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Cute and loyal companions

Owning is not enough, taking proper care is more important writes S.S.KAVITHA

Photo: S. James

KNOW YOUR CANINE Dog's day out

Who are the next best friends to humans other than books? Rather they can even be called the first best friend of human beings for they listen to your words and reciprocate through their looks. This bundle of fur or little-furred four-legged freaks will be running around your feet, lazing about your ankles and sometimes misting your nose with their licks. They are indeed sweet disturbances for this animal will bring joy into your life and soon end up as a friend for life. No doubt, the only all-time friend of human beings is the dog.

Dogs or shall we call them animal companion provide many benefits which are difficult to quantify in monetary terms, but which have important implications on physical and mental health and welfare of the owner. Nurturing these canine friends is indeed a pleasurable duty for the owners.

For many these canines ceased to be mere animals and become a member of the family. Having become a part of the family, their every need is catered to and what others view as overindulgence the family members interpret as necessity and commitment. The whole family sleeps together in the same room and some time on the same bed too.

Best companions

"Seizure is my son. It guards my family whenever I am away on business trips," says K. Bharatharajan, a businessman of Karaikudi, who brought his Great Dane for the Fifth and Sixth dog show organised by the Madurai Canine Club recently.

For some like A. Chellan of Pommam near Marthandam, dogs mean business and money. Though he runs a transport business, his interest and love for dogs have made him a dog keeper. His Bull Mastiff, Rotweiller and Pug, all imported dogs now earn him extra money.

"Even for breeding and selling, the owner should have love for dogs and be ready to spend time with it," says S.K. Bardhan, managing director of a textile mills in Madurai, who is also the secretary of the Madurai Canine Club.

Categories

Dogs are categorised into groups like the toy group (Miniature Pinscher, Pug, Pomeranian), utility group (Bull Dog, French Bull Dog, Dalmatian, Lasaphaso, Shitzu), hound group (Basset Hound, Caravan Hound, Dachshund, Chippiparai, Rajapalayam), gun dog group (Irish Setter, Retriever Golden, Retriever Labrador), working group (Boxer, Dobermann, Great Dane, Rottweiler, Bull Mastiff, Neopolitan Mastiff) and pastoral group (German Shepherd).

There are apparently 307 breeds of dogs in the world as recognised by Federation Gynaecology International in Belgium, says S. Vinayaka Moorthy, a dog keeper of Madurai.

`Though there are many varieties, only a certain are liked and preferred by people for the unique features," says N. Austin Godwin Mani, a trainer from Marthandam.

He says German Shepherd dog can be called an all-rounder as it derives its blood line from five animals - the lion, tiger, bear, rabbit and fox. Labrador dogs are known to be very intelligent as they grasp easily whatever they are trained in. Dobermann is known for its hyper-speed while the Rottweiler for its ferocity and memory. Rottweilers are banned in Europe. They are known to remember even unpleasant things including beatings of the owner and wait for an appropriate moment to attack, Mr. Austin says.

He says though there are many foreign-bred dogs, Indian dogs such as Rajapalayam, Chippiparai, and Caravan Hound hold their charm. It is important to note that Rajapalayam has managed to retain its original features such as pristine white coat, pink nose, broad chest and narrow waist.

People prefer having a dog at home for three reasons -- as a pet, an unpaid watchman and for some they are companions especially to elder people and children.

It is important that owners spend time with their pets to develop a rapport and should be willing to go to any length to keep them safe and comfortable. But maintaining a pet is not so easy. It takes a lot of hard work. They have to be fed on time, brushed and washed regularly, need exercise, says Mr.Austin.

Training and maintenanace

A well-trained dog is always a happier, healthier and a complete dog. Dog owners are particularly prone to making three critical errors -- inconsistency, impatience and treating the dog as a subject instead of a training partner. Dog training requires two participants the dog and the owner.

Dogs are sufficiently intuitive to be attuned to a trainer's attitude and less receptive to learning when they are treated merely as a subject instead of as a complete being, Mr. Austin says.

Trained dogs are often very disciplined and well-behaved and it is evident in all dog shows where the canines have their day out.

The recently held dog show at Thirumalai Niacker College was no exception. Sturdy and gigantic looking Great Danes, cute Pomeranians and pugs, villainous looking Dobermanns, majestic German Shepherds, Pinschers, Labradors, did a series of turns and bows brilliantly responding to the call of their masters.

After training and maintenance comes the feeding session. A right course of food will be meat- 480 gm, rice and barley weighing 420 grams and 30 biscuits make a perfect meal for an adult dog or one-and-a-half-a litre milk with two eggs can also be given to them.

Number of times to be fed varies according to the age, he says and adds that for a month-old puppy, the owners have to feed them for four times a day while it is reduces into three times after three months and two times a day after six months.

The life span of dogs is roughly 8-14 years depending on their size and stature.

Smaller the size longer their life time and vice versa, says Mr.Vinayaga Moorthy.

He says whether it is country breed or an imported breed there is not much difference because the mentality and swiftness depend on the owner's attitude.

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