What breed of dog do you have and what was it bred to do?
Dog breeds have been split into 7 groups. Each group has specific characteristics of each breed and what they were bred to do.
WORKING GROUP
The dogs in this group were originally bred to be watch dogs or to pull carts and sleds. They are extremely intelligent and loyal. Examples of these dogs are:
Malamutes
Huskies
Great Danes
Doberman
Rottweilers
Akita
Saint Bernards
Pinschers
Schnauzers
Newfoundlands
Bullmastiffs
2. HERDING GROUP
These dogs were originally bred to herd livestock. They are smart and energetic and are able to corral other animals. Examples of these dogs are:
Australian Cattle Dogs
Australian Shepherds
Border Collies
Sheepdogs
Welsh Corgi
Canaan Dogs
Belgian Malinois
German Shepherds
3. HOUND GROUP
The hound was bred for hunting. They have a powerful sense of smell and are affectionate and strong willed. Examples of these dogs are:
Basset Hound
Beagle
Foxhounds
Bloodhound
Greyhound
Whippet
Afghan Hound
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Otter-hounds
Daschhunds
Wolfhound
4. SPORTING GROUP
These dogs were bred to assist hunters in retrieving game. They have a high amount of energy and are really well driven. Examples of these dogs are:
Cocker Spaniels
Springer Spaniels
Clumber Spaniels
Labrador Retriever
Pointer
Weimaraner
Golden Retrievers
English Setters
Poodles
5. NON-SPORTING GROUPS
The non-sporting group was not specifically bred for any particular job. They are the dogs that don't really fit into any of the other groups. However, they do make great candidates for pets and have a range of characteristics. Examples are:
Dalmatians
Chow Chow
Sharpeis
Bulldogs
Boston Terriers
6. TOY GROUP
These dogs are small in stature but are big on brains and affection. They make perfect lap dogs. The examples are:
Chihuahas
Pomeranians
Maltese
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Yorkshire Terriers
Mini Schnauzers
Shih Tzu
Pugs
7. TERRIER GROUP
The dogs in this group were bred to kill vermin. They are good watchdogs and make good pets. Examples of these dogs are:
Airedale Terrier
Staffordshire Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Bull Terrier
Fox Terrier
Cairn Terrier
West Highland
Australian Terrier
Border Terrier
Bedlington Terrier
Scottish Terrier
So what type of behaviours would I expect from my dog? All dogs are natural hunters so will often display hunting and sniffing behaviours. If you are wanting to harness these behaviours, Mantrailing and Scent Detection training is your answer.
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MANTRAILING
Every minute we lose or cast 40,000 skin cells. These tiny flakes of skin fall to the ground like confetti and leave a smelly trail for your dog to follow with their incredible nose.
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Contrary to popular belief you do not need to be super fit. Each training trail is usually only around 300 metres long.
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You work as a team with your dog to learn and practice problem solving skills such as crossing varied terrain, turns and road crossings. Your dog can learn to sniff something that the ‘missing’ person has touched or worn and be able to search for their unique trail.
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The best thing about mantrailing is that it is so much fun! It can be used to channel excess energy into a constructive skill thereby increasing focus and concentration duration.
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Suitable for all dogs, regardless of breed, age or type; it is a great way to spend time with your dog and enhance your relationship.
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All dogs work on a long line, individually, making it perfect for dogs with poor recall and reactive dogs.
SCENT DETECTION
Detection training (or scent work) is a dog sport teaching dogs to find a specific odour. Scent work harnesses a dog’s natural ability to hunt - all dogs have this ability, we are just harnessing their amazing sense of smell and turning it into a super fun activity to do with our dogs!
One of the many amazing things about this type of training is that it is fully accessible to all people and dogs, regardless of age, breed or disability. Dogs are always worked one at a time which means even dogs with confidence and reactivity issues can take part!
Scent Work also relies heavily on teamwork and it’s important to have a line of communication between you and your dog at all times. Dogs are typically worked on a lead, meaning that even dogs with a poor recall can take part.
Scent Work is also a low impact sport, which unlike some dog sports, means there is less pressure and stress on your dog’s joints allowing puppies, older dogs and those who need more careful exercise management to still join in on the fun.
