Aiman Sabil Al Balushi also known as Abu Ameen is a father, grandfather, and avid lover of animals. Currently working in the private sector as an Assistant General Manager, while also carrying out incredible initiatives for animals especially dogs; “I have loved animals ever since I was a kid. But my main passion was dogs and pigeons,” says Aiman, who is also one of the initial founders of the Omani Birds Fancier Society that was formed in 2010.
Known widely for breeding an excellent standard of pigeons, as well as Racing pigeons, which he also trained, Aiman also owned and trained magnificent dogs such as the Dobermans, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and many other breeds. We had the chance to speak to Aiman and get all the details that make him and his initiative incredibly interesting.
Could you tell us a little bit about your initiative as a K9 Educator?
You see, back in the day I would take the initiative to train my own dogs and those of my friends; word spread that “if you need any help or advice Abu Ameen will sort it out for you.” This gained momentum and eventually, I had to charge a basic fee for requirements such as boarding the dogs (with myself) while I trained them for a few weeks and then returned them to their owners (when I was younger). When it comes to dogs, I am self-educated. I understand their food habits, diseases, temperaments; my wife Um Noah always tells me that I have a gift with animals, where I can understand a dog just by looking at or interacting with them. This is where it all began. As more people came for advice, I realised we in Oman have a lot of talented youth that could benefit from my knowledge, which I should share.
When did the love for animals begin and when and how did you first realise an inclination towards training dogs?
My love for animals began when I was young. At the age of six, I had my first pigeon, and at age seven, my first puppy was given to me by my late father’s friend the Late HH Mohammed Abbas Al Said. As most kids do, I believed that I became an expert when I was 7 years old. My house was always a sanctuary for animals. I once took home a panther, telling my lovely mother (Um Aiman) it was a kitten, until the bubble burst. I also had a monkey named Nunu, who did not allow anyone to come next to me. Then at age 25, I found an abandoned baby crow and decided to save and train her.
Can you tell us about the process behind becoming a K9 educator? What did you have to do to achieve this?
My initiative as a K9 educator started just over a year ago. I am usually a behind-the-scenes person, and social media was not in the pipeline. However, I began to understand its importance and I was slowly convinced that it is something I should do to pursue the talent and knowledge I have. As I mentioned earlier, it was my wife Um Noah (Amal Al Khaburi) who convinced me that this was the way forward; now, my phone does not stop, Alhamdulliah! All I ask in return to anyone who owns a pet or plans to have one is that they seek knowledge from those who have the knowledge to share. Information should always be freely given.
What are some of your most successful projects?
Some of my most successful projects include –
- Having bred and still breeding quality German Shepherds and other dogs.
- Founder of Team Hoffnung Om – A selected group of breeders and trainers who specialise in short hair show line German Shepherds.
- Judging dog shows (before covid 19).
- Trying to create the stay home, stay safe initiative.
- An initiative bringing to light the local Omani Saluki breed that needs to be addressed within the community where there are many families that have maintained the pure blood line.
- Formed a group to initiate the creation of the Association of Dogs and Cats/Animals in Oman (this is currently in the ministry under review)
- Inviting guest speakers from around the world to chat with my followers about different breeds they own.
- Bringing to light the young women in Oman who are breeders of different dogs.
- Raising awareness to the breeding of most dogs and bloodlines in Oman and how to preserve them.
What in your opinion are the greatest benefits of owning a dog? How does it help individuals and families?
This is how I see it “I am your friend, your partner, your defender, and your dog. You are my life and my leader. I will be faithful and true to the last beat of my heart. I am the German Shepherd.” Now you know that I have a love for German Shepherds, specifically the short hair, show line. However, this holds true for most dogs. Having a dog helps reduce stress, encourages compassion, and develops responsibility. You learn to be more disciplined, and your health improves with little activities such as walking your dog.
Why is it necessary for dogs to be trained and how does your initiative offer help to those that need it?
I believe dogs need to be trained to avoid a mess that can stress you out. When dogs are not trained, it makes room for unwanted accidents and incidents. With my initiative, we teach dog owners the basics required to care for and train their dogs. We do this either virtually or physically, as we are currently working keeping in mind the pandemic.
In your vast experience, what are the most common struggles dog owners face but are unaware that it needs to be corrected?
Most times people are unaware of why they want a dog. That is where I come in; I explain the type of dog they need and whether they should get a dog in the first place at all.
One must understand that an animal is a responsibility. You must make time for them and cannot rely on someone else to look after them. Your presence is required in their life. There needs to be disciplined feeding time, along with timely vaccinations and medications.
Another thing most owners do not know is how badly the heat affects your pet. Dogs need to be kept in a cool area considering the climate of the place we live in. Most dogs die due to excessive heat or excessive water consumption due to the heat.
Another mistake people make is mixing wrong breeds which they continue selling as pure breeds to people that do not have this knowledge. Many families take in a dog believed to be a pure breed and then sell them or leave them uncared for when they realise the truth.
I think these are some of the most important struggles people face whether they choose to get a dog or already have one. There is a lack of knowledge, and both financial and emotional awareness related to owning a dog needs to be raised.
Would you recommend people with disabilities to keep a dog as a pet? What are the benefits or drawbacks of doing so?
Yes, I would! If you have a pet at home, then you will already know how much joy and comfort a furry friend can offer, and how easily they become a much-loved family member. And while most people know that cats and dogs are great for relieving stress and can help you live longer, not many people know of the many other benefits that animals, both big and small, can provide to those living with disabilities. We need to raise awareness of these benefits in Oman.
- They boost mental health.
- When many people think of dogs, they automatically think of dogs trained to support those with vision impairments. But these days service dogs can be trained to support people living with a range of medical conditions including diabetes and epilepsy.
- They improve physical health.
- They are especially beneficial for those living with sensory processing disorders, developmental disabilities, Autism, and ADHD, and those who lack concentration skills and are easily overstimulated.
Apart from being a K9 educator, are there any other projects you are working on?
Yes, I am. Currently, there are a few projects, one is to bring Oman on the map for purebred German Shepherds through Team Hoffnung Oman. The other one is a personal project based on my love for the sea and the ocean, something I inherited from my Late grandfather Nasser Sulieman Al Siyabi.
What advice would you give to dog owners to help them have a better life with their pets?
Always know the purpose of getting a pet and share that reason with your family before bringing the pet home. As pet owners, you need to understand that your entire lifestyle will change. It requires time, energy (emotionally and physically), and financial responsibility.
How do we stay connected with your work? Are there any upcoming projects we should look out for?
Currently, we are conducting virtual competitions as a ‘stay home, stay safe, don’t let COVID-19 get the better of you’ initiative for all dog owners, trainers, and breeders. It follows the safety measures and still gives people the chance to connect or reconnect with themselves, their families and with their dogs during this difficult period. It also gives everyone an opportunity to do something during this pandemic, especially for children who have been affected by a lack of social life due to COVID-19. All this is carried out on a personal initiative; I spoke to other well-reputed local trainers and breeders, as well as those who were previously internationally acclaimed. The idea was well-received, and the other dog trainers and breeders agreed to support our initiative of the ‘Dog Competition, Oman’s fight against COVID19. We are also working as a team to collect sponsors, most of whom are local SME’s. Some others are simply happy to give. We also give out cash prizes to the dog owners to encourage them.