The MBT Method: A Different Way to Train Your Dog
I don't just teach dogs to sit. I teach you how to change your mindset so your dog can actually hear you. Whether you have a total gunda or a shy babai, my philosophy is built on psychology, not just obedience.
A dog's behavior is based on its perception of you. I explain why changing your own mindset and actions is just as important as training the dog to achieve lasting results.
Leash pulling is a common problem with a simple core concept. In this video, I break down the psychology behind why dogs pull and how to teach them that a loose leash gets them what they want.
To build a balanced relationship, you need to be both the good cop and the bad cop. I explain why it is important for all family members to be involved in both the fun and the necessary, less fun activities like vet visits.
Should you use treats? Absolutely, but think of it as a salary, not a bribe. I discuss how and when to use rewards to motivate your dog and maintain learned behaviors without creating dependency.
The first step to building a relationship with a new or nervous dog is to be a calm, predictable source of good things. Here's how I start every training process: transactionally, with treats and no pressure.
In our busy world, we often forget to teach our dogs the most important skill: how to do nothing. I explain the importance of teaching a dog to switch off and relax, which is crucial for a calm mindset.
Teaching a dog to sit and wait at every doorway is a simple but powerful tool for impulse control and safety. This simple exercise prevents bolting and creates a calmer state of mind before heading out.
About The MBT Method: Our Training Philosophy
Training as a skill can be transferred, but trust cannot. When you bring your dog to me, you aren't just paying for me to 'fix' them. You're paying for me to coach you. If you don't change how you perceive your dog's actions and how you react to them, the training won't stick once you get home. It is a two-way street, and my job is to show you exactly how to hold up your end of the bargain.
Why 'Commands' Are Only Half the Battle
Many owners come to me in Mumbai wanting a dog that listens to 'sit' or 'stay.' But what they really need is a dog that can navigate the city with them calmly. I don't believe in cookie-cutter obedience. My method, developed over 14 years, focuses on how the dog perceives you.
The 'Good Cop, Bad Cop' Balance
One of the biggest mistakes I see is the 'fun' vs 'boring' parent dynamic. If you’re the one who only gives treats and plays, and your partner is the one who does the grooming, vet visits, and corrections, the dog will naturally favor one of you and ignore the other. To build a balanced relationship, you must be multi-dimensional. You have to be the one who does the fun stuff, but you also have to be the one who enforces the boring, necessary boundaries. If you avoid the 'bad cop' work, your dog will never truly respect your leadership.
How I Structure Training
I treat my training like a professional partnership:
- Transactional Beginnings: When we first start, I am simply a candy dispenser. I don't want to be overbearing or emotional. I keep it transactional with treats so the dog learns that focus pays off. We build trust through calm, predictable actions.
- The Salary Concept: Treats are not a bribe; they are a salary. Once a behavior is learned, we switch to intermittent rewards. You wouldn't work for free, and neither should your dog.
- Learning to Do Nothing: We live in a fast-paced city. Your dog needs to know how to switch off. I spend a lot of time teaching dogs that being bored is okay. If you constantly keep your dog busy with toys and walks, you will end up with a hyperactive dog that cannot settle.
My goal is to give you the tools to manage your dog in real-world scenarios—whether you are walking in Powai, navigating market traffic, or dealing with visitors at home.
Mitali Salvi
Hi, I'm Mitali. I’ve been training dogs since I was 19, and my journey with my own dogs, Pantu and Chaddi, has taught me that training is just a part of the bigger picture. I don't offer quick fixes; I offer a reset for your relationship with your pet.
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