If you’re a dog owner, then you must know that responsible pet ownership along with positive training and more understanding of your dog’s needs can go a long way in the protection that your dog is a member of your family.
We caught up with Paramita Das, a dog behaviorist and trainer in Kolkata to discuss ways to deal with dog-related issues and expand opportunities in the dog training bangkok area of dog training and dog behavior.
Edugraph: What exactly is the job of an animal behaviorist?
Paramita Das: Dog behaviorists help pet owners aid them in understanding the behaviors of their pets. They also implement a programme that helps address and manage such issues. To do so, these experts analyze the behaviour patterns of dogs, study the interactions between dogs and their owners, and then interpret and watch the dog’s body language in various settings.
How did you get into this field?
PD: After over two decades working in the business world, I wanted to pursue my love of being a dog trainer. I realized that, in addition to loving dogs, it’s crucial to learn to understand them more as they’re totally different from humans.
Once I completed my first dog trainer’s course, wanted to help pet parents train their dogs using positive and kinder methods. My goal was to make sure that they and their pets can enjoy a an enjoyable life. Then, I went on to complete courses on canine behaviour and aggression as well.
What are your daily activities in this profession?
PD: My daily activities include teaching puppies and adult dogs to be great canines, preparing dogs to play fun games helping families with behavior issues with their dogs. I also address chewing and destructive behavior and separation anxiety issues. toilet training anxiety issues, fear, leash walking issues and aggression issues.
What’s the most challenging issue you’re facing?
PD: While most humans believe that the dog is the problem, a lot of issues primarily stem from dog owners. There is an absence of understanding as to the reasons why dogs behave in particular ways and how we may have contributed towards that behavior. In today’s busy and hectic pace of life, our time as well as patience are a bit low. That’s one of the biggest difficulties. Once the family is invested in managing the pets they love in a planned manner, things will go more smoothly.
Can you mention the techniques you employ when working with dogs that have behavioral issues?
PD: I usually use techniques to assist the pet’s owner understand for their dog’s behavioral problems. It’s important to have your family members participate in training for obedience so that the dog follows them when they are in different situations and in the appropriate manner. Pet owners need to have some control on their dog’s behavior in an appropriate way. My role is to create an initiative to improve relationships between pet owners and their family members.
What are the common errors pet owners make communicating with their dogs?
Pet owners often consider their dog to be the equivalent of a human being or toy. A dog is a living thing — and a distinct species. Human beings are primates, but dog breeds are called canids. While dogs are best friends, some dog owners should recognize that they belong to an animal species that is different. So, it’s important that they understand the dog’s species. Families must be knowledgeable about the breeds of their dogs and utilize that knowledge to their advantage.
What advice would you offer to anyone who wants to bring the puppy to their home?
PD: Understand that the dog is distinct species and be prepared to invest a lot of effort and time. Be aware of your dog’s behavioreducate your puppy on acceptable behavior, take it for walks, play games with him/her and be part of the activities that your dog is enjoying.
Be prepared for financial commitments such as vet costs, expenses in the event that your dog is sick grooming or boarding costs when you are away as well as relocation expenses. Also, you should put a support system ready in case of any emergencies.
Overall, I believe you should be prepared for a commitment for 12-14 years of raising up a dog. We are able to pursue our personal interests and hobbies, but a dog’s reliance is on its human family to ensure a happy life. Don’t let your dog down in that.
What is your suggestion for young people who already have a pet?
PD: Be involved with your dog’s daily routine. Make sure you are involved in the activities that your dog truly enjoys. If you have Labradors, go for a dip. If you own an Beagle or Indie you can take them for sniffing games in a park. Spend quality moments with your dog in order to create strong bonds. Enjoying your time together is the most important thing.
What are the possible academic and professional routes to take if someone wants to be a dog behaviorist and trainer?
PD: There are classes that you can take in order to obtain the knowledge and education required to become a professional dog behaviorist. I have pursued courses conducted by Shirin Merchant who is among those pioneering in the area of canine behavior and instruction in India. I also took courses by John Rogerson, who is a world-renowned canine trainer and behaviorist. Both Shirin and John employ gentle and positive training methods that focus on establishing a solid relationship between the dog and its family.
What are the possible career paths that one could pursue while doing work with dog?
PD A lot of opportunities within this growing field. The public is becoming more aware about the need to take the pets they love to specialists in recent times. The roles of a vet groomer, trainer, and behaviorist are among the most commonly used options. You can also run an animal boarding house. Working with animals and volunteering at shelters is another possibility. If you are trained properly it is possible to become a pet nutritionist.
