It’s no surprise that a 2009 study titled The Anguish of Unemployment, published by Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, showed that a majority of respondents experienced stress, anxiety, depression and even strained relationships as a result of being without a job. What may surprise you, though, is that our dogs may also be suffering as a result of their own unemployment.

A great many of the dog breeds we know today were originally bred for specialized kinds of work. My own borzois, also known as Russian wolfhounds, were originally bred for hunting wild game (most commonly, wolves) on relatively open terrain relying on sight rather than scent, the American Kennel Club’s website explains.

Michelle Welton, in her article Borzoi Temperament, Personality, Behavior, Traits, and Characteristics, talks about some of the common behavior problems borzoi owners face with the unemployed borzoi: without enough opportunities to run and leap, they often become “rambunctious and bored—which they usually express by destructive chewing.” She emphasizes their strong instincts to “chase and seize fleeing creatures,” a critical hunting skill which might lead to them chase after neighborhood cats or small dogs, which could land you and your family pet in hot water with the authorities. “In today's society, the legal liabilities of owning a large hunting breed should be considered,” she says. Another hunting skill that gets them into trouble as a family pet is their independent thinking, which translates to “stubborn” in the eyes of some.

It may sound so far like a borzoi, although a great hunting dog in the right environment, makes for a terrible pet. However, I know from personal experience that they make absolutely fabulous pets—when given appropriate alternative outlets for their natural instincts. In addition to the basic training all dogs living amongst humans need, they need specialized work to occupy their bodies and minds in ways that come naturally to them.

They’re graceful bodies are designed to gallop and leap and duck and turn, so running an agility course provides a perfect outlet for a young borzoi’s intellect and athleticism. Their need to chase and catch small fast moving creatures can be turned into a fun, relationship building game when pet parents tie a squeaky toy to a rope and drag it along the ground for their hound. The sport of lure coursing, in which dogs (usually sighthounds) chase a furry toy on a system of pulleys, is another great “job” for the pet borzoi. Even around the house, giving a borzoi an active puzzle toy like the Kong Wobbler can be a great outlet for the instinct to chase and catch small game while also using independent thinking and problem solving skills.

Just as borzois were originally bred to hunt, various other breeds were developed for various other kinds of work. When any dog’s role in life is to be a family pet, care must be taken to put their natural talents to work at appropriate tasks lest they use their instinctual skills for mischief. For example, border collies were bred to herd livestock.  Author Michelle Welton’s advice: “If it isn't possible for him to work livestock, you must substitute several LONG (45 minute) walks per day, plus off-leash romps in a safe area, fetching balls or frisbee, and weekly or twice-a-week advanced obedience classes or agility classes.”

Welton’s website, www.yourpurebredpuppy.com, offers reviews of 180 dog breeds, in total. If you are considering getting a dog, or need a little inspiration for your current dog, perhaps you’ll find it there. Even if your dog is a mixed breed, figuring out what sorts of breeds might be in there can play a critical role in finding just the right kind of jobs to keep your canine buddy happy and out of trouble.

When in doubt, tire him out! That’s what I always say. Trainers usually agree that a tired dog is a happy and better behaved dog, regardless of the breed. Put ‘em to work! Fight canine unemployment.