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What dog person doesn't love watching a dog with the zoomies? Less heartwarming is when your pooch sneaks off to chew on your favorite slipper. Yet both of these behaviors are a sign of one thing: boredom. Your dog has energy that must be directed before it seeps out in inappropriate ways.

Giving your dog jobs around the house might seem silly but it can improve behavior, mental health and overall happiness for both of you.

Dogs Were Bred to Work
Most breeds were developed to help humans — herding, hunting, guarding, retrieving and even snuggling to keep their person warm. Tiny chihuahuas were selectively bred to alert to danger without taking up a lot of space. Huskies are fluffy to withstand frigid conditions and strong and tenacious to pull sleds and ward off predators. Labradors have coats that repel water and a never-ending drive to chase and bring back.

Every canine companion has instincts driving them to do something. When those instincts aren’t fulfilled, dogs create their own “jobs,"  such as barking when the doorbell rings or rearranging your laundry.

Mental Stimulation Matters
A mentally satisfied dog is a happy dog (and by default a happy dog owner).

Have you ever been around a police dog or field dog and marveled at how calm and quiet they are? Heck, I bet you've wished they'd come over for some pets and been disappointed when your attempts to distract them go ignored! That is canine confidence developed by having a reason to get out of the dog bed each morning.

Jobs don’t have to be formal tasks like police work or agility training — simple activities like puzzle toys, learning new tricks, sitting before crossing the street or even finding hidden treats around the house can satisfy your dog's need for a challenge.

Jobs Ease Anxiety
Some dogs, especially rescues, struggle with anxiety or low confidence. Giving them responsibilities — like carrying a backpack on walks or doing a simple trick for a treat — builds self-esteem and improves behavior.

Prevent Problem Behaviors
Many common behavioral issues — chewing, digging, barking — stem from boredom. Giving your dog a purpose redirects their energy in positive ways. For example, if your dog tends to chew inappropriately, hide a TreatWag natural chew in the house and let him put his nose to work searching it out before he gets to gnaw on it. This provides both a mental and physical outlet for pent up energy.

Easy Jobs You Can Give Your Dog Today

• Sniff-and-find games with hidden treats
• Treat puzzles that require effort and thought to solve
• Learning new tricks (yes, shaking paws counts!)
• Carrying small items in a canine backpack
• Helping with bringing in the groceries or newspaper
• Patrolling the yard or the neighborhood sniffing out potential threats
• Chewing on a healthy, long-lasting chew such as a TreatWag cow cheek roll

Purpose Lets Pups Thrive
Your dog doesn’t need a 9-to-5, but he does need consistent direction. A job provides purpose, joy and an outlet for natural instincts. At TreatWag, we’re here to support your dog’s mental and physical health with premium natural chews and treats that provide nutrition, enrichment and engagement because every dog deserves to feel useful — and get a tasty reward for a job well done.