Dog, Friend or Foe

by Neshah

Of all the animals of the world the dog has proved itself the most adept at learning. Dog obedience is a very desirable aspect of dog and man relationship, but unfortunately most dogs even though domesticated, lack dog obedience.

This singular characteristic of dogs, however, has not discouraged man from keeping dogs as his best friend. Rather a lot of effort has been made to teach dogs obedience and responsibility. To this end lots of dog trainers, dog schools and books are now available for dog owners who are desirous of transforming their dogs into humanlike companions having the capabilities to think fast enough to react to different commands and thereby answer to the others needs.

Dogs have been trained for use by the Police, the army, the physically challenged and

these dogs have equated themselves quite creditably. There are stories of Dogs have saved their master's lives and property. Trained dogs engage in sporting competitions and worn laurels for their owners. Other trained dogs have been of immense value during search and rescue operations after natural, accidental or terrorist disasters.

But none of this praise worthy dog actions is possible without good dog training.

Untrained dogs are very dangerous and are sources of nuisance to the family and society at large. Untrained dogs are known to have the habit of chewing up things in the house, especially shoes and furniture; putting their mouths in food items in the house and generally disrupting the normal family set up. Dogs' aggressions have caused both health problems and even death to family members, strangers and neighbours.

This situation has led to many dog owners killing or sending into the streets their former pet dogs. Most of which can be found in shelters all over the country. Now let me say that a dog is not responsible for its level of intelligence, rather it behoves a dog's owner to ensure that a dog gets the required dog training that will make it a responsible member of society.

That dog and man relationship is inalienable is so obvious; however what is not very clear is whether all dog owners are aware that their dogs need training to be able to function properly instead of being nuisance to both owners and society at large.