If you’re a dog parent, then you must know that responsible dog ownership along with positive training and more understanding of your dog’s needs can help in the protection for the dog in your family.
We spoke to Paramita Das, a canine trainer and behaviorist in Kolkata for a discussion on how to tackle dog-related issues and expand opportunities in the dog training bangkok area of dog training and canine behavior.
What exactly is the work of dog behaviorists?
Paramita Das: Dog behaviorists help pet owners assist them in understanding the issues with their pets. They also devise a system that helps address and manage the issues. To do so, these experts study the patterns of behavior of dogs, study the interactions of dogs with owners, and interpret and observe the body language of dogs in different settings.
How did you become involved in this field?
PD: Having spent more than two decades in working in the corporate world I decided to pursue my love for being a dog trainer. I realized that aside from loving dogs, it’s crucial to learn to understand the breed better since they are distinct from humans.
After I had completed my first canine trainer’s course, I wanted to help pet parents train their dogs using positive and kinder methods. My goal was to make sure that both the dog and its pets can enjoy a the best time together. After that, I went on to take classes on canine behaviour and aggression as well.
What are your typical tasks in this job?
My day-to-day activities include teaching puppies and adult dogs to be excellent canines, preparing dogs to play and have fun, working with families facing problems with their dogs’ behavior. I also work with chewing and destructive behaviour problems, separation anxiety, attention-seeking behaviour, toilet practice and fear-related issues, as well as problems with walking on leashes and aggression issues.
What’s the most common challenge you face?
PD: While most humans believe that dogs are responsible for the issue, a lot of problems are rooted in pets owners. There is no knowledge about the reasons why dogs behave in a certain way and how we might have contributed to that behavior. In today’s hectic and bustling pace of life, our time or patience is limited. That’s among the most significant challenges. Once the family members are invested in taking care of their pets in a disciplined way, things get easier.
Do you have a list of the methods you employ while working with dogs that have behavioral issues?
PD: I generally use techniques to assist the pet’s owner understand for their dog’s behaviors problems. It’s essential to let the family get involved in obedience classes so that their pet obeys them when they are in different situations and behaves in a way that is acceptable. Pet owners need to have some control over their dog’s behavior in an appropriate manner. My task is to establish an approach to build the bonds between the pets and their families.
What are the common errors pet owners make playing with their pets?
PD: Many pet owners consider their dog to be the equivalent of a human being or toy. Dogs are living being — and a distinct species. Human beings are primates and dog breeds are called canids. Even though dogs are our greatest companions, some owners need to recognize that they are an animal species that is different. So, it’s important to them to be aware of the canine species. Families should know everything about the breed of their dogs and apply that knowledge in a positive way.
What advice would you offer to someone who is to bring an animal back to the home?
PD: Be aware that your dog is distinct species and be prepared to devote a significant amount of time and effort. Learn more about your dog –educate your puppy on acceptable behavior, take it for walks, play appropriate games with him/her and become involved in activities that he/she is interested in.
Prepare for financial obligations such as vet bills, costs in the event that your dog is sick grooming fees and boarding fees during your absence, relocation costs. You also need to put the right support system ready in case of any emergencies.
Overall, I believe you need to be prepared for a commitment for 12-14 years to bring up a dog. It is possible to pursue your personal interests and hobbies, however a dog’s needs are dependent on the human family to ensure a happy life. We must not let our pet down on that.
What is your suggestion to those who are young and already have a pet?
Participate with your dog’s daily routine. Make sure you are involved in the things that your dog actually enjoys. If you have Labradors, take them for a swim. If you own a Beagle or Indie go with them to play scenting games in a park. Spend quality time with your pet to develop a strong relationship. Your time spent together is the most important thing.
What are the possible academic and professional paths to follow if one desires to become a behaviorist or trainer?
In the field of dog behavior, there are courses which can be pursued in order to obtain the knowledge and experience required to become an experienced dog behaviorist. I have pursued courses conducted by Shirin Merchant who is one leading experts in the discipline of canine behavior as well as education in India. I also took courses by John Rogerson, who is an internationally renowned trainer of dogs and behaviorist. They both Shirin and John employ gentle and positive training techniques that concentrate on building a strong relationship between the dog and his/her family.
What are the different career paths one can follow while being with dogs?
PD The world is full of opportunities within this growing field. More and more people are aware about the need to take animals to specialists in recent times. Working as a vet, groomer, trainer, and behaviorist are a few of the most popular options. You could also operate a boarding centre for dogs. Working with animals and volunteering at shelters is another possibility. With appropriate training, you can also become a pet nutritionist.
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