Summer Jobs For Dogs: Who's on the Canine Employee Roster?

9 minute read By Lucy Hughes
Reviewed by: Pawrade Team
July 09, 2024

Australian Shepherd leaps into the air to catch a frisbee

Ah, summer! The scorching sun shines fiercely all day, and the fireflies are out at night as you sing campfire songs around the bonfire with your puppy by your side. While we all wish summer could be like a perpetual camp forever, the reality is people still have to work! 

Summer can be a relaxing time with people taking vacations from work and kids out of school. Summer is also the perfect time for teens and college students to pick a summer job to make extra cash and stay busy instead of being a professional couch potato staying cool indoors while munching on hot dogs. 

Speaking of hot dogs, do you ever wonder what summer job your puppy would get if you could put him to work? After all, those fancy toys and treats won’t pay for themselves! 

Discover which dog breeds would be excellent candidates for summer jobs for dogs to earn pawcket money this summer.  

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Qualities That Make Dogs Great Employees

While each dog breed features a unique set of characteristics, all dogs have common traits that would make them excellent workers in whatever job they choose. 

Loyal

Dogs are extremely loyal to their people, and the same would be true for loyalty to a company, boss, or team. They will never let you down and will strive to please any employer. 

Enthusiastic

No matter what you ask a dog to do, they’ll give it a try – even the stubborn ones. They have a love of life and are always up for an adventure, so you know they’ll tackle workplace tasks with gusto. Their eyes will light up and their tails will be wagging at the mere sight of a human, always ready to greet you with a smile.  

Reliable

Dogs are creatures of habit, and they thrive on routines. When it’s time to show up for work, they’ll be there. You know you can trust them to get the job done the same way every time. They’ll take their scheduled breaks with no pushback!

Teachable 

With proper training and lots of positive reinforcement, your dog employee will learn to perform various tasks for your business. While it may take some longer than others, dogs in general enjoy exercising their brains by learning new challenges and taking direction and feedback well.  

Canine Summer Job Positions

Check out our employment suggestions for jobs where dogs would thrive based on their dog breed personalities. Some dog breeds are gifted in so many ways that we had a hard time narrowing it down to just one job! Which one would you choose?

Competitive Dance Instructor: Border Collie 

A Border Collie is well-qualified for a variety of jobs due to their incredible intelligence and excellent work ethic, so we debated on where a Border Collie would apply. One Border Collie named Nora has decided to follow her passion and get a job as a competitive dog dance instructor, showing other dogs some sweet moves that will get them ready for the next Crufts held in England, called the “greatest dog show in the world.” Nora and her handler Lorna are the winners of both the 2024 National Freestyle Competition and the International Freestyle Competition. They practice a canine sport and art form called dog dancing, where handlers serve as “dogreographers” and choreograph complicated routines to music. Border Collies are happiest when they have a job to do, so competitive dog dancing is the perfect venue for them to showcase their talents. 

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Rancher: Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler

Running a successful ranch is hard work, and it is infinitely easier with a dog by your side. Ranchers look for canine helpers who understand how to herd livestock without harming them or refusing to work. Australian Cattle Dogs/Blue Heelers are perfect ranch and farm companions for a variety of reasons, making them the top candidate for carrying out livestock control. 

Called both an Australian Cattle Dog and a Blue Heeler, these dogs were bred specifically for herding livestock in challenging, harsh conditions of Australian ranches and have continued to thrive in their role. An Australian Cattle Dog’s agile nature helps them turn quickly when dealing with rogue livestock, and their endurance keeps them going from sunrise to sunset. Any rancher will be happy to have a Blue Heeler on the team.

Lifeguard: Portuguese Water Dog

As their very name implies, the Portuguese Water Dog may have a leg up on the competition for a spot on the lifeguard stand. Historically, they were used for water rescues, often battling treacherous weather to rescue sailors and others from the choppy waters off the Portuguese coast. They are perfectly designed for the water with a few unique features to help them be strong swimmers. Portuguese Water Dogs have webbed feet, powerful hind legs, and a tail that acts like a rudder. In addition to having the perfect physique for a lifeguard, their charismatic personality will be a hit with pool patrons. 

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Backcountry Hiking Patrol: Saint Bernard 

The Saint Bernard is definitely qualified to be on any national park’s backcountry hiking patrol squad. They’ve been helping weary, lost travelers in the Swiss Alps find their way to respite since the 12th century. They are said to have saved 2,000 people over 200 years. St. Bernards are gentle, brave, and strong, a perfect combination useful when comforting panicked hikers who have strayed too far off the trail. Their double coats help keep them cool by trapping air between their inner and outer layer, and their giant paws can traverse rocky landscapes with ease. 

See how a Yorkshire Terrier goes after a rat. (Rat not filmed, no harm came to the rat)

Pest Control Team Member: Yorkshire Terrier

When hiring a Yorkshire Terrier for a pest control position, you may discount their ability to get the job done based on looks alone. However, don’t let those prissy bows and coifed, silky long hair fool you – they are one of the top terriers that excel at catching rats and other vermin. Their tenacious spirits and determination mean they will never give up until they catch those pesky rats and mice. The Yorkie’s small size is an advantage as they search nooks and crannies for vermin. You’ll definitely want a Yorkshire Terrier on your pest control team. 

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Customer Service Desk: Labrador Retriever 

Interviewing candidates for a customer service desk position requires someone who is friendly, helpful, and loves people. All of these qualities fit the personality and skill set of a Labrador Retriever. These dogs are affectionately called “America’s Best Friend,” and it’s easy to see why due to their perpetual smiles on their faces. Their intelligence means they will be able to problem-solve customer concerns and de-escalate tough situations. They’re willing to show you what they’ve found and are very proud of helping out. A Labrador Retriever is an excellent addition to any customer service counter and will make the situation right again every time. 

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Handyman Apprentice: German Shorthaired Pointer

German Shorthaired Pointers have a reputation for being extremely versatile, excelling equally in a variety of uses as a dog version of a Jack of all trades. They would be perfect for working as a handyman’s apprentice. Need a light bulb held while you change it? They’ve got you. Need a tool out of the truck? They’re already on their way anticipating what needs to be done next. 

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Mongo the Boxer is ready for his job on Clown Car duty 

Circus Clown: Boxer

Every Boxer owner can tell you that these dogs have a propensity to end up in the most hilarious situations. Their underbites and big eyes create funny expressions that give away what they are thinking. Boxers are highly entertaining and love getting people’s attention to show off what silly move they’ll make next. While most clowns are happy and make people laugh, a Boxer could also play the part of a sad clown with their droopy, doleful eyes and guilty expressions. 

Summer Camp Activities Director: Mini Australian Shepherd 

Being in charge of all the activities at a summer camp full of children requires quick wits, boundless energy, and of course, a deep love for kids and their camp experience. The Mini Australian Shepherd is a perfect candidate to run the activities all summer long. They’re well-versed in exciting games of Ultimate Frisbee, swimming, hiking, and Capture the Flag. A Mini Australian Shepherd’s intelligence means they’ll remember every camper’s name and keep the equipment organized and in top shape. They’ll run alongside children, gently correcting anyone who gets out of bounds – or out of line. These family-friendly dogs can go, go, go before the breakfast bell ends and after “Taps” is played, busy preparing for the next day of fun-filled activities. 

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Therapy Dog: Golden Retriever 

While some of our suggestions are just for fun, Golden Retrievers thrive in real life as comfort and therapy dogs. Their gentle nature, perpetual smiles, positive personalities, eagerness to please, and highly trainable attitudes are the perfect combination when assisting those who need a steady presence amid tragedy, chaos, or sadness. They seem to have a sixth sense to know exactly what people need for comfort. You won’t have to worry about them offending anyone or slacking off since they’re kind, hard workers. 

Babysitter: Newfoundland

If you’ve read J. M. Barrie’s Peter Pan, you know Nana the Newfoundland helped protect the nursery of Wendy, John, and Michael Darling when their parents were away. Newfoundlands love children and guard them without a mean bone in their giant bodies. They keep an eye out, are very tolerant of young children, and are always available for cuddles. Outside the nursery, Newfoundlands love to swim and would be happy to supervise any water activities. 

“Hire” a Pawrade Puppy

Do you need a perpetual employee to help out around the house by providing endless snuggles and cuddles? Pawrade can fill your needs! With our variety of puppies for sale, we have a 4-legged “employee” for everyone’s situation. 

When you utilize Pawrade’s services, you don’t have to do your own background checks on breeders because we’ve done the hard work for you! Before you even meet the puppies, we pre-screen breeders and ensure they follow our Puppy First Approach, putting the needs of puppies above all else and raising them in loving environments. If you’re checking out reviews, we have thousands of happy customer reviews on Trustpilot and heartwarming videos from our puppy parents for proof of our commitment to safe and joyful adoptions. We can’t wait to see your puppy adoption application come across our desk!


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Lucy Hughes

Lucy Hughes has been teaching and writing professionally for half her life. She has a passion for helping people choose a puppy and lead an exciting life with their new furry companion. She enjoys spending quality time with her family and her beloved Golden Retriever, Teddy Graham.

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