DOG SERIES

BY SHOBERU ADEOLA

When talking about pets, so many thoughts comes to one’s mind but pets are usually animals that can be cuddled, trained, fancied, pampered and nurtured accordingly.

But we all have that pet that we so much love and cherish. For me, it's dogs. they are the best friend in the animal kingdom that humans can have.

Consequent on this, I'll be doing a dog series where i will discuss four of my favourite breed of dogs, namely German Shepherd, Dalmatian, Doberman and the Great Dane. The first to be discussed is the German Shepherd. 

GERMAN SHEPHERD

The German shepherd also known as the Alsatian came from the Germany and was bred originally for herding and guarding sheep. Its origin can be traced back to 1700s.  The dog is classified as one of the best security dogs, drug dog, and guide dog for the blind. The Alsatian dog is unique because of it short colon in comparison to other breeds of the same body weight.  colour is normally a shade of solid black, grey, tan, gold and white. The colour is normally medium, straight and hard when felt.

THE CARE

There are so many ways that one can take care of the Alsatian dog which ranges from bathing them regularly, feeding them adequately. All dog owners should be concerned about the health of dogs because just as with people, dog health issues arise from time to time. It could be costly but it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining complete health treatment. The Alsatian dog requires weekly care and grooming and not only consists of brushing of hair and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular check-up helps to ensure that any potential health problems are identified as early as possible, especially in puppies and older Alsatian dogs.

FEEDING

This is another aspect of the pet that requires attention. Your dog must be fed regularly. This makes them look more healthy and prepared for any task ahead of them. This could cost much but it must be adhered to.  Their set of nutritional requirements has been passed from generation to generation. They should be fed with food that the nutrient sources are familiar to their environment as well as proper balance of protein, carbohydrates, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Not feeding your dog well can lead to dry, itchy, liver and kidney problems just to name a few. They can be fed with beefs, fish, soy, rice, wheat, and green leaves, you can as well blend these together for your dog. You can also sought advice from your vet doctor on what to feed your dog with so as to feed your pet with the right diet. It is however advised that whatever food you want to feed your dog with must be fresh and warm not forgetting to give your dog excess water.

RIVALRY

This refers to repeated fights between dogs living under the same roof. This means they determine what and where for themselves and could lead to conflict if not adhered to by the other pet. It could be food, toys, attention from people, or when a female pet is brought in between two males. They warn each other through snarling, growling, or snapping and could at times fight physically clinging to each other and this could be very dangerous for one or both of the dogs fighting.

Some of the causes of this fights includes when a new dog is introduced to the household.

A dog resurfaces after being absent for a while.

A young dog reaches maturity stage most especially a female one, her maturity could

Lead to two male fights.

SEPARATION

Dogs fighting can be separated with the splashing of water on them or making a loud noise to try and interrupt them. Under no circumstance should you grab a fighting dog by the collar or getting yourself in between them.. this could lead to transferred aggression whereby one of the fighting dog will think you are a party to the second.. This could lead to transferred aggression whereby one of the fighting dogs will think you are a party to the second.

HEAT PERIOD

This is the period whereby the female pet becomes fertile and this usually last for a minimum of three weeks and maximum of a month. The female pet usually comes on heat at every six month interval and the signs are drops of blood wherever she goes. The female pet usually starts heating at seven months old. The first week of heat which is known as the Proestrus: the blood drops are just normal and the pet might be harsh on male partners but by the second week of the heat which is the Estrus: she begins to raise her tail for the desired male partner as she is now fertile and ready to mate. The third week which is known as the Diestrus: usually the last week of the heat in most females, the blood begins to fade off and she becomes less fertile. It should be noted that female pets are not supposed to be mated on their first heat to ensure standard maturity stage.