Let me tell us,that I am a cynophile- a great dog lover, and I have an obsession with dogs, but I don’t have one yet. I don’t have enough cash to take care of one for now: it’s not all about owning a dog, but about giving them adequate care. SOMEBODY can own a dog, but not ANYBODY should own a dog, 'cause not EVERYBODY can take care of one- Dog lovers will understand my sentence, and dog breeders will understand it better. However, I am trying my possible best to acquire as much canine knowledge that will make me a good dog owner, and a great dog breeder in the nearest future pending the time I have enough Benjamin Franklin to take care of them. I used to have the problem of space and cash, but the case of space has been taken care of… I am optimistic that of the cash will be taken care of too, soon.
During my quest for canine knowledge, I have gotten to meet great dog breeders online, especially on several whatsapp groups. Some of them include; Dr. Remi Omowon of Notochord Vet clinic, MR Osas (my oga ate the top), Oga Tony, Honeywealthpets, Fashentcomm, Mr Khush, Aikay, On Duty Kennel (ODK), Dogpapa, AbrahamPrince Kennel, Temitope Sosanya, Tobi Davids, Paulo, Oga Zonar, Mr Khush Jado93, Bobbysaxxy, LordRegalia, Knyte, Prodeegee, Iyke Kennel, Calidon Boerboels, Baronhillz Boerboels, Pawsified, Oga Seun of Nairaland, Bada Kennels, Mr Titi of Hiskennel, and many others breeders that tome won't permit me to list (no vex if you no see your name here. You are all held in high esteem in my heart). I discovered overtime that many of this great breeeders, are alumni of the great OLABISI ONABANJO UNIVERSITY, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun state ( aka Or-Or-You). I am also an alumnus of O.O.U: I read "Geography and Regional Planning", under (FSMS)

My write-up/ diary is subject to your constructive criticism, so I can un-learn, learn, or re-learn whatever needs to be. Also don’t forget to make your commendations when necessary. Dogs are one of the few most trusted friends on could possibly have Dog lovers will agree with me that a dog is not seen as an animal or a pet, but as a member of a family… that’s why some of us cry when we lose our canine friends to the inevitable jaws of death *sighs, and observes a min silence for the fallen canine friends*. May their gentle souls continue to rest in perfect peace.
Here is the picture that illustrates some canine communications. It helped me a lot, in understanding dogs: the position of the dogs’ ears, tails, etc, per time…. They all mean different things
Shout out to a members of; Unique Dog Breeders, Dog Breeders Arena, Dog Breeders Network, Pets 'R' Us, Dog World, and The Boerboel Empire. I love you all.
Please pardon my typographical error(s), if you spot any. Bon Voyage
This is the thread I stumble upon, that instigated my passion to write about dogs.
https://www.nairaland.com/2938406/shadow-destroyer Shadow the Destroyer
Cc: Seun, Lalasticlala, Blasiangurl85, Fynestboi, Honeywealthpets, Tosyne, Explorers, Jmichlins, Knyte (House of Knights), BomboyOnline, Didilove1, Mckandre, Blackboy, Eddynumerouno, Bobbysaxy, Akunyun, Miremoses, Prodeegee, Bonetalk, Castroevans, Godsfavour1, Barcaboi, Peterbello, Yhungce0, Lordregalia, Younghartz, Ebujany, Samsonjohn743, Kennyausta, Rodmann, Northernshorets, Ayodejitabatan, Sobala, Imsuboi, Wunmi590, Oluwabond, Jado93, Makarous, Bountydog, mankan2k7, Makarous, Debque,
And my accidentally found friends: Irreplaceable48, Sekem,
cc: ShenTeh

It was April 8th, 2016 when I set out for Ibadan from Lagos state, to assist one of my blood brothers with covering an event in Ibadan: it was the wedding of one his childhood friends :a female-we call her “Big Yewande (‘cause she is a little on the big side). My brother is the CEO of TT Osibodu Photography (you can check out his works on instagram).We however put up with one of my brother’s childhood friend too he goes by the name “Olakunle Odelana” but I call him “DOGMAN” because he has been into dogs since when I had memories of knowing him. He is also a friend to Big Yewande. Dogman is the CEO of Dogbreath kennel, located somewhere around Oluyole Elebu Axis, in Ibadan, Oyo state. We put up at his place on Friday evening (April 8th), in preparation for the wedding on April 9th, which also happened to be my birthday . It was dark when we arrived at his place so I couldn’t take clear shots with my phone. PHCN was also not friendly, so I was able to take only a few shots with my phone that was barely on 10%. I might not impress you well with pictures, but I hope you enjoy the diary. Tag along



We were welcomed into Dogman’s house (which also has his kennel in it) by Dogman as my brother and him exchange pleasantries. I greeted him hurriedly, and headed straight for his canines in the kennel (most of which were in their cages. The dogs gave out their voices as they barked, as if to say Who you be? But I wasn’t moved (though I proceeded with caution. It's better to be safe then sorry ). It had been about 2years since I last saw his canines and I was so happy to see them again even though we (me and the canines) were never pals before Dogman relocated from my street (at Orita-Challenge, Ibadan) to his permanent site (in Elebu): they were always intimidating me with their loud barks and were giving out a gentle growling right from their cages when I went check on them. At this time, they had not seen me yet, but could hear my voice as I was talking when attempting to open the door. I couldn't open the door, I beckoned on Dogman to help me out.

Upon sighting me, the lovely canines were trying to reach for me, and I was trying to reach for the kennel's door 'cause I was frightened, but Dogman laughed at me and told me not to worry. He further added that the dogs know me right from Orita-Challenge (shuuuo! Dogs wey dey bark me up and down, wey no dey allow me near their cage, na dem con sabi my face me?), so I tried to maintain my calm. I remember Dogman once telling me that even if his dogs sees his friend with him frequently but they never get introduced, they will still shakara them ( his friend(s), and their friendship (the dogs and his friend(s)) can only begin if the person shows no sign of fear –but who go wan risk him life?

Dogbreath had about 4 dogs in its kennel: Ken who is a male Alsatian, Bail who is a female Rottweiller, Maya who is a female brindle Boerboel, and Cherry a female brindle Boerboel too, but is being boarded at the kennel. Lest I forget, when it comes to the canine world, Dogman is my 1st and number one mentor, though I have other mentors (Dr Remi of Notochord Vet. Clinic is not excluded, so also CEO of Bada kennels, and many more people). I remember us having a conversation a long time ago, and I was busy dishing out the information I got from some sites on Google, and he was looking at me with a sarcastic smile like “See this mumu”. He graced me the honour to land before he started to explain to me how inaccurate those information were in his words: those sites you see on Google, were filled by humans, and some write based on how they FEEL it is, it is not necessarily the right thing. Some also write just to generate traffic for their website, while others write based on the theoretical knowledge they have, not from the practical aspect). Another important factor to consider is that what works for Mr A in a given geographical region, does not necessarily guarantee a successful result for Mr B in another geographical region- resources available at each individual’s disposal, might not be the same. But of a truth, I came across some contradictory statements on some sites on Google, while embarking on my quest for canine knowledge. So I had to un-learn a lot of wrong things I learnt, so I could relearn the right thing. Google might be a good source of information, but I’ll prefer to learn the practical aspect of dog breeding from people that have gone through similar experience

Meeting the Pack
Let me tell us once again, that I am a great dog lover, and I am have an obsession with dogs, but I don’t have on yet- I don’t have the cash to take care of one for now. However, I am trying my possible best to acquire as much canine knowledge that will make me a better dog owner, and a great dog breeder in the nearest future. So my write-up is subject to your constructive criticism, so I can unlearn, learn, or re-learn whatever needs to be. Don't also forget to commend me where and when necessary.

Dogbreath Kennel as at when I visited last, had a male Alsatian (Ken), a female Rottweiler (Bail), and two female brindle Boerboels (Maya and Cherry). Upon me moving closer to the canines, Dogman asked me to go ahead and pat Maya (who was chained outside her cage) on the head, I was not too sure of what to expect, but I had confidence because her owner (Dogman) was present. He is a “no-nonsense” person, and I knew his dogs will dare not misbehave in his presence (they might misbehave in his absence o, but not in his presence).

Maya is very active and extremely energetic, would play rough with you, and loves using her weight on people (person wey no get stamina, na ground e go meet himself). She also likes to brag at even familiar people once in a while, just to shakara them (but she is not aggressive, though she is quite territorial). I was first scared to touch her, until Dogman was patting her, then I joined, and then we became friends. But I was still scared of touching her ‘cause she was always aiming for my hand and I was scared of been bitten (make she no con test her bite force on my hand). I proceeded to pat Maya on the head on my own (after much calculations on how I’ll run to grab Dogman’s cloths if she locks her jaws on my other hand). She tried to lick my hands but I freaked out and withdrew my hands. I summoned courage and re-tried. This time, I tried to maintain calmness on the outside (even though I was in a state of higgledy-piggledy on the inside) because she is a hyper-active dog. Dogman kept on saying “she can’t bite you”, so I tried my best not to chicken out, and I took a bold step by trying to reach for her head without plans of retrieving my hand irrespective of what I see. Haven't patted her head several times, she still was aiming her jaws on my hand, but with not aggression trait. So I offered her mouth one of my hands, and she proceeded to baptise the hand with her saliva. That was how I was accepted by Maya. She was about 3years old, as at then. And I must confess to you, she is one of the few big female dogs I have ever come across. She is also the most hyper active dog I have ever seen. I got a loaf of bread and I was hand-feeding each dog in bits. I offered her some of the bread which she ate within a jiffy, and stirred into my eyes as if to ask for more. Maya enjoyed me the most, and I love her. When I cut the bread into bits and offered her with my hands up in the air, she would aim for the bread in my hand calculatedly (she was restrained with a chain). Her teeth will touch my fingers and will bite them slightly (but not painfully) to grab the bread from me. The feeling was kind of scary...make she no bite me o. Na die that kind hand go be, with her huge weight and massive size... but I persevered. It helped me in gaining a lot of confidence with her and it strengthened our bond. After feeding her for about 30mins, I was very confident I have fully earned her trust (and I was right).. Maya is a bulky and muscular Boerboel.
I can't upload the pictures of me and her during the initiation into the pack because i wasn't putting on a shirt.... I dont want to get banned by the Mods. However, I'll upload some of her pictures.

More pics of Maya
(I woke up early here, don't mind the sac beneath my eyelids

Me and Ken
I later proceeded to Ken (the male Alsatian). He is a gentle sweet and shy non-aggressive boy. He is not territorial. He is much socialised (over-socialised sef), and hardly barks or attacks except something really strange is happening. In Dogman’s voice “Ken is too friendly, he can even be friends to a burglar “. Hearing that gave me some courage, so I proceeded to pat him on the head, and offered him the back of my palm, which he licked repeatedly. I know that is a sign of acceptance from a dog. Instantly we became ‘padi’s and he enjoyed me stroking his body with my hands as he stood still. He’ll occasionally lift his front legs and place them on me, and try to lick my face which I avoided most times), and then I let him out of the cage and we were playing. He was however distracted because he wanted to gain the attention of the chic (Maya) chained outside. The babe got more priority of his attention, than the stranger who just turned friend. He is also about 3 years old too. He is the most loyal (in terms of obedience) dog I have ever seen. I offered him bread, which he collected in his jaws, but he never ate in my presence. He walked some distance away from me, backed me, and then ate his bread while avoiding direct contact with me. He would take his bread and change location each time I tried to draw near. Ken is a straight-back black and tan German shepherd dog. He has blood clothed at the tip of one of his left ears, so it is not fully erect. The Vet said surgery is required to straighten out the tip, but the risk involved outweighs the benefit…. So he was advice to leave Ken's ear the way it is (since it has no disability to the lovely dog)
I don't have pictures of me and Ken with my shirts on especially when we were bonding. I don off my shirt when I dey play with Maya, make dem no stain me.

Me and Bail
I decided to carry on with my bonding process, with Bail (the female Rottweiler). All along, she had been barking at me, but I was not understanding her. I thought she was trying to intimidate me, but I discovered she was really craving for my attention: she stopped barking whenever I got close to her. She did not really like the bread, but she just wanted me to stay near her, and probably stroke her. She barked crazily when I spent time with the others- common, I spend 5mins with her and share the other 5mins between Ken and Maya before returning to her, yet she’ll bark crazy at me to come back to her. She was the oldest dog in Dogbreath kennel. She was bout 4-5years old. She is also the most possessive dog I have ever come across. Bail would always lay on the ground each time I approached her to stroke her fur, and I was thinking she was timid, until I saw her charge at one of my brother’s friend. It was then it dawn on me that she getting close to the ground each time I approached, was a sign of submission, not timidity. She is always licking my hand each time I approach her to pat her. I love her. She is extremely possesive

Me and Cherry
And now Cherry…hmmmnnn. We did not really bond. She was quite territorial, and just will not let her guard down. As at when I got to Cherry’s turn, it was around 9pm and was really dark (remember PHCN didn’t not welcome me), so I didn’t have success initiating my friendship with Cherry. Cherry kept on maintaining her distance with me. She will only come close to collect the bread in my hand when I offered her through the openings in her cage, and would step back after having it. She wouldn't play with me or lick my hands. She was territorial of her cage and I was not sure of my fate if I were to push my luck. Cherry is a slender and less muscular Boerboel, but she is longer and taller than Maya. Maya could be considered to be stout in stature (though still taller than an average dog), while Cherry can be considered slim and tall. Maya is more muscular too (though she never took any enhancer or booster) while Cherry is longer than Maya). Am so curious to the result of crossing the offsprings of the two spectacular canines. All this happened on the 8th of April, 2016 when I just got to Dogbreath Kennel. I had not even entered the house yet, and I had not changed. I had not even rested from my journey, but I was too excited to take note of all this, because the love of my newly found canine friends, engulfed my heart.
Cherry is the brindle Boerboel close to the door

DINNER TIME
Dogman left me at a point with his canines, to see to their dinner. I requested to dish them their food (I have learnt overtime that that is one of the best ways to get accepted by a dog) when the food was done, and he (Dogman) obliged. I tried my possible best to serve them equal portions, but Ken’s own was slightly smaller no matter how much I tried to redistribute the served food - I tried my best sha.
I served Ken first, but he just won’t eat in my presence though he was hungry. I tried staying long with him, but he just didn’t eat. So I proceeded to Bail. She licked my hands first, before going for her food bowl after I serve her. I was then stroking her fur as she was eating (I know its wrong to do that to dog especially when they don't know your face well yet, but I felt Bail was exceptional). We were in love mehn.
I moved to Maya next. She was crazy about the food: she almost knocked off the pot from my hands. (na pot she, she dey use chop). She has a massive appetite. Dog owner wey no use common sense feed Boerboel like Maya, na him village e go pack go last-last, ‘cause she fit chop a whole house in one sitting if she get the chance. She no go stop, but na shit she go shit last). As she was eating her food hurriedly with all seriousness, I tried to touch her but Dogman cautioned me as he said “Don’t touch her”. I served her as the third dog but she was the first to finish her portion even before others ate half their portions. She was then looking into my eye as if to ask for more. She dey chop house mehn.
I served Cherry last. As I opened the door to the cage, she stepped towards me, and I thought I could utilise the opportunity to bond with her. But as I offered her the back of my palm, she retreated. As I repeated the action, she repeated hers too. Dogman saw me when I was attempting the third time and shouted at me" Don't touch her o!!! She is not coming to play with you, she is only interest in your food". I was so happy I was warned in time. I dropped the food, and she went straight into action. She was after the food in my hands, not me gan-gan. I served her and locked the cage. We never bonded. Upon all the Ceasar Millan's stunt I pulled with this babe, she just no gree give me face. *In my voice* You this dog, you think you are doing me? you are doing yourself. It's like something is legally wrong with you head. Infact, your brain need fixing. (Na joke I dey sha )
I wish she bonded with me sha. But I remember I have once stumbled into Cherry when she was with her owner. He had one female Rott and a female Caucasian Ovcharka along with her (Cherry). The three of them together, make a great force against any intruder. But she away from them, made her quite reserved to herself, though she had new canine companions (but that her Cauc friend get craze for head o. E dey always be like sey make she break her cage, comot, con shred person to pieces. She no dey wan see stranger even if her owner dey there)

So interesting, am following u bro

mankan2k7:
So interesting, am following u bro

Thank you bro

MEETING THE PACK ON MY BIRTHDAY
This morning was a great day for me. It was April 9th, my birthday. Was happy mehn. Woke up sharp into the day getting prepared for the wedding that generated my trip to Dogbreath Kennels, when suddenly I had the barks and growls of the lovely canines. Yeah, one important truth/ detail I omitted was that these lovely canines were very religious *winks*. Dogman is a muslim, and doesn’t joke with his morning prayers. So when it’s close to the time for the early morning prayers, the dogs howl collectively: it's always a wonderful opera performance (rhythmic collaboration) to behold, and its always a remarkable experience. It was like one listening to a properly rehearsed classical music, which each singer with a specialized part . The ensemble of howling canines was a terrific prosody to observe. They all stop when they hear the shout for call to prayer (I'm sure you'll agree with me that they really are religious). So on April 9th when I was engrossed with my preparation for the wedding, I heard the chorused and harmonious rhythm of the lovely canines barks and growl, and all I could hear in my inner self was “HAPPY BIRTHDAY”. That was when I remembered that it was my birthday. I greeted everyone in the house, expecting someone to "accidentally" remember to wish me happy birthday, but for where? No one remembered- Whe-done!!! Tiri gbosa for all of una. Nobody even wish person happy birthday. Nobody remember my birthday abi? Chaiiii! Adonbilivit. Na dog dey wish me happy birthday. Abeg make everybody dey dem lane jare. Just park well

Everyone prepred for the outing as they took turns going to the bathroom to freshen up, but I headed for the kennel. Maya’s gentle bark received me at the entrance where she was chained, and I gave her a warm pat on the head (My Nigga), while she licked my hands. She baptized my hands in her saliva once again, and I got curious to know how their saliva smell when they wake up in the morning (if it smells like humans'). My curiosity was adequately satisfied: her saliva was odourless. I spent the bulk of the day my morning there, before Dogman came to clean up and wash the kennel, which was his habitual practice every morning after his prayers. Everyone came out, ready for the wedding, except me but they must not know o- it's not going to be funny at all. I tactically left everyone in a James Bond manner, un-noticed, as I rushed to the house and dashed into bathroom to brush my teeth, bathed, and got ready for the day (like soldiers do, during their recruitment exercise). I got set just at the nick of time. We all set off for the wedding, though Dogman came to join us later at the wedding.
FYI, no one remembered my birthday until about 2hours when we were at the hotel with the bride, covering her make-up session. Na the bride remind them when she sey “Today is my wedding, and Okiki’s birthday”. Na then all of them remember. Abeg free me jo, make I go chill with my side chics. Free me, make I dey flex. I cannor coman go and kee myself.

We came back late from the party, and I was really tired. I said “hi” briefly to my canine friends, and then requested to dish their meal when the food was done. Everyone did like the previous day: Ken was still shy, Bail licked my hands first before going for her food, Maya devoured her meal in a jiffy and looked into my eyes as if to request for an eating competition, and Cherry still kept her distance from me. I had a wonderful day and really enjoyed myself and was really fatigued from the day's activities, so I retired to the welcoming arms of the mattress as the gentle breeze in conjunction with the occasional barks from the kennel whispered sweet music to my ears. I remembered bringing a fruit wine from the party, with an intent of sharing it into 5 equal halves (one for me too). I wanted to wine and dine with my canine friends, but i was too tired for such paparazzi. So I decided to make it the next day.

DEPARTURE DAY
It was 10th of April on a Sunday morning, and I work up early, as it has always being my norm every Sunday, so I don’t arrive at church late- only that no church I could attend, around here. PHCN has still not welcomed me, and there was fuel scarcity around that time. A litre of fuel in Ibadan was about 200naira per litre. Generator was a no-go-area for us at that time.

Dogman headed for his kennel after required salutations to everyone in the house, and I accompanied him. Once again, Maya was the first to greet us, as she rested her front legs on me, and was swung to the back. I was still not used to it yet ‘cause of her massive weight. Dogman proceeded to clean their cages, and then washed them with soap and water, so he had to let the dogs out of their cages so he could clean them up, and then allow it to dry before letting them in. So I had some alone time with them.
I was behind the railings at the balcony so they couldn't reach me. I stayed away because they were all (apart from Cherry) trying to play with me at the same time, and were all pushing at me. It was kind of grumpy (it's not something I'm used to). They were seriously trying to get to me. I was scared they could charge at me when I move close ‘cause they were all full of energy, but I just had the assurance that they will NEVER attack me as long as I don't pass my boundary. So I climbed over the railings and stayed in their middle (if I went through the opening, I'm not sure they'll let me lock it after me). How will I explain to Dogman that all his canines went out for a "field trip"? They then came to me and I was stroking them one by one. They were taking turns. The Rottweiller (Bail) was always jealous when I spent time with the others and not touch her. But Cherry would just not come to me. I then requested for a chain and fastened it to Maya's collar, and took her out alone, for a walk about 20 meters from the house. Dogman helped with the opening and locking of the balcony gate. She enjoyed it, but she was really dragging me (remember, she is hyper-active). She was enjoying the drag. I remembered Caesar Millan's instructions on how to correct a dog trying to assume the alpha position when going on a walk. So I was jerking the chain slightly each time she pulled. She reduced the pulls sha, but never stopped. She was very cooperative before we turned back and headed for the kennel. This time, I decided to jog home, and she cooperated up to the point that I had to stop her when we were approaching Dogman's car in the house so she doesn’t scratch it. I pulled against the chain, but we didn't finally halt until about 4-5 more steps. I took her in, and then unchained her as I fastened the leash to Ken’s collar.
I walked Ken (the Alsatian) the same distance I took Maya. He was first hesitant to move but when I insisted, he cooperated and the walk was very smooth: he wasn’t pulling against the leash, he wasn’t walking ahead of me, and I didn’t have to drag him. When going back, I decided to jog again, and I loved what I saw. When I was jogging, he was jogging too, but when I increased my speed and ran, he increased his too. He looked like a running wolf. I loved the sight of the furs as they were bouncing. I also noticed something with him, he tried moving close to me when we were running and during the run, he was constantly looking at me to check our gap. He would move close to me, almost brushing my legs slightly with his furs as we were running. He wasn’t pull against the chain except about 2-3 times, and it was little.
I couldn't walk Cherry ‘cause I hadn’t earned her trust, but Bail (the Rott) was my most trusted companion amongst them all. She was perfect. No hesitation. And never pulled against the leash: she wasn't in my front, neither was she behind me, but she was always looking at me, and making sure she is walking at the same level and pace with me I couldn't run with her when returning her ‘cause she had a bad foot. When I took her to the others, I unchained her and stayed across the railings and was patting them from there. She would occasionally come to me and lick my hands, and then go back. She was the most loyal to me among all of them, but Maya is my favourite. I however couldn't practice my training skills with Maya ‘cause she is extremely fully of energy and I haven’t figured out how to calm her down yet. When I wanted to feed her, I tried using the delay strategy of not giving her the food until she calms down, but she no dey calm down. She got more hyper and was really fixed on the food: I had to give in. I was emotional

My visit to Dogbreath kennel confirm what I learnt from Google about German Shepherd Dogs- that they are extremely loyal. I remember each time Dogman was cleaning their cage and he says “Ken! Get inside”, he goes straight into his cage without a second thought- he might leave his cage after spending about 10 seconds there, but he will surely enter the cage first, before any other thing. I remember Dogman and I testing him on several occasions. First, I was stroking him and he was enjoying it, and Dogman ordered him to get to his cage. He turned immediately and was heading for his cage. I beckoned on him to turn back, but he turned deaf ears to me.
Another instance was when he was playing with Maya and Dogman said “Get inside”, though he was enjoying himself, but he obeyed. I tried to entice him with a treat on his way, whistled, clapped, and even stamped my feet on the floor to gain his attention, but he completely ignored me. Dogman smiled and said as he looked at me: I am his owner, not you, he is going to obey me first. He also went ahead to say “ Ken is the most loyal dog I have ever had”. Mehn, my head sparked. Can’t wait to have a dog that I can brag about, like that.
Maya on the other end, is energetic and hyper-active. She is eager to receive a task, and is ready to get it done at the shortest possible time. She also has a large appetite and doesn’t know when to stop eating. So her owner does the calculation of the required food she needs per time before serving her, else na shit she go shit wetin she chop. Oga Kunle no go wan broke now: so calculation is needed.
I had a friend in secondary school that was gisting us of how his female Rott got possessive of him, and got jealous of his girlfriend such that she gets attacked by the Rott each time she visited (eventhough she wasn’t a stranger to the Rott). Bail was EXTREMELY possessive. If I were to be her owner, I'm 99,9% sure that she’ll have anxiety problem.
I bonded with the dogs to an extent that I almost could believe that they can bite or attack anyone… until one of my brother’s friends in his early thirties, was passing by when I was playing with Maya without a leash. She gave his him a hot chase and he ran like his life depended on the race. It was a funny site to behold, but I was able to rescue the situation as I ran towards Maya swiftly, and grabbed her by the collar. I got the situation under control. I felt like a “GEE”. My REP increased.
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.
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We set off for Lagos hurriedly, so as to meet up an appointment we had with a client, for a pre-wedding photoshoot, so I forgot my fruit wine at his place- forgetting it was not the issue, but me missing a date with my canine friends, especially the 'ladies'.
I called Dogman from Lagos, to inform him of the wine I forgot at his place, and describe its location to him. I requested he shared it for his canines on my behalf, but I no trust that bros. I enjoyed my stay at Dogbreath Kennel during my visit there. I am longing for my next visit, possibly I will get good shots of me and the lovely canines hanging out.

This is a compilation of my last visit to DogBreath Kennel. I sure will update this thread when next I visit. I'm sorry i didn't get much picture that are related to the kennel, for this thread. No be my fault: PHCN wasn't too friendly and the people taking shot for me on my phone where shaking, so the pictures where blurry. In many of the pictures too, I wasn't putting on my shirt (I never knew I'll be compelled by my canine love to create a thread about them). I hope I am forgiven.
Please take visit my next thread, if you find this interesting
https://www.nairaland.com/3291939/diary-visit-uncles-house

The picture below shows how happy my canine friends and I are, when it's time for us to hang out, as if they are humans.

u try wella, u sure made my day

oya...wow..u write sooo gud bro...

canine poetic justice..i like all the references made to the kennel you visited and am sure your path towards acquiring knowledge would not be wasted.

knyte:
canine poetic justice..i like all the references made to the kennel you visited and am sure your path towards acquiring knowledge would not be wasted.

Thank you sir. It's an honour to have you here

We set off for Dogman's place from Lagos once again on Aug. 26, (that was a day before yesterday), in preparation for a wedding slated for yesterday (27th of Aug.). During my brief visit to Dogbreath Kennel, yesterday, I followed Dogman to a client's house, where I saw one of Bail's (the Rottweiler) sons. His name is Terry. Socialising with him was quite challenging. I will update this thread hopefully tomorrow , by God's grace. I also met Ken's (the Alsatian) daughter, named Captain, at the kennel upon my arrival. She has a beautiful coat. Black and cream mixture, unlike Ken that is Black and Tan. Both of them are lovely canines, anyways. Captain was boarded at the kennel temporarily. The owner don travel.
Below are the pictures of the father (Ken) and daughter (Captain), and also Terry (Bail's son).

My next visit to Dogbreath Kennel on the 26-28th of August, 2016
Upon my arrival with my brother at Dogbreath kennel on friday night, I was welcomed with chorused and repeated barks from my long time friends (it have tey mehn, since we last saw). We were welcomed into the house, and I dropped my luggage hurriedly, as I headed for the kennel. My trip to the kennel got intercepted by a female Rottweiler positioned at the balcony inbetween the kennel's door and the railings. Not sure if she was Bail or not ('cause the Rottweiler looks bigger than Bail, but she wasn't barking at me, and she was pacing about-which is very unlike Bail...she (Bail) craves for my attention). This Rottweiler has same coat with Bail, and there was no noticeable disparity between their coats, but I still had some aorta of doubts within me. I approached her and bent down to touch her through the openings between the railings. She bent towards me and brought her head closer. Just as my hand was about to touch her, she let out an evil grin as the teeth was exposed in a dangerous way, with the jaws still joined together as she moved the skin/flesh covering her teeth apart. I retrieved my hands sharperly (I still have many important things to do with my fingers, I can't come and lose them to one dog). She started barking real hard, and I was fearing my initial suspicion...My hypothesis seemed to be valid.
I rushed into the main building to inquire about her from Dogman, who confirmed that wasn't Bail, but Missy- she just littered. Her owner who isn't experienced, came to board her at the kennel before she put to bed. I pleaded for him to restrain Missy so I could spend some time with the other canines, but he maintained "NO". He didn't state why, but I later got to find out the reason. You also will find out, if you follow this thread with rapt attention.
Below are pictures of the Dam, taken the next day of my arrival (Saturday morning)

I went back to the kennel and was looking inside through the front window that was at the balcony. Bail was barking at me from inside her cage situated inside the building, as she saw me through the space between her wooden cage. That bark was a familiar one...one craving for companionship. Ken (the Alsatian) raised his front legs out of his cage has he attempted to peep at me but this bark (his cage has no roof, but is positioned inside the building). I could bet he most have been waging his hairy tail vigorously, as if his life depended on it. Maya (the brindle coated Boerboel) on the other hand, was staring at me from inside her cage, as she positioned herself every now and then, to catch a glimpse of me. She also didn't let out any bark. Bail no gree make we hear word .
Taking a closer look at the inside of the kennel, my attention catch the appearance of a German Shepherd Dog with a lovely coat. She was barking along with Bail, but the bark was high pitched. She was barking aggressively as her tail was stiff and position straight, away from her body and suspended in the air. Her ears were also twitching to and fro. The noise was getting embarrassing as Missy who was outside, joined them with her thick voice. I retreated into the main house, to regroup with the crew. I really wanted to stay with the dogs since it wasn't dark yet (though the sun was setting) so I could take enough pictures with them this time. But Dogman no gree cooperate. I told him I'll love to follow him to the kennel when dinner time approaches, and he obliged.
I told him about the beautifully coated German Shepherd Dog I saw at his kennel and asked if he had acquired a new canine to his kennel, but he told me the dog is a female and her name was Captain. Captain is a daughter to Ken, and her owner travelled, so she is boarded temporarily at his kennel.
I sat in front of the TV (NEPA welcomed us this time around), vigilant to observe everyone that went through the door. Each time Dogman stepped out, I flew to my feet to follow him like an ant following a cube of sugar. He'll look back and see me, and then let out a smile as he says "Okiki, go and sit down". I went to check on the ladies in the kitchen, and discovered the meal for the dogs were ready. I went to challenge him, and he apologised, saying he forgot to notify me ( I gotta buckle my belt mehn). We waited till the food was less hot, and can be consumed by the dogs. He instructed me to wait outside first, while he secured Missy in her cage. Oh Yeah, I forgot to tell us...Cherry (the other brindle Boerboel) , has been sold by her owner

On getting into the kennel, I approached Captain first, and ignored my Goons that tried to welcome me with their attention. Captain was quite territorial, but she cautioned herself when she notice her "egbons" were not barking. I moved closer (with caution though, and away from the reach of her curious and hungry jaws) with the intent to pat her, and she laid down, with her tail singing hallelujah as they were suspended in the air.
Still observant, I didn't take any rash step/decision, until she attempted to to touch me with her front leg, as if to offer an hand shake. I ignore it the first time, but reciprocated the second time she attempted it, by moving real close to her this time and reached to pat her head. She laid down again, and became really quiet. It was then it dawn on me that she was being submissive.
Just as I was enjoying the company of my new found friend, Bail interrupted the good thing going on, with her barks of jealousy. Ken kept on looking at us as he stood inside his cage like a father looking out for his daughter. Maya was observing as she stayed quiet in her cage but paying rapt attention with her revolving eyeballs

I proceeded to spend some time with Ken, but jealous Bail didn't allow him enjoy me, as I had to quit patting him, to go to her. As I opened the cage, she jumped at me with joy, licking me real crazy. My hands got soaked with her saliva. I wanted to return her into the cage, but she was reluctant. I had to spend quality time with her, before she let me go. I proceeded to Maya, who was filled with joy as well, but displayed high level of maturity as she refrained from barking. Her saliva was even more than that of Bail. She remained in her cage however.
All along, Dogman was serving the cooked food into each dog's dish. So he instructed me to served each dog his/ her food. Each dog went into action as soon as I placed the food in their cage (even the shy Ken) but trust Bail, she went for my hand instead of the food. She ignored her food, and was licking my hands. I had to lock the cage n leave her side, so she could eat. I didn't moved close to the nursing mother sha. All my attempts to socialise with her was unproductive. She kept on leaning on the window to peep into the cage, when she was locked at the balcony. Her motherly instinct is still well pronounced. Dogman went to feed her, but instructed me not to draw near, so she doesn't stress herself by attempting attack me, or trample on her puppies while trying to defend them from me. She littered 9 puppies, but only 5 are still alive, as at day 5. She wasn't lactating properly, hence the death of the other four

I replaced each dog's drinking water, and felt like a kennel owner- I was happy doing it. As the dogs were enjoying their meal, Bail wouldnt eat, but was barking at me, for me to come back. Dogman was getting uncomfortable with the noise and told me to stay away from Bail. I realised that each time I was patting another dog and she sees me through her cage, she'll bark ceaselessly, but she'll stop when I leave any dog. I discovered this when Dogman who was with Missy asked "are you still with Bail?" when she was barking, and I said "no". "Are you with another dog?" he inquired further (he couldn't see me, as Missy's cage is positioned away from others), and I was always affirming my presence with with the other dogs each time he inquires. He told me to stay away from the dogs, 'cause Bail's barks was distracting Missy. Bail's policy was "either you play with me, or you play with none of us" (she kolo no be small). She was the only one barking.
When I tried playing with the dogs as I chanted their names, Missy started barking, and Dogman instructed me not to talk. I stop talking and she was quiet. He instructed me to bring water for Missy, and warned me sternly, not to talk when I approach the cage.

I approached the cage with utmost silence, and replied him with gestures whenever he asked me questions. As we were about to leave the kennel, he told me that it helps alot if you remain silent in front of a dog that is not familiar with you. Then it dawned on me, that it had helped me a number of times, without me even paying cognisance to it. It helped me with Captain, Spike, and my uncle's dog. Even Missy stopped barking at me when she was outside, when I was quiet, but he motherly instinct to protect, didn't let her give me full acceptance. Its a big advice/ warning/ tip I got from my mentor, and I was glad I did. He spent a little more time with the dogs to make sure they were faring well, as I got busy stroking their furs in a successive manner, as I moved from one dog to the other.
We retreated into the main building, and retired for the night.

It was very early in the morning time, and my brother had set off for the bride's hotel (to beat the designated time for the commencement of environmental sanitation ), to cover her make-up session. I requested to join him later in the day, when Dogman will be joining him, after diplomatically ascertaining that he won't require my assistance.
As always, the rhythmic and chorused howl of the canines alerted us all, that it was time for morning prayers (I miss this dogs real big). The day broke, and Dogman headed for the kennel, to clean it up. First, he let out Missy, and locked the dog behind her, as he tidied up her cage, and cleaned up the puppies. I few shots of Missy, but couldn't get good once, 'cause she was pacing up and down and phone cameras are not usually excellent with motion pictures. So most of the pictures had a blurry caption. I later understood why she was pacing tirelessly. Due to Dogman's schedule, he hardly walks the dogs out, Missy, a nursing mother, spending the bulk of the day nursing her children in the cage, gets stressed up. So the few moments she has to work out her stress, is the 30min in the morning when Dogman cleans up her cage, and the 30mins in the evening Dogman releases her to relax.

After cleaning her cage, she was returned into her cage. She is not usually released with the others, to avoid stories that touch. She could be violent towards them, 'cause her protective instinct is still high.
She was locked up, and the others were released. I did more of videos this time around, and fewer shots were taken. Many of the pictures I took were blur, 'cause the dogs were restless as they were striving for my attention, for me to pat them. I will however try to screenshoot some parts of the video. Please bear with me. Biko