Working Dogs: Ferrari Heart, Volvo Estate Life
Think of it like this: you’ve got your heart set on that sleek, red Ferrari—but deep down, you know the practical Volvo family estate is the sensible choice. Tough call, right? 😅
At Cotswold Hound, we work with a wide range of dogs across Cheltenham and the Cotswolds, both one-to-one and in group training. One key thing we often see is the stark contrast between dogs bred for life in the home and those bred to work.
In years gone by, breeders made it clear—“For working homes only.” These days, that message isn’t always obvious, and many well-meaning owners don’t fully realise what they’re taking on when they bring home a working-bred dog.
We’ve seen our share of energetic, high-drive dogs in households that simply aren’t equipped for them—busy families with young children or less active older owners. While many of these situations can be managed with guidance and consistency, some outcomes are, frankly, challenging.
A working line dog, much like a Ferrari, is built for performance. They’re fast, intense, and demand your full attention. Lose focus for a moment, and you might find yourself dealing with behaviours that are hard to reverse.
These dogs are often bred to be more physically active and mentally sharp than their pet-bred counterparts. Breeds in this category include gundogs (like Labradors, Cockers, Springers, Sprockers, Vizslas, Weimaraners, and even Poodles and their mixes like Cockerpoos), Shepherds (Collies, Australian Shepherds, German Shepherds), Terriers, and more.
That’s not to say working line dogs can’t make brilliant pets. In fact, we own a working line Golden Retriever who we absolutely adore. But, especially when he was young, he was a lot of work. His needs for exercise, enrichment, and interaction are substantial—and if we fall short, he lets us know. Whether we’re busy or unwell, he still wants his brain and body engaged… right when we’re settling into a box set for the evening!
All dogs need stimulation, but dogs with higher drive need structured outlets for that energy, plus they need to learn when and how to switch off. Left to their own devices, they’ll find creative—and often destructive—ways to entertain themselves. Our own retriever, for instance, has been known to raid the laundry basket when bored.
And it’s not just about physical exercise. These dogs thrive when their drive is channelled into something rewarding—like scent work, agility, obedience training, or simply a purposeful game of fetch or some skills training. If your dog still seems restless after a long walk, showing signs like chewing, pacing, barking, digging, or constant motion, it’s probably a mental stimulation issue, not a physical one.
As working dogs grow from puppies to adolescents, their curiosity and drive can become more pronounced. You may notice pulling on walks, poor recall, or other challenging behaviours. Without consistent training and management, these can become long-term habits. That’s why regular (often daily) training and engagement are essential.
Also, bear in mind—not all high-drive dogs are technically “working” dogs. Some dogs bred for the home can have just as much energy and drive as their working counterparts.
So, before bringing home your dream dog, do your research:
Meet the puppy’s parents.
Join them for a walk if possible—see the dogs in action.
Speak with other owners of the breed or even those with dogs from the same lines.
Ask them about puppyhood, training demands, enrichment needs, and any challenges.
Every dog is unique, but hearing real experiences will help you set realistic expectations.
And of course, if you’re unsure, get in touch with us—we’re always happy to help you make the right choice for your lifestyle.
Just remember: that stunning Fox Red Lab might look like your dream dog—but do you have the time, energy, and commitment to give it what it needs, every single day?
Cotswold Hound is a force-free dog services provider. We offer one-to-one training, group puppy and dog classes, and professional dog walking in the Cheltenham area.