A few years ago, as the millennials and the predecessor generations were growing up, a dog was just a domestic animal, usually an irritant fed on left-overs, if any, or left to fend for itself across villages, transcending hills and valleys.
Every dog was either Simba, Poppy, Blackie, or a few other odd names. Most of them had no fixed abode, given that most homesteads did not have any fences. A dog was likely to be found in any homestead that had a celebration, which meant food was plentiful.
Fast forward to today, when dogs are a highly treasured pet in the family and will not be left to wander off.
The transition has been so major that companies have been set up with the sole purpose of catering to the needs of these canines.
Investments in the canine industry run into millions of shillings, and a good number of Kenyans earn their daily bread by either breeding, training, or producing food and accessories for the canines.
Today, dogs are highly valued, well trained, and come at a princely sum.
Dogs are no longer just for security but are also valued for their companionship and used in forensic investigations to sniff out illegal substances.
They come in all sizes and shapes, from the petit Chihuahuas to the enormous bull dogs who grow to weights heavier than your average goat or sheep.
In some homesteads, dogs have their own special place on the couch. In some homes, the furry companions take holiday trips with their masters or are left in the hands of caretakers who are paid handsomely to feed as well as groom them.
In exposing the high stakes in the sector, organisers have in the recent past organized dog shows as a way of highlighting the options available for potential dog owners.
Over the weekend, dog enthusiasts showcased different breeds of dogs and their capabilities and temperaments, as well as companies selling dog food and ornamental products for dogs.
Attendees at the event, held at the Nakuru Athletics Club, were wowed by the capabilities of different types of dog breeds and their capabilities.
Also on display were the trainings conducted for the dogs, depending on what the dogs were being prepared for.
Sussy, a pure black German Shepherd, stands alert with her ears straight up, as if trying to pick up something from the surroundings. Her handler gives a quiet signal. She tenses, ready to act, but quickly lies down as if in surrender. She is well-trained and responds to instruction quickly, only when prompted by her handler.
Her major responsibility is to defend her handler, and she can easily subdue an intruder in minutes.
She is alert at all times and is uncomfortable with strangers around her. She will not, however, attack, unless prompted by her handler.
Tokyo, on the other hand, is a playful Japanese Spitz, always hanging around her handler. She is a family pet and comfortably fits into a family setup since she is playful and has a good temperament.
According to her handler, Sifa Nderitu, Tokyo loves playing and dancing. She put up a rather impressive performance and won herself three awards in different categories.
The Manager of Mudason Dog Center in Gilgil, Bethwel Rotich, prides himself on his ability to train dogs, saying that rarely has he come across a dog that cannot be trained.
He says that by the end of one week, he can tell whether a dog is a slow learner or can grasp instructions quickly.
Rotich prefers to train dogs away from their familiar surroundings, saying such dogs are easier to train.
He prides himself on his ability to identify a good dog after a short interaction.
The trainer says that demand for good and well-trained dogs is on the rise, saying that the market is largely untapped.
Rotich, however, says it’s a sector that needs a lot of patience because of the challenges that one may face. One of the most devastating challenges is when a well-trained dog dies after investing so much in it.
However, there are countless moments of satisfaction, especially when a client is pleased with the result of their training.
Rotich says training services range from Sh20,000 to Sh30,000, depending on the type of training that a client wants. Some of the popular trainings include protection, obedience, behavior, and tracking.
The centre also offers daycare services for canines, starting at as low as Sh500 and going up to Sh15,000 depending on the length of stay and services that will be offered.
Rotich says the centre has various types of dogs, including German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Boerboel, among others.
The centre bagged several awards, including the best protection dog and the best-represented dog kennel.
By Jane Ngugi
