--- title: "Meet Shivani: Certified Dog Behaviourist & Trainer | My Story" description: "Discover my journey from fear to expert dog behaviourist. Learn how I help pet parents build trust and communication with their dogs through positive, science-backed methods." canonical: https://mytribe.in/kuthe_shivani/online-dog-behavior-workshops-masterclasses/my-journey-credentials last_updated: 2025-08-31 --- # My Journey: From Fearing Dogs to Behaviourist Tribe Verified · Certified dog behaviourist with 4+ years experience By [Shivani Kuthe](https://mytribe.in/kuthe_shivani) · Available online globally · ₹199 Per Household (estimate) Part of [Online Dog Behavior Workshops & Masterclasses](https://mytribe.in/kuthe_shivani/online-dog-behavior-workshops-masterclasses). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/kuthe_shivani/online-dog-behavior-workshops-masterclasses/gallery) 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. ## Photos and videos - [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8a2c81be-9a97-4bf4-b364-704f540c9fe2) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/690f91f8-b1f9-4854-bae3-eb2ecc95e9fa) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5f568f7c-59a2-410e-aca6-c6f66b94134f) - ![With my mentor, Shirin Merchant, and a furry friend. Her teachings on canine behavior form the foundation of my empathetic and positive training methods.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f55fcc7a-c159-4cf1-ab95-aab87cf66e6c) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7f822603-f93c-440a-ac25-98699e0b550d) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/06e5bd99-e6ba-400d-a90d-a706823c9c11) - [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/39981503-04b0-4271-97db-afd8def9237d) - [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/aa2ea7b9-9de0-41c5-9dc5-7f387b852c81) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/42d49b6f-8737-44a0-9016-cb4305a0c894) - ![Another shot of me receiving my certification. The dog in the photo seems to be giving his approval too!](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d4c98372-1ccf-49b5-bf1a-8d930fa14a17) - ![A candid moment with my mentor Shirin Merchant. The hands-on learning and guidance I received from her has been invaluable in my career.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2255207d-23a5-454e-be5e-2421ae3697d0) - ![A quiet moment with a street dog during my certification celebration. These are the connections that inspire my work every day.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/36301ee5-172a-4d69-bbc1-523111968a56) - ![The best celebrations are the ones with dogs! Here I am, certificate in hand, getting lots of love from my furry friends on the street.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/97e5dbad-5ba3-4aa2-bd03-4edf0abb90b7) - ![Posing proudly with my certification and a new friend. My work is dedicated to helping more people understand and appreciate these wonderful animals.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a10dfd92-17d9-45e6-a66e-1940b325362a) - ![A professional photo used for my trainer profile. My focus is always on helping parents and their pups build a strong, positive relationship.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8d823ea9-00a7-412c-9157-299b65156c87) - ![Sharing my achievement with the dogs who inspire it all. Becoming a certified trainer was a dream come true.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/eb76bc81-f581-4a41-95da-3e9283c0084a) - ![A sweet moment captured while celebrating my certification. This little one seems to be congratulating me with a kiss.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/86390e38-eeff-4766-b563-e4e731817281) - ![Pure joy! Being surrounded by happy dogs is the best reward for becoming a certified canine trainer.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f49849d4-2081-4894-bcc9-b2adc73db09c) ## 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. ## About 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. [See all of Shivani Kuthe's services](https://mytribe.in/kuthe_shivani) ## More from Online Dog Behavior Workshops & Masterclasses by Shivani Kuthe - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/kuthe_shivani/online-dog-behavior-workshops-masterclasses/featured) - [Tackling Common Challenges: Anxiety, Reactivity & Stress](https://mytribe.in/kuthe_shivani/online-dog-behavior-workshops-masterclasses/tackling-common-challenges-anxiety-reactivity-stress) - [Learn to Speak Dog: Communication & Body Language](https://mytribe.in/kuthe_shivani/online-dog-behavior-workshops-masterclasses/learn-to-speak-dog-communication-body-language) - [Puppy Parenting & Basic Skills](https://mytribe.in/kuthe_shivani/online-dog-behavior-workshops-masterclasses/puppy-parenting-basic-skills) - [Fun at Home: DIY Enrichment](https://mytribe.in/kuthe_shivani/online-dog-behavior-workshops-masterclasses/fun-at-home-diy-enrichment) - [Specialized Masterclasses](https://mytribe.in/kuthe_shivani/online-dog-behavior-workshops-masterclasses/specialized-masterclasses) - [Happy Clients](https://mytribe.in/kuthe_shivani/online-dog-behavior-workshops-masterclasses/happy-clients) - [A Day in My World](https://mytribe.in/kuthe_shivani/online-dog-behavior-workshops-masterclasses/a-day-in-my-world) ## More services by Shivani Kuthe - [Dog Behavior Consultation & Training](https://mytribe.in/kuthe_shivani/dog-behavior-consultation-training) ## Similar work from other experts - [My Journey: Why I Choose Trust Over Control](https://mytribe.in/confidentdogs/canine-behavior-modification/my-journey-and-why-i-can-help) by Confident Dogs · Canine Behavior Modification · Home visits across Bengaluru, Center at HRBR Layout & Online - [My Credentials & Positive Training Philosophy](https://mytribe.in/happypuppersblr/dog-training-behavior-modification/my-credentials-positive-training-philosophy) by Deepthi · Dog Training & Behavior Modification · Training at Rajajinagar Center or home visits across Bengaluru - [Waggology's Story: Building Bonds Through Understanding](https://mytribe.in/waggology/dog-training-behavior-modification/my-story) by Waggology by Vedika · Dog Training & Behavior Modification · Available online; Home visits across Pune or at Waggology in Karvenagar - [Real Results: Canine Behavioral Transformations](https://mytribe.in/dogguru.in/dog-behavior-owner-consultation/real-results-client-transformations) by Dog Guru · Dog Behavior & Owner Consultation · 1-on-1 Online Video Consultations - [My Dog Training Journey and Mentors](https://mytribe.in/abhishekgaur23/online-dog-training-courses-workshops/my-journey-and-my-teachers) by Abhishek Gaur · Online Dog Training Courses & Workshops · Available online - [My Approach to Dog Training and Philosophy](https://mytribe.in/zoella_dogtraining/adult-dog-obedience-training/my-story-philosophy) by Zoella Dog Training · Adult Dog Obedience Training · At the Vijayanagar centre or at your home in Bengaluru ## Book To book Shivani Kuthe, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%20Shivani%2C%20I%20read%20about%20your%20journey%20and%20I'd%20love%20to%20learn%20more%20about%20how%20you%20can%20help%20me%20with%20my%20dog's%20behaviour.)