What is it? How do I do it? Why should I bother?
It is important to start this topic looking at the original purpose of dogs and how they came to be.
All dogs are descended from wolves. The early relationship between wolves and humans was one of mutual benefit. It began when we were still a hunter gatherer species. The more confident wolves began to hang around our camps, getting scraps and leftovers from our kills. In return we got protection and an early warning system from larger predators such as bears. Over time this relationship grew and the social, more confident wolves would breed and begin to live alongside groups of humans. It may have been that they were paid in food for companionship. This relationship continued to grow as we became settlers, living in larger camps, settlements and villages.
With this change of living style we moved from hunter gatherers to farmers; keeping livestock and growing crops. This change meant that we now found the need for dogs with a purpose and job. This is where the main divide from wolf to dog happened. Up until now natural selection had completely controlled the breeding and genetics. We now had to infrastructure to contain and control who bred with who. We could select traits we liked to breed from in order to create animals that were better able to fulfill a role.
This led to the very early development of the breeds and categories we know and have now. Dogs were bred for a variety of jobs from protecting livestock and settlements, herding, vermin control around crops and more. This would later lead to breeds we know and love such as border collies and our terrier breeds.
So what does this have to do with breed specific enrichment (BSE)? Put simply BSE is providing enrichment and a lifestyle based on your dogs breed and it's original intended purpose. When looking at what breed of dog you would like as your next companion, it is important to look at what the dog was originally bred for. This will tell you a lot about their energy levels, working drive and behaviours. It is important to look at your lifestyle and home situation to help determine what breed would best suit you. For example, a border collie is bred to herd sheep. This is a very physically and mentally demanding job. They are designed to have high energy levels, lots of stamina and be able to handle high levels of mental enrichment. A collie who has not had these needs met will be prone to behavioural issues. This could include chasing moving objects, OCD like behaviours and attempting to herd or nip at people.
In the UK, the Kennel Club categories all breeds into 'Breed Groups'. Although not 100% definitive this can usually be a good starting point for understanding what a breed was originally developed for. The Groups are as follows:
Gundogs
Hounds
Pastoral
Terrier
Toy
Utility
Working
Lets take a look at each group...
Gundogs ~ The Gundog Group contains many of the UK's most popular pet breeds. These dogs were bred with the purpose of finding, flushing and retrieving birds. They are highly intelligent and trainable, proving to be great active companions. There are 3 types of Gundog Breed, Spaniels, Retrievers and Hunt, Point, Retrieves (HPRs). Spaniels were mainly bred to flush game birds, pushing through ground and bushes to drive birds forward and towards the guns. Retrievers were bred to retrieve shot game. HPRs were bred to find, point out, flush and then retrieve game. Breeds in this category are highly trainable but can often have an independent streak and struggle with recall, stealing objects and more. You can provide breed specific enrichment without ever having to step foot on a shoot. Fetching games, hunting games and scentwork can be a great way to engage them mentally and tire them physically.
Hounds ~ The Hound Group is split into two categories: Scent Hounds and Sight Hounds. Scent Hounds were bred to follow a trail and hunt down quarry. These breeds include beagles, bloodhounds, basset hounds and more. They are often very independent, vocal and struggle with recall. Breed specific enrichment could involve scent games, leaving a trail to find their favourite treat or toy hidden around the house or garden. Sight Hounds were bred to chase down quarry over large areas, using heightened sight and high speeds to catch up to rabbits, hares and more. Breeds in this category include Greyhounds, Salukis and Afghan Hounds. Much like the Scent Hounds, they have an independent streak, struggle with recall but will have very strong prey drive and are known to chase small animals and dogs. Games with a 'Flirt Pole' or engaging their desire to chase with lure coursing is a great way to provide breed specific enrichment.
Pastoral ~ Pastoral Breeds is another working breed group. Containing mostly herding breeds such as Border Collies, German Shepherds and more. These breeds are highly intelligent with high energy levels. They suit active homes and excel in a variety of dog sports from Agility to Canicross, Rally and more. They require high levels of exercise, lots of mental stimulation and training. Without these, they can be prone to a variety of behavioural issues from OCD like behaviour, chasing moving objects and reactivity. Engaging these dogs in herding activities, whether this be working sheep or providing a herding ball or getting them involved in a suitable dog sport is essential to keeping them happy, fulfilled and content.
Terriers ~ Terrier comes from the word 'Terra' meaning of the earth. These dogs were bred to find and kill vermin. Often kept of farms with crops and food to protect or around settlements. These dogs have a very strong prey drive and are often quite vocal and independent. Some breeds in this category were bred and used for bull baiting, dog fighting and similar, all now illegal, activities. These dogs can be more prone to reactivity and aggression issues without suitable training and socialisation.
Toy ~ The Toy breeds are our companion breeds. Typically small dogs bred purely for companionship. These breeds include the Yorkshire Terrier and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These breeds typically require less exercise and mental stimulation. For this reason they typically make good apartment dogs. However they are still prone to reactivity and separation anxiety from their owners. It is important to socialise them properly from a young age.
Utility ~ Utility means fit for purpose. The dogs in this category were bred to be fit and functional and provided a variety of different roles. Breeds include dalmations, poodles, spitz breeds and more. It is important to look at each breed on a case by case basis to meet their breed needs and better understand their purpose.
Working ~ This category is a bit of a catch all. It covers the breeds that do not fit into any other category. Like utility many of these dogs were bred for a purpose. A lot of them have been bred for guarding and protection and it is important to consider this when choosing any of these breeds. They are much more likely to suffer from reactivity issues and be less accepting of other people and dogs in their home. Breeds in this category include mastiffs, newfoundlands and huskies. They are often high energy so it is important to find a suitable outlet. For huskies this could be taking part in canicross or bikejoring to fulfill their need to run and pull for extended periods.
With all this in mind, it is crucial to look into this information when choosing your next dog. Is your home suitable? Are you able to provide breed specific enrichment? When looking at behavioural issues, a behaviourist may first look at the breed and their traits to see if those needs are being met. It will also help determine with a dog is being truly naughty or simply just acting on instinct and their genetics.
So go away, do some research on your own dogs, see what they were originally bred for. What activities can you come up with to meet those needs? Remember it's not all about letting them do the exact job they were bred for, but providing activities, training and games that match the goals and ideals. Let me know in the comment section below!
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