The world said it couldnât be done â Indian women canât train dogs! Shirin Merchant said it could and then went on to show them how. Not only did she train dogs, but for over 24 years, she has worked hard to change the way dogs are trained in India from methods of intimidation and pain to kinder, positive training methods.
About The Expert
Shirin Merchant is a pioneer in the field of canine behavior and training in India. Since 1995, she has helped pet parents in England, India, and Sri Lanka with behavior and training problems ranging from dominance, housetraining, chewing, aggression, destruction to boredom, and compulsive behaviors.
She is the only person in Asia to have gained an accreditation from the Kennel Club of Englandâs elite KCAI scheme for dog trainers and behaviorists in companion dog training and behavioral training.
Shirin Merchant was felicitated by the President of India and the Ministry of Women and Children at the First Ladies Awardsâ for women who have transcended barriers to achieve a milestone and are declared to be the âfirstâ in their respective fields.
Shirinâs Journey With FurrCrew
Q&A With Our Expert
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Q. How can I stop my dog from pulling on the leash?
A. Leash pulling usually happens because your dog is excited and wants to explore faster than youâre walking. To address this, practice loose-leash walking by stopping or changing direction whenever your dog pulls. Reward them with treats and praise when they walk beside you calmly. Consistency and patience are crucial for success.
Q. How can I stop my dog from jumping on guests?
A. Dogs often jump to greet people or seek attention. Train your dog to greet guests calmly by teaching them a solid "sit" command. Reward them with treats and praise when they sit instead of jumping. Consistently reinforcing this behavior will help your dog learn that sitting is more rewarding than jumping.
Q. My dog barks excessively at the doorbell. What can I do?
A. Barking at the doorbell is a common reaction, often due to excitement or territorial instincts. Train your dog to associate the doorbell with a different behavior, like going to their bed or sitting quietly. Practice with a friend ringing the bell while you reward your dog for staying calm and following the new behavior.
Q. Whatâs the best way to socialize my puppy?
A. Early socialization is crucial for a well-adjusted dog. Introduce your puppy to a variety of people, places, and experiences in a positive way. Puppy classes, controlled playdates, and exposure to different environments can help. Always ensure that these experiences are positive, as early negative experiences can have lasting effects.
Q. How do I stop my dog from begging at the table?
A. Begging is reinforced by rewarding the behavior, even unintentionally. Start by not giving your dog food from the table and make sure everyone in the household follows this rule. Train your dog to go to a designated spot, like their bed, during meals, and reward them for staying there. Consistency is key to breaking this habit.