10/16/2026
🐾 Have you ever wondered why some dogs seem to get into EVERYTHING, even when they get plenty of exercise?
Something I think a lot of people overlook is that dogs were bred to have jobs. Border Collies herded sheep, retrievers retrieved, terriers hunted, and hounds tracked scents. These dogs were bred for generations to do specific things, and those instincts don’t just disappear because they live in a house now.
We live in a world where most dogs are expected to hang out in the house all day, go for a walk, and then settle down for the evening. But for some dogs, especially working breeds, that physical exercise alone just isn’t enough.
Sometimes the digging, chewing, barking, chasing, and constant need to DO SOMETHING is a dog trying to find their own job. And trust me, the jobs they come up with aren’t always ones we’re going to appreciate. 😂
This is where mental enrichment comes in!
Let your dog sniff on walks instead of rushing them along. Hide treats around the house for them to find. Give them food puzzles, teach them new things, play scent games, or find activities that let them use the instincts they were bred for.
You don’t have to own a farm or have a job for your dog to do to give them a fulfilling life. Sometimes it’s just about finding little ways to let them use their brain and do what comes naturally to them.
And remember, a tired dog isn’t always a fulfilled dog! Mental exercise can be just as important as physical exercise.
This is a big part of what I love about Adventure Herd. It’s not just about getting dogs outside and burning energy. It’s about giving them opportunities to explore, learn, think, and just be dogs. 🌿🐾
What was your dog originally bred to do? And do you see those instincts in them today? 👇