Working & Sport Dogs
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Change in routine, change in dog
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Change in routine, change in dog
I recently quit my teaching job to manage my metal fabrication business as it has “taken off”. As a result I have started taking my 2 year old GSD, Volt to the shop with me. The shop is 10,000 square feet which Volt patrols all day. So, once we’re home he spends a lot more time sleeping than in the past when I was teaching and he spent two 3 hour sessions each day in his crate.
It almost seems stupid to ask, but, it is reasonable to assume he is just wearing himself out during his time at the shop now, right?
He still plays ball and tracks / searches like a madman. It’s just odd having him not bouncing off the walls at night.
Am I overthinking the situation?
Thanks
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2 Replies
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What a lucky dog! Yes – you are overthinking it. He is now active all day long and is tired when he gets home. You might want to shift to short training sessions during the day, since he is with you. Think through some behaviors you would like him to do at the shop. Maybe it is remaining on his bed while you talk to a customer, or picking up a tool when you drop it, or taking a note to a designated employee. It doesn’t matter what it is. Then start training it. Be creative as you think through tasks. He will love having a job, and you might even find him helping out around the facility!
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Thank you for the reply. I felt that to be the case as he really keeps a close watch on the on-goings of the shop! I’ll add some new tricks to his repertoire to keep him engaged. That’s a great idea. I did move his bed to a central area in the shop where he’s obviously safe from the work taking place, but able to observe while resting. So far that has been something he seems to enjoy.
Thanks again for the reply!
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