Dog parents are known to have an unspoken bond with their furry friends. However, sometimes they face difficultly communicating with or understanding their dog. Many pet parents in India have recognized the benefits of going to dog behaviourist to address the same.
What’s the difference between a dog trainer and a dog behaviourist?
A dog trainer helps teach your dog obedience-based skills such as sit, come, stay or potty-training among other things. Some dog trainers may also help with issues like aggressive jumping and biting.
A canine behaviourist on other hand, deals with behavioural issues. They are usually certified professionals who have been educated in canine behaviour, cognition, pyschology etc. They take necessary steps by understanding the dog’s history, breed and environment.
Are there canine behaviourists in India?
Yes, there are certified dog behaviourists in India who can benefit you and your dog. Costs for canine behaviourists usually start at 2000-3000 Rupees per session and may vary depending on the type of issue your dog is going through.
When should you consider consulting a dog behaviourist?
You and your pet can benefit from consulting a dog behaviourist if you’re dealing with the following issues:
Aggression
If your dog frequently displays aggressive behaviour such as growling, biting and barking, it is a cause for concern. The reasons for dogs displaying aggression could be environmental stressors, past trauma etc. A canine behaviourist can help break down and analyse the triggers and work with your dog to minimize such instances.
Difficulty in toilet training
This could be due to inconsistent training, especially in adult dogs, or due to medical reasons. A dog behaviourist can pinpoint the most likely cause and guide you on what you should do to improve the situation.
Destructive behaviour
We’ve all had our dogs chew up stuff at home. However when large scale destruction happens repeatedly, your dog is most probably troubled by something. By consulting a dog behaviourist you can identify if its due to anxiety, lack off exercise, lack of sleep or something else.
Anxiety issues
Many apartment dogs today display anxiety issues. It’s mostly due to noises such as thunderstorms, car backfiring, roadside functions etc. Some are also known to suffer from separation anxiety i.e. panicking when the pet-parent is out of sight for even a few minutes. Anxiety issues addressed early on with a dog behaviourist, benefits your pet tremendously.
Trauma and depression
Dogs that have been abused or had to deal with difficult situations such as natural disasters might display signs of depression. In such cases, it’s important to work with a highly qualified dog behaviourist to make the dog feel safe and happy.
Unusual behaviour
Every dog has his own quirk, but when unusual behaviour arises, it shouldn’t be ignored. Examples include tendency to hide, excessive barking, constant howling, which they didn’t do in similar scenarios earlier. This can be tricky to solve, so seek out the best canine behaviourists near you.
Understanding your dog better
If you’re a new pet parent, a few sessions with a dog behaviourist can help you understand your dog better and also learn what not to do. Your behaviourist can provide you with insights on breed-specific behaviours and teach you how to communicate effectively with your dog.
To ensure that your dog benefits from the best dog behaviourists in India, remember to check for genuine certifications and reviews from trusted sources.
Get pet care tips delivered right to your inbox
