Pampered to succeed

Owner of last year's 'Best Dog' looks forward to the forthcoming dog show

Dog owners around the UAE are preparing to give their pampered pets a taste of success at the 14th Annual Pedigree Dubai Dog Show, to be held on February 15 at Nad Al Sheba Club.

As all of them scramble to try and get a good shot at the several titles in the event, 24-year-old Juma Khalifa Juma, two-time winner, is highly confident of having a successful third year in a row with his rottweilers. He plans to enter six dogs for the show.

"My dog has won second place for Working Dog title in the 12th show. In the 13th show, my rottweiler Tiger won first place at the same title, along with winning Best Dog," he said.

"I have participated in several other international dog shows and competitions with my rottweilers and they have won many prizes.

"I have eight dogs, six rottweilers and two German shepherds. I work predominantly with rottweilers because they are extremely loyal and hardworking animals. They are very intelligent and extremely dependable.

"People have this wrong notion about rottweilers that they are violent. It is not true, you train them well and there cannot be better companions than them."

He explained that he trains his entrant for the show all year round.

"It is a continuous process and has to be so for it to work effectively," Juma said. "I work with the animal to walk around, in the pattern that judges view them at the show. You have to develop a rapport with your pet. Everyday he is taken out to play and spend time outdoors.

"This is usually from 5.00am to 6.00am, before I go to work in the morning. After I come back, in the evening I take my dog for a swim to the Jumeirah beach, from 5.30 to 7.30pm, as the weather is milder.

"It is the best form of exercise and keeps dogs healthy and fit. Every 10 days, he undergoes an extensive grooming programme. He is shampooed, has his nails trimmed and buffed."

He said this ensures your pet is always looking his or her best for the show.

"More dog owners should participate in the show, as it helps provide a venue for greater interaction among dog lovers," Juma added.