Should Dogs Work: Comprehension Questions

Many pet dogs spend their days sleeping around the house. They play catch with their owners. They have all their meals delivered straight to their bowls. Pet dogs give their owners love and friendship. In return, the dogs live carefree lives.

Some dogs don't have it so easy. They are put to work, but these dogs are not paid in cash. They are paid in shelter, food, and love. Those are the same things that many pet dogs get. Service dogs give more than pet dogs give. People depend on them for serious work. There are many kinds of service dogs. Some dogs guide people who are deaf or blind. The dogs act as people's eyes and ears.

Other dogs do police work. There are about 15,000 police dogs in the United States. The dogs search for missing people and hunt down criminals. Many dogs are also used to search for drugs and bombs. Service dogs often work long hours. Meanwhile, pet dogs have the freedom to sleep and play whenever they want to. Is it fair that some dogs should have to work? Read the debate and then decide.

Yes! Dogs Should Work

Service dogs are workers and pets. Usually, they get more attention than pets get. Service dogs often work for their owners, so the dogs spend a lot of time with the people who care for them. Service dogs live happy and useful lives.

Service dogs have to work hard, but they enjoy what they do. Their work can be stressful at times. Since the work can be stressful, the owners make sure that the dogs stay happy. To do that, they give the dogs lots of love and praise for their work. This makes the dogs feel good about the work they do. It makes the dogs want to work more.

Police and service work can be dangerous for dogs. Dogs are brave to do this kind of work. They are willing to face danger when they work.

In 2001, about 350 dogs worked at the World Trade Center site. One rescue worker said, "If these dogs only knew the difference they make. Certainly, there's nothing that can replace... a dog's nose. And absolutely nothing that can replace a dog's heart."

No! Dogs Should Not Work

Dogs are meant to be pets. They live short lives compared to humans. They should be allowed to enjoy all of their days. Dogs are meant to be companions, not workers. Service dogs are put under too much stress. Their jobs are not fun. Some service dogs are servants. They do things like opening dresser drawers and pulling their owners' wheelchairs.

Servant dogs, such as guide dogs for people who are blind, are not put in danger. But police dogs are not as lucky. They face life-and-death situations. While people can choose to put their lives on the line, dogs don't have that choice.

In 2001, a police dog was shot and killed by police officers. The dog had caught a person the police were chasing. The police officers didn't realize that the dog was on their side. They thought he was vicious. So they killed him. Weeks before the dog was killed, he had acted as a search-and-rescue dog when the World Trade Center was attacked in New York City.