about eight times longer. These dogs have proved so successful that many ski resorts now station avalanche rescue dogs on the mountainside with their ski patrol teams.

READ MORE ABOUT AVALANCHE RESCUE DOGS

German Shepherds: The Ultimate Working Dogs

A view from behind of a German shepherd dog.German shepherds are an all-purpose dog breed.

German shepherds have held a wide array of job titles over the decades, from herding dogs and guide dogs for the visually impaired to police dogs that apprehend criminals and detect illegal substances. They obviously make great guard dogs. They’ve also joined the military and worked as search-and-rescue dogs. When they’re not on the job, German shepherds are known to be outstanding athletes, snagging the blue ribbon in sports such as agility, rally, tracking, obedience and herding. Can a dog be a workaholic? If so, the German shepherd dog would certainly qualify.

READ MORE ABOUT GERMAN SHEPHERDS

A Series About the Working Dog

In addition to all the cool stories we discuss above, Taste of the Wild has many, many more articles about the ways that the working dog does good in the world. After you’re done checking out our favorites, dive deeper into our Dogs at Work series, where we discuss everything from doggy politicians to guard dogs to dog breeds who have noses for sniffing out electronics. We’ve talked about specific breeds like border collies and the Portuguese water dog, as well as the Siberian husky dog and other working breeds. You’ll learn about the search-and-rescue dog, hunting dogs, military working dogs and even the bodyguard dog. But it’s not just about the working group of dogs; any other dogs who can or have held jobs might make appearances!

Caution: After reading so much about the working dog, you might be inspired to get to work yourself!

Dogs at Work: Portuguese Water Dogs

Posted on August 5, 2021 - 2:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Most people in the United States know of the Portuguese water dog (PWD) breed thanks to Bo and Sunny, the happy-go-lucky residents of the White House during the Obama administration. But long before that, they had a reputation as valuable crew members aboard Portuguese fishing vessels.

History of the PWD

No one is sure how Portie ancestors were first brought to Portugal. Some believe the Berbers, people from a Roman province in North Africa, sailed into port with the dogs on board. Others conjecture that the Goths, Germanic people of the Balkan area, first brought the dogs to shore.

Once in Portugal, fishermen recognized the value of the dogs and were quick to employ them on their ships. Since Porties have waterproof coats, webbed paws and are excellent swimmers, they were used to recover nets and tackle that fell overboard, drive fish into nets, swim messages from ship to shore or ship to ship and even guard the day’s catch once the ship was docked for the night. Retired fishermen were known to rent their dogs to pocket a little extra income.

As the fishing industry made use of new technologies, there was a less of a need for PWDs, and by the 1930s, their numbers had dwindled. Thankfully, a wealthy shipping magnate by the name of Vasco Bensaude started a breeding program to preserve the dogs.

Portuguese water dogs were first brought to the United States in 1958, and the American Kennel Club recognized them as part of the working dog group in 1984.  Today, Porties can be found diving into pools and running through sprinklers as family pets.  They have a reputation for being good with children, easy to train and eager to please.  It’s no surprise that the breed excels at water trials, but they can also be good at obedience and agility or as service or therapy dogs. A PWD named Dutch worked rescue and recovery at the World Trade Center site after 9/11.

An interior graphic detailing six fun facts about Portuguese water dogs.

Behind the Breed: Newfoundlands

Posted on July 8, 2021 - 2:30 pm by
Fun Facts About Newfoundland Dogs Blog Graphic

Have you ever wondered where a dog breed originated from? In our “Behind the Breed” series we’ll dive into the history, personality and physical appearance of a particular breed. We’ll also cover some of the FAQs about the breed and maybe some fun facts, too!

The Newfoundland dog size may be intimidating, but “Newfies” or “nanny dogs” are patient and gentle giants, especially with their tiny human family members. Their sweet disposition and their natural lifesaving abilities make the Newfoundland a true multipurpose dog!

Newfoundland Dogs Love Working in the Water

Named after the island off the east coast of Canada, the Newfoundland’s water-resistant double coat, rudder-like tail and webbed feet made them ideal shipmates. Powerful Newfies thought nothing of leaping into the icy Atlantic waters to haul fishing nets or rescue a sailor who fell overboard. They were also hard workers on shore, whether it meant pulling the day’s catch to town in a cart or hauling sleds through the snow.

With a reputation for being fierce in the water but docile companions on land, Newfies were brought to England and France, where they quickly gained popularity. The first official showing of the breed occurred in 1860, when six Newfoundlands were entered into the national dog show in Birmingham, England. Thanks to their prowess at water rescue, Newfoundland dogs soon became standard requirements for lifeguard stations along the British coast.

Newfoundland Dog History

How, exactly, the breed started is a mystery. Archeological digs in northern Newfoundland have uncovered evidence of a Viking settlement, including skeletons of large dogs, hinting that they may have arrived on board a Viking ship. Others theorize the breed developed from the Great Pyrenees that accompanied Spanish fishermen to the island.

The Newfoundland Dog Personality

Newfies are mostly gentle companions, lounging around the house and playing with kids, which makes sense, given that the Newfoundland personality is calm, devoted and protective. The sweet temperament of Newfies makes them excellent therapy dogs, and their gentleness with children is why they’re often referred to as “nanny dogs.” As a natural-born working dog, the Newfoundland excels at water trials, obedience, tracking, drafting, pulling carts and sledding.

Newfoundland Dog FAQs

What Are the Newfoundland Dog Colors?

According to the Newfoundland Club of America, coat color variations include solid black, brown and gray, and a mix of black and white called a Landseer Newfoundland.

Do Newfoundlands Drool?

Newfies are abundant droolers. So Newfoundland pet parents just starting their Newfie journey will need to invest in a drool rag and a bandana to help catch some of the endless drool before it spreads all over their home. The American Kennel Club even has them in their “Top 10 Droolers” list.

Do Newfoundlands Shed?

With their thick, double coat, Newfies can be moderate shedders, especially during the shedding season. Weekly grooming of their outer coat, and more frequent grooming sessions with a slicker brush (when needed), will help keep on top of a Newfoundland’s shedding.

How Big Do Newfoundlands Get?

With a height of up to 28 inches and a weight of up to 150 pounds, the Newfoundland dog size definitely meets the definition of a giant dog breed!

How Long Do Newfoundlands Live?

The Newfoundland lifespan is around 10 years.

Training Newfoundland Puppies

Like all puppies, a Newfoundland puppy should undergo early socialization so they are comfortable and confident as an adult. They are fairly easy to train because they love to please their people. Their size makes training even more important in some ways — you probably don’t want a 150-pound adult Newfoundland jumping up on you!

Large Size Dog Breeds Need Adequate Nutrition as Puppies

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) considers dogs to be large sized if they will weigh 70 pounds or more as mature lean adults. This is important to know when choosing food for Newfoundland puppies, as they need food that meets the growth requirements of large-sized dogs.

You can find the AAFCO statement on all commercial dog food labels. Here is example of an AAFCO statement for a formula that meets the requirements for growth of large size dogs, so it is a complete and balanced food for a growing Newfoundland pup:

“Taste of the Wild Ancient Mountain Canine Recipe with Roasted Lamb is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages, including growth of large size dogs (70 lbs. or more as an adult).”

Newfoundland Fun Facts

  • A Newfoundland named Seaman who accompanied Lewis and Clark on their travels may be the reason Lewis named a tributary of the Blackroot River in Montana “Seaman’s Creek.”
  • Lara, President James Buchanan’s Newfoundland, was famous for sprawling on the White House floor for hours, with one eye open and the other closed.
  • A Newfoundland named Rigel is credited with saving a number of Titanic passengers. Rigel barked to alert the passenger ship Carpathia, which stopped and rescued survivors — including Rigel.

Behind the Breed: German Shepherd

Posted on May 6, 2021 - 2:30 pm by
Fun Facts About German Shepherds List

Have you ever wondered where a dog breed originated from? In our “Behind the Breed” series we’ll dive into the history, personality and physical appearance of a particular breed. We’ll also cover some of the FAQs about the breed and maybe some fun facts, too!

German shepherd dogs have many fans. The breed has consistently been in the top five of the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) annual rankings for the most popular dog breed, and it’s easy to see why. They’re one of the smartest dog breeds, known for their strength and loyalty and they’re very protective of their families.

History of German Shepherds

Just like Rottweilers, German shepherds were originally used as herding dogs in Germany. At the end of the 19th century, a German cavalry officer admired German herding dogs but noted they varied in appearance by region of the country. He made it his mission to create the ideal herding dog. In 1908, three German shepherds were imported to the United States and the German Shepherd Dog Club of America was founded in 1913.

When the United States entered World War I, Germany was considered the enemy, so the AKC renamed the breed “Shepherd Dog,” and the British followed suit, calling the dogs “Alsatian Wolf Dogs.” In 1930, the Shepherd Club of America had a change of heart, inserting the word “German” before “Shepherd” in their name. They are still commonly referred to as Alsatians in the United Kingdom.

Are German Shepherds Smart?

As one of the smartest dog breeds, these multi-talented dogs are eager to work, and they’ve held a wide array of jobs over the decades. Originally bred as herders, their intelligence has also led them to be trained as service dogs, guide dogs and guard dogs, as well as police dogs that apprehend criminals and detect illegal substances. They’ve also joined the military and worked as search-and-rescue dogs. Whew!

When they’re not on the job, German shepherd dogs are known to be outstanding athletes, snagging the blue ribbon in sports such as agility, rally, tracking, obedience and herding.

Are German Shepherds Good with Kids?

German shepherds are loyal and protective dogs that love to work and defend their families. The German shepherd’s temperament is not naturally aggressive, but they do need to be socialized and trained as puppies to ensure they’re well-behaved adults. German shepherds are high-energy dogs that need plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation, so they are perfect for active families that have the time to give them the attention they need.

German Shepherd Size

German shepherd dogs can vary in size from 50 to 90 pounds and max out at around 26 inches tall. They are considered a medium to large dog that belongs to the herding group. Due to their large size, care should be taken around small children that might get accidentally bumped by their German shepherd friend.

Types Of German Shepherds

German shepherd dogs come in a variety of colors. The most common colors in the breed standards are black and tan as well as sable. They can also have rarer coat colors, including all black, all white, and Isabella blue (liver-sable). Isabella, black and white German shepherds are produced when the parents pass on two recessive genes for that color.

Do German Shepherds Shed?

German shepherds have a double coat — a soft undercoat and a coarse outercoat. They are considered heavy shedders, so you’ll need to have that comb handy. They tend to shed year round with even heavier seasonal shedding twice a year. Daily grooming will help limit a fuzzy layer of hair all over your couch (and the people in your home).

German Shepherd Lifespan

According to the AKC, the lifespan of German shepherd dogs is between 12 to 14 years. German shepherds are susceptible to a number of health conditions, including elbow and hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy (causes paralysis of the back legs) and eye and ear problems. A reputable breeder will screen for these conditions. Just like Saint Bernards, German shepherd dogs are susceptible to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) — a life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach becomes gas-filled, distended and twisted on itself, resulting in an obstruction.

An intelligent dog that is loyal and protective of their family is what you’ll get with a German shepherd. They’re an athletic breed that excel as working dogs. Just make sure you’re prepared for their high energy and grooming needs.

Dogs at Work: K9 Cops

Posted on March 25, 2021 - 3:00 pm by
Taste of the Wild

One of the most famous police dogs in Canadian history, Cloud II helped his handler capture 123 fugitives as well as numerous lost children and hunters. After a career of just four years, the German Shepherd lost his life in the line of duty after tracking a fugitive to a remote cabin in Ontario.

As part of the NYPD, Appollo was a first responder at the World Trade Center. The German Shepherd tirelessly searched the smoking wreckage for survivors and victims, eventually earning the Dickin Medal, the highest honor bestowed on animals for gallantry or devotion to duty.

As a member of the Connecticut State Police, Mattie was the first working accelerant-detection dog in the United States. Trained to detect evidence of arson, the Labrador Retriever could identify 17 different accelerants and even sniff out suspects observing the aftermath of a fire.

These are just a few of the police dogs who are specially trained to patrol the streets, help with search and rescue or use their powerful noses to track down drugs, explosives or other vital evidence.

To protect and serve

Day after day, police dogs risk their lives to work in dangerous situations and help protect their handlers from harm. As you can imagine, this takes an inordinate amount of training. Teaching a dog the intricacies of patrol work, urban tracking and detection can cost between $12,000 and $15,000, according to the National Police Dog Foundation. Most police departments simply don’t have the budget for this kind of expense and rely on donations from private citizens and corporations.

Trainers generally start with puppies that are specially bred for the job. The most common dogs used are herding breeds such as German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds because they are intelligent, physically strong, and have a strong prey drive. (It doesn’t hurt that they can have a menacing demeanor.)

Training starts early with basic obedience, and dogs learn to focus in public and ignore distractions. General training can take about 8 months or longer, when they’re teamed with a handler for as long as six months or more of additional training. Most handlers keep training dogs on a regular basis and complete annual certification.

Single or dual purpose

Single-purpose police dogs are generally used for patrol duties, which can include officer protection, suspect apprehension, area or building clearance and security. In some cases, dogs may be used only for tracking purposes, such as locating missing people.

Dual-purpose canines are trained to perform patrol duties plus certain kinds of detection, whiffing out scents such as narcotics, explosives or other evidence that may be easy to miss with the human eye.

When off duty, police dogs generally live with their handlers as part of the family. Depending on their health, K9 cops can serve anywhere from 6 to 10 years before retiring to a life of heroic leisure.

Dogs at Work: Mall Security Dogs

Posted on December 30, 2020 - 2:00 pm by
A dog on a leash sitting on the floor in a store.

If your idea of shopping center security is the bumbling, Segway-riding Paul Blart of the movie Mall Cop, think again. Many malls now have sophisticated, integrated security plans, which may include trained dogs and handlers.

Depending on the needs of the mall, security dogs may simply provide surveillance and crowd control, so shoppers and retailers can feel safe. Trained dogs add an extra visual and psychological deterrent against trouble.

But some malls also train dogs to put their keen sense of smell to work, detecting substances such as explosives, drugs and firearms. It’s all in a day’s work for mall security dogs.

Not a job for toy poodles

Mall security dogs not only have to look intimidating, they need to have the right temperament and a strong drive to guard, bark or attack on command. That’s why trainers typically rely on the intelligent and alert dogs of the working group, such as German shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Dutch shepherds, Dobermans and Rottweilers.

Training starts early

The foundation of any security-dog training program is socialization and obedience training as puppies. Socialization is necessary to help dogs feel comfortable around people, other dogs and crowds. And basic obedience training is a must before moving on to advanced guard training with controlled aggression.

Dogs are usually paired with a handler for guard training. The dog will learn to recognize a threat and attack on command, but equally important, they need to learn how to let go on command and transition from an aggressive to a calm demeanor.

Most detection training is done by teaching the dog to recognize and track a particular scent. Each time the dog successfully identifies the item, they are given positive reinforcement in the form of praise and treats or toys. But training doesn’t stop once the dog and handler are certified; learning must continue on an ongoing basis to keep security dogs responsive to commands.

On patrol at the largest mall in North America

How do you provide security across 5.6 million square feet of retail space? For the Mall of America in Minnesota, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America, mall security dogs are just part of the answer. Dogs can be on the job day or night, 7 days a week, patrolling inside the mall or in the parking areas outside. They sniff at any unattended items, trash cans and vehicles.

The mall also boasts one of the five largest K-9 explosive detection units in the United States. Occasionally, the unit is asked to sweep big events in locations outside of the mall.

People are discouraged from petting the dogs when they’re working, so they can concentrate at the job at hand. But when the work day is over, the dogs go home with their handlers so they have a life outside of work.

In addition to canine security and detection dogs, the Mall of America also relies on hundreds of cameras located throughout the mall, undercover officers and social media monitoring to identify any conversations relating to the mall, to name just a few security strategies. It’s all in place to help keep shoppers, retailers and our economy in motion.