How my dog training hobby turned profitable

Geoffrey Rutere a dog breeder shows some of his dogs that he breeds at his home in Annex area in Uasin Gishu. The breeder deals with guard dogs, German Shepherds and Rottweilers. 12-03-2015. PHOTOS BY: KEVIN TUNOI

For Geoffrey Rutere, keeping dogs was initially just for fun, but his love for ‘man’s best friend’ is earning him loyal fans as he trains guard dogs for a growing client base.

The senior salesperson in the North Rift region is raking in profits from what began as a childhood passion. As a boy, he would keep a large pack of mixed breed dogs for hunting expeditions as well as protecting his father’s homestead.

Rutere, who currently lives in Eldoret, now keeps pedigree dogs trained to provide security. He also makes extra money from breeding and selling puppies on his farm.

“We keep and train German shepherds and Rottweilers,” says Rutere who serves as the area sales manager for Mabati Rolling Mills Limited.

Rutere, has engaged a trainer, Vincent Kikame, who works with the dogs from when they are just a few days old.

“The dogs we keep are registered under the East Africa Kennel society and are sourced from the best breeds in South Africa. Their parentage is well documented and one has emerged best in dog shows,” says Rutere. As the dogs grow, they learn obedience, to take instructions from their handlers.

Dog website

“The dogs are naturally aggressive and protective of their owners. They are trained on how to attack intruders and maintain security.”

At the time of the interview with Smart Harvest, there were 17 dogs at the farm. When they exceed this number, they are sold, with a trained dog aged above eight weeks going for between Sh40,000 and Sh50,000.

To reach their maximum potential, the dogs are fed on a special diet. New-born puppies drink only milk, before starting a special weaning diet from the age of four weeks.

“We first introduce them to soft food, including yoghurt, minced meat, vegetables, rice and pellets. Beef is introduced when the puppies are six months old. They are fed every morning and evening,” Rutere says, adding that the dogs are cultured not to consume food from strangers.

He adds: “We want to produce the best trained dogs. We intend to expand the venture and have between 50 to 100 dogs that can be hired out, especially to security firms,” Rutere says.

“We are creating a website that will enable firms make orders, say, for night guard dogs,” he said.

According to Internet sources, the most popular breeds used as guard dogs include the bull mastiff, German shepherd, Rottweiler, Caucasian shepherd, Hungarian sheepdog,  giant schnauzer, Airedale terrier, black Russian terrier and American Staffordshire terrier.

The canines used for protection help to watch over establishments and guard them against any security threats. Such dogs chase and pin down burglars, shoplifters and other intruders.

Property guard dogs are usually loyal and intelligent, as they must perform their duties even when no one is around to supervise them or give command.

Guard dogs, according to the sources, are trained extensively and professionally. They are well socialised so that they can control their aggression and not go out of control.

For guard dogs to play their roles well, they must be properly cared for, well fed, and showed love and affection. This will improve their confidence and loyalty to their owners.