According to Nurtilek, each of his five taigans has a unique personality. He noticed that these dogs are very sensitive. If they are yelled at during a hunt, they may start to distance themselves from their owner or even stop altogether. Caring for the taigans requires considerable effort.
Since 2017, Nurtilek has been taking care of the taigans. Initially, his mother was against it, but his father supported his endeavors, claiming that the Kyrgyz people have traditionally kept these dogs. In Nurtilek's absence, his mother continues to care for the taigans. Nurtilek's first pet was a taigan named Ak-Tosh, and then he acquired Algyr, who is currently a bit unwell. Ak-Tosh was excellent at guarding turkeys, but unfortunately, they were stolen. Later, Nurtilek brought Puli from the Aksy district, who, as he says, has given birth three times.
"Puli is already 5 years old. Last year, she gave birth to ten puppies, two of which died. I took great care of her during labor, and I was able to witness her giving birth," Nurtilek shares.
He noted that each taigan has its own characteristics. For example, Ak-Tosh is always the first to follow a trail and has caught foxes and jackals four times. Nurtilek also observed that taigans, unlike regular dogs, are very sensitive. He prefers to praise them and talks to them as if they were people to keep their spirits up.
To train the taigans, Nurtilek first communicated with experienced breeders and then began to accumulate his own experience. During the female's heat, he tries to keep regular dogs away to preserve the valuable qualities of the breed. "If they accidentally mate with a regular dog, it can diminish their mental and physical abilities," he explains.
Nurtilek also keeps about 300 turkeys, and his taigans protect them from predators. Sometimes they even join the flock and catch foxes. When the turkeys start to scream, it signals the taigans, who respond instantly.
Nurtilek prefers short-haired taigans, as long-haired ones may struggle in the snow. From an early age, he begins training the puppies by tying them to a horse to develop their skills. He also plans to take his taigans to competitions but is currently focused on hunting.
Nurtilek dreams of trying wolf hunting, as many taigan owners are interested in this practice.
