On days that I work from home, I find myself taking breaks to check in on Kulfi's antics. Or just to see if there is sufficient drinking water in his bowl. In Singapore it is quite typical for heavy clouds to gather in the afternoons and soon there are deafening claps of thunder followed by a spell of heavy rain. While this provides a respite from the sapping heat, it can be quite scary for young puppies especially if their abode is outdoors, as is the case with our dog. So when the skies darken and this phenomena unfolds, it is hard not to go out in the rain and peek in to see if all is well with the little fella. So far, it has been...and it is a relief to find him in peaceful slumber within his kennel even as nature unleashes its song and dance all around.
Over the past few days, the stream of visitors has increased in our house as friends have been dropping by with their children to see and play with the new puppy. The first six months are an important phase in the development of most dogs during which time they need to become comfortable around people and other dogs...a process called "socialisation" in doggy parlance. German Shepherds have been bred as working dogs, used extensively by the police and armed forces. They are known to be fiercely loyal to their masters and are excellent guard dogs. Hence it becomes critical to socialise them from an early stage. As of now, Kulfi gives absolutely no signs of aloofness...the treats he has been receiving from these visits may have something to do with it!
Sunday too is different. It is earmarked for a visit to the German Shepherd Dog Club! Well before Kulfi's arrival, we had started visiting the club and meeting with people there. It is located in a quiet part of the city and is a beautiful place with a large expanse of green where dogs can run around. There is even a pond for them to dive into and swim. Every Sunday evening dog owners converge there, some for the training lessons and others just to socialise their animals. During the course of our visits, we gained valuable tips from pet owners on do's and dont's of rearing puppies, besides learning about pet foods, veterinarians, and other essentials. Sometimes one receives pretty mind boggling advice from a concerned dog owner...like when I was told to feed the pup mineral water for its first few days in Singapore! I had dogs all through my growing years, but only after moving to Singapore have I learnt the myriad complexities associated with pet ownership. I wonder how we brought up our dogs without such nuanced understanding of pet behaviour and pet care?? But in general, one comes across pretty knowledgeable and caring folks. The club is great fun for dog lovers and one gets to see dogs of various breeds sauntering in and running around. Last week as I drove out from there, it suddenly struck me that I had come across some of the friendliest people in Singapore in this very place.
But puppy rearing is not just fun and games. Housetraining has its moments of exasperation as the puppy pretty much lets go when and where it pleases, with utter disregard to propriety! And when teething begins, everything is fair game. A doggy bone is never an interesting substitute for human limbs, playing tug-of-war with the trouser of your suit in the evening is just a warm welcome home, wooden furniture needs to be worked upon with a carpenters delight...and...the shoes!! Nothing gives greater satisfaction than the feel of a good 'ol smelly piece of footwear between the teeth. The look on Kulfi's face when he made off with our banker friend's designer leatherware was, well, priceless!
