The concept of a Hollywood film -- Hotel for Dogs is being replicated at a farmhouse in the Capital to provide luxury for canines in real life. ‘Pet Lovers Hut’ is a farmhouse, which doubles up as a one stop shop for pet owners in regard to dogs – boarding, training, and grooming.
Amidst loud and booming barks, Kuldeep Chauhan, head trainer and owner of Pet Lovers Hut, is visibly the happiest when surrounded by his furry friends. He trains dogs, takes them in when their owners go away on trips, arranges birthday parties for man’s best friend, and provides grooming for the beautiful canines. He says, “I love seeing dogs lounging around in kennels, happily barking, chasing their tails, and just basically being the happy, cheerful beings they are.”
Dog training is not something that one generally leans towards, when choosing a profession. But he has made it his calling. He is saddened by how humans treat dogs these days and how people join this profession for money. “I joined this profession because of my interest and love for dogs, and not because of money. I had seen my elder brother train dogs, and the moment I got done with my class 12 exams, I knew that this was what I wanted to do. Dog training has proved to be a profitable business and it is easy to find people willing to be trainers for you. Most of them come only for the money; but we insist on taking those who care about the dogs.” Owners have to spend Rs 500 per day for an air-conditioned room and Rs 400 for a room with a cooler as boarding charges for their pets.
Dog training comes with its set of occupational hazards, with a risk of danger as well. But Kuldeep has learnt to pre-empt a dog’s reaction now. “A dog that bites can be recognised – it will always be alert and stiff, its hair will stand on end, and its tail will be erect. When we visit any house for training, we always ask the dog’s name first, as it gives him the feeling that we know him. We don’t approach them without taking their names. Dogs attack in their own territories and are scared in others’. On principle, we do not train dogs that aren’t vaccinated,” says Kuldeep, explaining that his job may seem scary but is not a problem if proper precautions are taken.
Villagers who live around the farmhouse-cum-kennel, are amused by the job he does, as they think dogs can only belong to the streets, and nowhere else. Sometimes, they also mock and taunt him for the same. “They keep asking me ‘ Yeh kaam socha kaise bhai ’? My friends and family were shocked and mocking of my decision initially, but now they support me through and through.”
But dog training is hard work and trainers are required to work at all times of the day. “Every dog has a different drive. You can train some with food, while others are more driven by toys. After the dogs are trained at our centre, trainers go to the houses to check if the owners are following the post-training instructions properly,” says Kuldeep.
Dogs and trainers often get attached to each other during the training period. After the training is over, sometimes for days the dogs continue to wait for the trainers to come at the same time of the day that they used to. “Now we don’t get time to meet them. Dogs are lovable creatures and it’s obvious that trainers get attached to them too. And we never forget them.” says Kuldeep. “There are trainers who train by beating the dogs right from the beginning. That scares the dog into submission, but doesn’t make him listen to his owners. One needs to have a connection with the dog.”
With a soulful smile, Kuldeep says, “Training dogs is the best decision I’ve ever made.” His furry friends seem to be thinking the same.
