Giving a dog a job

Question
I have had Captain for about 2 months.  He is a 14-month old husky/boxer mix.  The previous owner did a good job with basic obedience training, i.e. house breaking, sit & lay down commands.  I have made further progress with obedience training using numerous verbal commands, etc.  I live in a fairly large home, but my yard is too small for Captain to run around.  Therefore, I take captain for a
walk everyday, usually 1/2 mile everyday or 1-2 miles every 3 days.

Because of his breed, I suspect that he may require a "job" to further develop his behavior.  What kind of "job" can I give Captain so he can focus his energy and further our training?

Answer
Dear Garry,
Thanks for the interesting question. When people talk about giving a dog a job, it usually refers to a creative training program. Practice the already learned commands in various locations and on longer walks. Take your dog to a park and practice when other people and dogs are nearby. Work your dog on a long-line to perfect skills at a distance.

Teach your guy some new skills. Some people like to teach tricks or service tasks (i.e. turn off the light, pick up and carry xyz). Find-the-xyz is a good game. Your dog will learn the names of items and be stimulated to search!

Games that involve using their noses is another favorite of mine. Hide a special food treat in a room and help your dog find it. You could teach him to find the keys- another favorite.

Enriching his environment with food dispensing toys is another idea. GET a Kong, seal the small opening with a piece of duct tape. Place some of his dog food and a few treats inside. Fill it with water and a tsp of chicken broth, place it upright in the freezer and let it freeze. Take it out, remove the tape and give it to your dog. He's be stimulated and motivated to get the food and treats out and it will give him a job!

Happy Training!
AT