Ever wished you could figure out what your dog is saying to you, so you can better understand her needs? Or wondered how to solve a behavioural problem while eliminating the underlying cause? Think Dog, a two-day workshop on dog behaviour for pet parents is coming to Chennai this month, and deals with issues such as this. Conducted by Shirin Merchant, a pioneer in canine behaviour in India, the sessions are based on the principle that a dog should be taught using positive reinforcement, and that learning their language is the ideal way to ensure their health and happiness.
The workshop also features the city’s first agility workshop wherein simple games are taught under supervision, to put all the dog’s senses to work, for mental and physical stimulation. “A bored dog is a destructive dog,” says event organiser Nirmiti Prasanna who believes that the tips and concepts taught at the event will provide pet parents with the tools needed for a worry-free life for their companion animal. “There are no complicated training sessions. You’ll learn how their minds work…and what behaviour might be cute now, but a problem when they grow up,” she says, adding that important things such as leash-walking, correcting issues such as constant barking, and choosing the right games based on the dog’s breed are a few of the subjects that will be covered. “Understanding dogs gives them a chance to express themselves, to do the things they love,” she concludes.
Think Dog will be held on January 31 (2.30p.m.-5.30 p.m.) and February 1 (8.30 a.m.-11.30 a.m.) at Hotel for Dogs, 12-A, Sunrise Avenue, Akkarai, East Coast Road. The fee is Rs 3,500 per dog and owner, and Rs 5,500 per dog with couple. Participating dogs must be six months or older, and accepting of other dogs and humans (as it is a group workshop). Children under 14 get free entry, and fees are for the two sessions spread over the weekend. Call 9962916903 for more details.
Take me home
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Animals looking for homes through Pet Pals are available for adoption free of cost.
