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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.



  1. 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.



 


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.




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