Dogs: From Healing Humans to Protecting Them

Ranchi: Dogs, known to be ‘man's best friend,' were the first animals domesticated by humans. Scientific evidence suggests that dogs were domesticated almost 14,000-15,000 years ago and are linked to the wolf family. From being companions to hunter-gatherer for humans, dogs are now the most common pets in modern times.

Some of their unique qualities make them loyal, obedient, alert, agile, faithful, diligent, and loving. They are known for their valour and love for their master, sometimes to the extent that they do not hesitate to face danger to protect their masters. No wonder they are found in homes and even in the armed forces for the qualities they demonstrate.

Dogs as pets are known to be helpful in treating depression and anxiety disorders in humans, besides working as the best guards. They are often trained as medical dogs to assist patients and as trackers, retrievers, and sniffers to detect explosives, narcotics, and valuables.

Assistant veterinary officer at Tata Steel Zoological Park, Jamshedpur, Dr Nitish Kumar Agrawal, stated that people must decide on the breed before selecting a canine as their pet. "Every dog has a different size, agility, aggression, and requirement for exercise. The size of the home, besides other factors, must be taken into consideration, before picking a dog," he said.

According to Agrawal, breeds like Shih Tzu, Pomeranian, Chihuahua, Pug, and Spitz are ideal for small homes, particularly for those living in apartments with limited space. In contrast, large-sized dogs like German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Doberman Pinscher, Rottweiler, and Pitbull require open space to walk, play, and exercise. "Since every dog requires a minimum level of exercise and workout, large breed dogs tend to become aggressive if they do not get enough opportunity to utilise their energy levels," he added.

Expressing similar views, DIG, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Sumant Singh, who is the former principal of Dog Training School in Ranchi, said that every dog can be trained for skills. "It is because of their ability to learn quickly and respond to commands that they are suited for police operations," he said. While heading the training school, Singh closely monitored different breeds of dogs being trained and admits that depending upon their agility and sense of smell, the canines are deployed in various operations after thorough training. "They have good memory and a sense of responsibility. We need not be harsh with them as they understand human sentiments even by looking at them," Singh said.

Owners of pets are often referred to as pet parents for the close bond they share with their four-legged companions. Recently, a Jamshedpur-based pet parent, Sapna Sona, threw an extravagant party for her six-year-old Rottweiler, Rose, in Kadma. More than 300 guests attended the birthday party. "She is like my daughter, and I want other pet lovers to come forward and show their love for their pets in their own way," she said.