If you’re a dog owner and you’re a dog owner, then you should know that responsible dog ownership along with positive training and more understanding of your dog’s needs can help in the direction of ensuring the health and well-being of the canine member of your family.
We spoke to Paramita Das who is a dog trainer and behaviorist from Kolkata for a discussion on how to handle problems with dog behavior and the growing opportunities in the dog training bangkok area of dog training as well as canine behavior.
Edugraph: What exactly is it that is the task of an animal behaviorist?
Paramita Das: Dog behaviorists collaborate with pet owners to assist them in understanding the behavior issues of their pets. They also devise a system to help address and manage such issues. To achieve this, these experts study the patterns of behavior of dogs, observe interactions among dogs and owners and interpret and observe the body language of dogs in different settings.
How did you enter this field?
PD: After more than two decades working in the world of work, I wanted to pursue my passion for working with dogs. I realized that besides loving dogs, it’s vital to try and understand the breed better since they are a completely different species from humans.
When I completed my initial canine trainer’s course, I wanted to help pet parents to train their dogs with positive and kinder methods. My aim was to ensure that both they and their pets can enjoy a wonderful lives. Following that I proceeded to study courses regarding canine aggression and behavior as well.
What are your daily activities in your job?
My daily responsibilities include training young puppies and adult dogs to be great pet companions, teaching dogs to play games as well as working with families that are experiencing behavior issues with their dogs. I also address chewing and destructive behaviour problems, separation anxiety, behavior that is arouses attention, toilet training, fear issues, problems with walking on leashes and aggression issues.
What’s the most common challenge that you’re confronted with?
PD: While the majority of humans believe that the dog is the cause, the majority of issues primarily stem from pets owners. There is an absence of understanding of why dogs behave an esthetic way and the ways we may have contributed towards the behavior. In the present hectic and hectic pace of life, our time or patience is at a minimum. That’s among the most significant problems. Once the family is invested in managing your pets in a planned manner, things will go more smoothly.
Can you describe the procedures you employ while dealing with a dog that has behavioral issues?
PD: I usually employ techniques to help the pet’s owners understand for their dog’s behavior issues. It’s essential to let the family members be involved in obedience training to ensure that their dog is able to obey them in a variety of situations and behaves in a way that is acceptable. Pet owners should be able to exert some influence over their dog’s behaviour in an appropriate manner. My job is to implement an approach to build the bond between family members and their dog.
What are the common mistakes that pet owners make when engaging with their dogs?
Many pet owners treat their dogs like an individual or as a toy. A dog is a living creature — distinct from other species. Human beings are primates, while the dogs belong to canids. Even though dogs are our greatest companions, some owners must recognize that they are an animal species that is different. Therefore, it’s essential that they understand the dog’s species. Families must know all they can about the breed of their dog and utilize that knowledge in a positive way.
What advice would you give to someone planning to bring an animal back to the home?
PD: Know that your dog is a different animal and that you need to put in lots of effort and time. Learn more about your dog –and teach your puppy to be a good behavior, take him/her for walks, play appropriate games with him/her , and be part of activities he/she enjoys.
Be prepared for financial commitments like vet bills, expenses in the event that your dog is sick grooming costs as well as boarding fees while you’re away and relocation costs. Also, you should put the right support system to be in place in the event of any emergencies.
Overall, I think you should be prepared to commit for a commitment that lasts 12-14 years of raising up a dog. We are able to pursue our individual interests and hobbies but a dog’s life is dependent on the human family to provide a wonderful life. Let’s not disappoint your pet on this.
What advice do you have to children who have pets?
Participate in your dog’s life. Try to be part of the activities your dog actually enjoys. If you own Labradors, take them to the water. If you have a Beagle or Indie, take him/her for scent-based games at the park. Spend quality times with the pet and build relationships that last. Enjoying your time together is all that is important.
What would be the academic and professional routes to take if someone is interested in becoming a dog behaviorist and trainer?
It is possible to take PD classes that you can take to acquire the skills and experience required to become a professional dog behaviorist. I have taken courses taught by Shirin Merchant who is one leaders in the field of dog behavior and behavior training within India. I also took courses with John Rogerson, who is a world-renowned canine trainer and behaviorist. John and Shirin both Shirin and John utilize gentle and positive methods of training that are focused on creating a strong bond between the dog and its family.
What are the possible career paths that one could pursue while being with dogs?
PD A lot of opportunities in this growing field. People are becoming more conscious about the necessity of taking their pets to specialists in recent times. Being a vet, groomer, trainer, and behaviorist are some of the most frequently used options. It is also possible to run an animal boarding facility. Animal rescue or working in shelters is another option. With appropriate training you could also be an expert in pet nutrition.
