Service dogs have high expectations placed on them. In public spaces, they are expected to walk calmly next to their person, to ignore distractions, and to not sniff or touch merchandise. Whether it be children running by with toys, or our clients taking our dogs through the meat section at the grocery store, our dogs are expected to be able to focus on their work. Considering dogs interpret much of the world through their nose, this is a tall order! So how do we accomplish all that?
One way we do this is by meeting their biological and breed-specific needs in a different context.
AN ENRICHMENT SPORT
Dummy work is an enrichment sport. It allows our dogs to expend energy by engaging the brain, body, and nose. This is the perfect combination we need to keep our dogs fit, healthy, engaged, looking to us for instruction, as well as ensuring they are happy and enjoying life. Dummy work also increases confidence as we allow our dogs to hone their natural talents. Allowing our dogs to perform in their unique element is one of the highest ways we can honor them as retrievers.
A dummy (also known as a “bumper”) is a training tool that mimics the game a hunting dog would retrieve in a hunting scenario.
We utilize these dummies in a structured setting by creating diverse drills that allow our dogs to utilize their natural instincts. The primary reason we do dummy work is simple: our dogs love it!
A FURTHER LOOK INTO WHY WE DO DUMMY WORK
1. TO DEVELOP A DEEPER CONNECTION WITH OUR DOGS
Obedience and steadiness are as important in this sport as the retrieves. Every retrieve is made on cue by the handler, increasing reliance and teamwork between the two. Dummy work is an effective way to establish deeper connection with our dogs as we provide them with the enrichment they need; and they learn to look to us as we become the “giver” or “source” of something they desire.
2. TO EXPERIENCE A SENSE OF COMMUNITY
For our clients, dummy work can be just as valuable. Dummy classes create a sense of community as we all get together the way a hockey or basketball team gets together for practice, games, and tournaments. It creates social opportunity with like-minded people. It also boosts confidence in our clients, as each success of the dog is shared with the handler!
The sport of dummy work is inclusive to all of our clients, no matter what his or her physical limitations may be. Being the partner to one of our “fur-missiles” in such an action-packed sport allows our clients with mobility restrictions to live vicariously through our dogs. For example, our veterans who are experiencing a decline in their mobility, can now feel second-hand liberation through watching their partner sprint through an open field!
3. FOR THE HEALTHY BENEFITS OF BEING IN NATURE
Lastly, dummy work provides us the opportunity to break away from quick-paced lifestyles and enjoy nature. At Fortitude, we believe being in nature and in the fresh air with our dogs produces better health. (If you have wondered why the color of our vests are forest green, it is because green is associated with renewal, nature, and healing.)
CONTACT US
info@fortitudeservicedogs.org
218-380-3788
Saginaw, MN 55779
