Learn how to engage better with your dog at this unique session in Mumbai

Pradnya Hattiangadi with her weimaraner Roohi. PICS COURTESY/PRADNYA HATTIANGADI

Whoever said you can't teach an old dog new tricks can come see canine behaviourist Pradnya Hattiangadi in Dadar this weekend for a taste of humble pie. Hattiangadi, with the Shirin Dhabhar Institute of Canine Behaviour and Training, will organise a beginner's session ‘Taal and Tails' inspired by the globally popular Canine Freestyle dog sport.

Your dog might not be able to speak to you, but you can listen to it, Hattiangadi reminds us. During the session, participants will learn how to ace teamwork, communication, and connection to move in tandem with their pets. "You'll leave the session with a deeper understanding of your pet," she says.

ON August 22 and 23
AT Dadar East (venue revealed on registration)
CALL 9820345507 (for more details)

What is canine freestyle?

>> Originating in the late 1980s in North America and the UK, the practice brings together tricks, movements, and dance moves.

>> Tricks can include the Arm Over, where the canine hops over the handler's arm, and Weave, which involves the dog weaving in and out of their handler's legs in an alternating pattern.

>> Trainers use ethical-positive reinforcement techniques to teach the four-legged friend these tricks, which are later set in a sequence to create a dance routine.

Tricks of the trade

While using fear and aggression are obvious no-gos, using treats as reinforcement can soon get repetitive, the expert shares. Making every training session unique and exciting helps keep the pet on its toes. For instance, instead of using a toy as a reward for obeying an order, substitute it with a few minutes of playtime with the same toy to keep things interesting.

Bow-wow benefits

>> While the session is for all pet parents and their dogs, hyperactive canines stand to benefit the most from the learnings.

>> A dog needs the right avenue to expend its energy. The expert points out that if these needs are not met, the dog exhibits hyperarousal and overexcitement in social situations.

>> Learning tricks are the best way to channel a hyperactive dog's energy in a balanced, healthy way.