While many people just see dogs as pets there are dogs out there who actually have important jobs to do. In fact, many types of dogs were bred with specific jobs in mind. This is why various breeds have their own set of requirements for things like exercise and diet. It is also why you can expect a specific dog breed to have a certain temperament.
Working dogs, while they are companions of sorts, have to be taken care of in ways other than your normal family pet. They need to be given the right training and diet to help them do the job they were bred for and they need owners who know their stuff.
If you have a working dog and are looking for better ways to help them do their job to the best of their ability, here are a few tips to consider.
Evaluate Their Diet
Because working dogs are kept busy for most of their day, they need to be fueled with the right food. Such dogs can’t afford to suffer from nagging injuries or a lack of energy. They know that they have a job to do and their instincts will drive them to do that job know matter what their physical condition may be. By providing them with the right food, you give your working dog a better chance at being in the best physical condition.
There are a number of foods out there to choose from. Furthermore, many families that have been raising working dogs for generations will very likely have their food preferences already set. However, if you have been noticing that your working dog has been putting on extra weight or is more lethargic than usual, you might need to consider different approaches to working dog diet. Performance foods made from the best ingredients can give your dog the fuel he needs to do his job day in and day out.
Meet Their Grooming Needs
Many working dogs were bred to work in the outdoors. Moreover, some were bred to work in either extremely cold or hot climates. For this reason, your dog’s grooming needs need to be met as well.
If your dog works in a colder climate then it is likely that he has a double coat with lots of fur. This fur can become easily tangled throughout the year especially when precipitation is taken into account. Regular brushing and detangling baths are good habits to get into when it comes to caring for your dog’s coat. Not only will such grooming prevent your dog from developing a less-than-desirable odor, but it will also make it easier to rid him of pests like fleas and ticks.
It is also a good idea to read up on your dog’s shedding schedule. Many working dogs will shed at least once a year. If you know when that time is approaching, then you can plan to increase brushing to help your dog be more comfortable as the shedding occurs.
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