Home safety: How to raise effective guard dogs

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In March, a heart-wrenching tragedy shook the home of Dr Andrew Ekwaro Obuku, when his three-month-old son, Raphael, was fatally attacked by the family dog in Mawugulu Cell, Katabi town council, Wakiso district.

The dog, which had a known history of aggression, escaped from a poorly secured kennel and attacked the child while a newly recruited housemaid was in charge. Despite the maid’s valiant attempts to shield the baby, the dog inflicted severe injuries, leading to Raphael’s death; it also injured the maid before retreating to its kennel.

Investigations revealed that the dog had previously displayed hostile behaviour and that the kennel’s security was inadequate.

This tragedy sparked important discussions on managing pet dogs at home, particularly concerning aggressive breeds, such as the Rottweiler.

Sharif Ssemwanga, 30, popularly known as “Uncle Dog,” is a passionate dog breeder in Ntinda, Kigoowa (Kampala) and Kavule, Mukono district. He thinks the Rottweiler could have been rehabilitated with punishment and counselling.

In an exclusive interview, Ssemwanga provided valuable insights into choosing the right dogs for companionship and security and shared advice on the best practices for managing pets at home.

DOGS FOR SECURITY

For those seeking protection, Semwanga advises breeds with strong security traits. He ranked the German Shepherd as his top choice for a security dog, praising its loyalty, intelligence and aggression when needed.

“German Shepherds are straightforward to train. Once you command them, they obey right away. They are loyal and fierce protectors,” he said.

Ssemwanga also recommended the Belgian Malinois, a breed known for its exceptional intelligence. Often seen in movies or used by Police, the Belgian Malinois is a reliable security dog.

“It is naturally smart and does not need a lot of food to stay fit. It’s a perfect choice for security,” he adds.

Another option is the Doberman and Dutch Shepherd, a breed similar in appearance to the Belgian Malinois, but with different characteristics.

“The Dutch shepherd is highly intelligent and good with families, even those with kids,” he said.

However, Ssemwanga advised homeowners to exercise caution with Rottweilers: “They need time. If you neglect them, they can become dangerous”

He also mentioned the South African boerboel, a giant breed known for its imposing presence and protective nature. However, he cautioned that boerboels eat a lot and require plenty of exercise, making them suitable only for homes with large compounds.

NUTRITION AND CARE

Feeding dogs the right diet is crucial to their health and temperament. Ssemwanga recommends a balanced diet that includes meat, chicken legs, eggs, dry food and vegetables such as carrots. However, he warns against giving dogs certain foods, such as avocado, onions, chocolate and sharp bones, because they can be harmful.

ENVIRONMENT

According to Ssemwanga, not every home is suitable for keeping a dog. A home with pets must have a fenced yard and a caretaker who can dedicate time to the animals’ needs. A fence is needed and someone must always be available to watch and care for dogs.

“Dogs need time and attention and if you cannot provide that, you should not have a dog,” he advises.

TIPS

Peter Kigaaju, a dog owner, believes that responsible dog ownership begins with selecting a reliable, professional breeder.

“Since I acquired dogs, my professional caretaker has been advising me on what types of food to feed them at every stage,” he explains.

For Kigaaju, this guidance has been invaluable in ensuring his dogs stay healthy and thrive.

Esther Musiige, another experienced dog owner, stresses the importance of seeking regular advice to maintain a well-cared-for dog at home.

She notes that comprehensive care requires attention to various factors, including health, diet and training.

VACCINATION AND HEALTHCARE

Vaccination is a critical aspect of dog care, particularly for puppies. Sharif Ssemwanga, a dog breeder, stresses the importance of timely vaccinations to prevent diseases, such as parvovirus and hepatitis.

“Puppies should be vaccinated as early as six weeks. If you notice signs of illness, such as weakness, loss of appetite or changes in fur, call a vet immediately,” he advises.

EXPERTS SPEAK

Conrad Luguma, a dog expert at C&R Kennels in Kireka, said dogs must be trained well to be raised for security purposes. If you want to raise security dogs, do not let them interact with people because it decreases their toughness.

“When properly trained, security dogs exhibit constant guarding instincts. Homeowners should choose exotic breeds, because these can scare away intruders just by looking at their size,” he points out.

Luguma advises those intending to keep dogs to ensure that they are properly trained, to prevent them from attacking family members and visitors.

He warns that a passion for dog rearing is required.

Experts also advise that those keeping dogs must ensure they are vaccinated and find a trusted veterinarian to keep their pets up-to date with vaccinations and regular checkups to avoid catching and transmitting diseases.