FIRST ANAMBRA KENNEL CLUB MEETING OF THE YEAR

The first inaugural meeting of the Anambra Kennel Club which took place at Mama’ Inn by Lake filling station bus stop, Enugu/Onitsha express way Omagba Onitsha Anambra state, was successfully held on Sunday 26^th of January 2020.

In attendance was Patron Mr Ikechukwu Izuegbu of Divine Kennel & Pet Store, President Nwosu Anthony of TI Paws, Vice president Emmanuel Sije of Nuel Kennel, Secretary Ifeoma Ezeani of Valex Kennel, Treasurer Nnakwue Nnamdi of Prime Doggy Home Pet Shop & Kennel, PRO Arinze Frank of Kings Breed kennel, with Provost I and II in the persons of Emodi Caleb of Camod Kennel and Ikechukwu Udegboka of Gee Kennel respectively.

It was such a wonderful meeting that allowed the Executive members, dog breeders within the state, veterinary doctors and as well as other stakeholders to outline their visions for the year.

The president congratulated his team and every member for all their efforts towards the club growth. Also he outlined his views and plans to ensure that breeding, welfare and ownership of dogs within the state is done responsibly and up to standard.

The discussions and plans for the upcoming dog walk that will take place in the state during the year, which he took out time to invite the general public to participate as their will be seminars, workshop and outreach to the public. This will include informing parents to always teach kids the right manner with dogs to reduce the risks of dog bites.

Although breeders voiced their concern as regards to different issues and challenges they face in the state such as, proper and adequate vaccines, impacts and the roles vet doctors and the ministry is ensuring that vaccines they are getting is standard and up to date. Also discussions were made by the breeders and executives on how to move forward so as to attain the standard of the FCI.

Mr Jideofor Ifeanyi of Hill View Vet Clinic who is also the Financial Secretary was among the doctors present. they were able to enlighten the breeders on issues relating to health, vaccinations and vaccine failures, treatment of dogs, importance of pet green book, the importance of fight against rabies and how the state ministry can ensure a sustainable growth of dog breeders in the state.

The club also stated their interest to ensure in the breeding and development of sound patrol and protection dogs that can work efficiently in combating of crime and how open they are to partnering with the state government, law enforcement, security and private agencies within the state.

The president advised all members and stakeholders not to relent on their efforts to ensuring the growth of the club.

WHO IS A DECOY IN DOG TRAINING

At some point in sports, protection and apprehension training of a working dog, it is very important that a person must lure the dog into thinking that he or she is behaving so badly that they deserve to be bitten. This person we can call a helper or a decoy.

The decoy purpose is to provide the trainer with a human being who behaves exactly as the trainer needs at any given time during the dogs development. The decoy must not only have skill but must also be a disciplined person committed to working cooperatively with the trainer or handler.

In many instances, the action of the decoy actually controls the training and learning process and there is a tendency for the decoy to begin thinking that he or she is more than just a tool.

It is important to consider the following that describes a good decoy:

A Valuable tool

Communication expert

Aggression manipulator

Role of the decoy as a Valuable Tool;

A good decoy is a K9 trainer’s most valuable tool. When it comes to aggression work, a good decoy can take a poor dog and make him a mediocre, mediocre dog and make him a good, a good dog and make him excellent. Likewise poor decoy can have devastating effect. Should be able to read the dogs well at all time and must be physical fit in order to catch the dogs properly and avoid injuries to both himself and the dog being worked.

Role of the decoy as a Communication Expert;

A good decoy is an expert in canine communication (Auditory, Tactile, Visual), understands what the dog is saying at all time, and understands what actions appropriate to fit the trainers overall plan for its dog.

Role of the decoy as an Aggression Manipulator;

The decoy needs to understand the natural forms of aggression in dogs and what form of behaviours and language will trigger each individual type of aggression at the right time and avoid triggering aggression when the trainer is trying to do control work.