My Journey: From Fearing Dogs to Behaviourist
I wasn't always a dog person; in fact, I was terrified of them. Here is the story of how I learned to speak their language, the training that shapes my methods, and why I am here to help you connect with your dog.
This is my story. I share my journey from being scared of dogs to becoming a professional behaviourist, and how my own experiences fuel my passion for helping you understand your dog's side of things.
Here I am with my dog, Drogo. As a certified dog trainer and behaviourist, my goal is to act as a mediator between you and your pet, fostering a relationship of trust and mutual respect.
Receiving my certification from the renowned Shirin Merchant was a milestone moment. Learning dog behavior felt like discovering a whole new world, and I am excited to share that world with you.
With my mentor, Shirin Merchant, and a furry friend. Her teachings on canine behavior form the foundation of my empathetic and positive training methods.
Here I am with my wonderful classmates after completing our dog behaviourist course. I am proud to be part of a community dedicated to improving the lives of dogs and their parents.
Celebrating my certification as a professional canine trainer, surrounded by some friendly street dogs. This moment captures my love for all dogs, especially our incredible Indies.
I love speaking to the next generation of pet lovers. Here is a glimpse of a session I held at a school, where we discussed dog body language and the importance of empathy towards animals.
I am always learning, which is why I started "Weekend Reads with Shivani". In this series, I share and discuss interesting articles and research about dog behavior with the community.
A profile shot of me with a lovely Indie dog. As the lead canine trainer at thePack.in, I have worked with many parents to help them raise their young pups with confidence.
Another shot of me receiving my certification. The dog in the photo seems to be giving his approval too!
About My Journey & Credentials
My path to becoming a behaviourist was not linear—it started with a rescue cat named Fai who taught me that connection transcends species. Today, my credentials aren't just framed certificates on a wall; they represent hundreds of hours spent learning how to bridge the gap between human expectations and canine instincts so you can finally understand your dog.
How I Became a Behaviourist
I used to be scared of dogs growing up. It was a genuine fear until a rescue cat changed my perspective on what it means to care for an animal. That shift in mindset eventually led me to quit my part-time roles and commit fully to working with dogs during the pandemic.
I trained under Shirin Merchant, a mentor whose methods formed the foundation of my work. Learning dog behaviour felt like discovering a secret language—I realized that most so-called 'problems' are simply misunderstandings between us and our pets. My certification as a canine trainer is just the start; the real work happens in the daily, messy, beautiful reality of living and working with dogs.
My Philosophy
I believe in letting dogs be dogs. We often expect them to fit into our human schedules and spaces, but my goal is to help you meet them halfway. My approach involves:
- Moving beyond commands: Teaching 'sit' and 'stay' is easy, but understanding why a dog barks, lunges, or feels anxious takes patience.
- Evidence-based guidance: I lean on research and science-backed methods rather than outdated dominance theories.
- Building a bridge: I act as a mediator. When you understand your dog's body language—the ear twitches, the tail position, the stress signals—the relationship changes from one of control to one of cooperation.
Whether you are dealing with a reactive Indie or a puppy struggling with separation anxiety, my mission is to give you the tools to be your dog's best advocate. I am here to learn with you, support you, and make the process of raising a happy, confident dog a little less overwhelming.
Shivani Kuthe
I'm Shivani. I spent my life scared of dogs until a rescue cat showed me the other side of the bond. Now, I use my training to help you see the world through your dog's eyes—no strict commands, just real, mutual understanding.
Still looking for help with a specific behaviour?
Find workshops or sessions tailored to your dog's unique needs.
More from Online Dog Behavior Workshops & Masterclasses by Shivani Kuthe