Seeing Eyes

Seeing-eye, or guide dogs are among the most commonly thought-of occupations for dogs who help lead blind or visually impaired people around. They are trained to navigate obstacles and get their charges to their destinations safely. It’s impressive that they can manage this, including crossing streets, despite lacking the ability to differentiate between red and greed street signs.

Autism Aides

Children with autism have difficulty in social settings, and it is often stressful for parents to keep track of them, as they have tendencies to wander off. Autism service dogs allow children with autism to exert further independence and they are tasked with caring for the dog, increasing confidence and social acceptance. Not to mention, they make a great companion!

Therapists

If you’ve ever been down and felt immediately better after hugging a dog, there’s a reason for it. Therapy dogs came about to provide cheer and entertainment for anyone in need, whether it be an elderly senior in a care facility, or victims of a traumatic incident. They’re also occasionally used as a form of therapy for their handlers, such as in prisoner rehabilitation projects.

Rescuers

Dogs have unique abilities that humans lack, and can often reach victims in difficult-to-access areas. Rescue dogs can help people in the water after a boat disaster, or in small areas that aren’t big enough for anything larger than a golden retriever. Strong swimming abilities and an instinct to help make dogs perfect candidates to be superheroes!

Detectives

With such big noses, it’s no wonder that dogs are ideal for detecting illicit substances. Trained to recognize everything from explosives or dangerous chemicals to illegal drugs to bedbugs in homes, dogs will signal to their handlers where the substance lies, and action can be taken accordingly.

Herders

The need to run makes dogs invaluable in their occupation as herders. They herd everything from sheep and cattle on a farm, to keeping wild geese under control, or overseeing goats for weed control. While many breeds are used for different tasks, the border collie is the most commonly thought-of herder, as demonstrated by its instinct to herd humans at a dog park.

Hunters

Dogs have long been common companions for hunters, as they’re ideal for finding and retrieving game after it is brought down. Golden and Labrador retrievers are especially popular for their soft mouths, as they instinctively hold the game softly so as not to mangle it on retrieval. Basset hounds are also useful, as their keen sense of smell can rout out game for their hunters.

Teachers

OK, so dogs can’t read. But they can help kids learn! Often, children who struggle with reading are uncomfortable reading aloud to their peers or to adults. Programs pair these students with a canine reading companion to reduce the stress of the process and build the childrens’ confidence, allowing them to sound out words judgment free until they succeed.

Trackers

Tracking and search dogs are some of the most amazing canines out there, with a wide variety of uses. Dogs who have been trained to track can locate people missing in the wilderness or lost elsewhere (often seniors who have wandered away from nursing homes), buried under rubble from accidents, criminals who are on the lam, or even recover remains.

Soldiers

K9 Units are common in police work, but the military also has its own K9 Corps, known as War Dogs or Military Working Dogs. They can be used in mine detection, wire laying and perimeter security, as they’re able to sense intruders or danger approaching a base. The training for this position is extremely difficult, and handlers are rotated frequently to prevent too much attachment forming between soldiers and their dogs.