To further ensure the success of the relationship, it is important to understand that the dog yearns to do the job for which he was developed and needs some form of activity to satisfy that desire. The wide variety of tasks a dog performed have all but been eliminated with our changing environment. His role, for the most part, is now that of a companion. This does not present a problem for the breeds that were developed for that purpose. However, like the individual who has thrived on working his entire life and is then forced into retirement, the dog without a purpose can experience depression and frustration that may eventually lead to behavioral problems.
There are any number of activities that can be shared by the dog and his owner, with many relating to the original purpose of specific breeds. From Conformation to Obedience, Field Trials for sporting breeds, Lure Coursing for hounds, Earth Dog Trials for terriers, etc., subsequent articles will explore the many ways an owner can enjoy his dog and provide an outlet for the instincts that are in the genes.
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