August 5th is Work LIke A Dog Day! Ever wonder where the saying ‘Work LIke A Dog’ came from? Man’s Best Friend is known for going above and beyond, and will sometimes over-exert himself—or even risk his life—to please or help his humans. Our canine pals have actually been working with and for us since before the beginning of recorded history. Their dedication, drive, and focus are truly extraordinary. How do you translate Fido’s best qualities into today’s work ethic? A local Frisco, TX vet offers some insight on this below.

Find What Suits You

Many of the dog breeds we know and love today exist because they were bred to perform very specific activities. Retrievers, as the name suggests, are great at retrieving game from water, while the Australian Shepherd excels at herding livestock. These doggy talents are definitely not one-size-fits all. You’d be hard pressed to get a Chihuahua to move cows, while a Bulldog would be horrible at bringing ducks back from ponds. Find something enjoyable that works with your natural abilities.

Know Your Worth

Our canine companions work very very hard, and are known for being very dedicated to pleasing their owners. However, getting them to perform any task requires training, as well as trust. Rewards and positive reinforcement are big parts of both of those. We all want—and need—to be appreciated and rewarded for the work we do. It’s important to work for a company and a boss that values you.

Explore New Opportunities

Fido’s first jobs were herding and hunting, but he has since branched out into many different fields. Today, he can now be found working as a therapist, police dog, assistance dog, guide dog, companion, and seeing eye dog, to name just a few. Some pups have moved on to very specialized fields, such as finding bedbugs. Don’t be afraid to try new things!

Eat Well

To be fair, Fido will eat pretty much anything, and he’d probably happily survive on bacon and burgers, given the chance. However, good performance requires good nutrition. Fuel up before your workday!

Enjoy Your Down Time

Fido definitely works hard, but he’s also pretty adamant about making sure he’s getting enough rest and playtime. You know what they say about all work and no play! Please feel free to contact us, your Frisco, TX pet hospital, anytime. We’re always happy to help!