Dogs & Kids- The PetSitters Way
It all starts with a simple question, “Mom, Dad, can we get a dog?”. And the standard reply — “We’ll think about it”. This is a scenario that is enacted in almost every house at one point or the other. But when the question becomes more frequent, is when the thinking really starts.
All sorts of questions cross the parents’ mind — which may or may not have crossed the child’s — and they (the parents) start envisioning what the house would look like 6 months later. Getting a dog should be a family decision for the reason that dogs are probably the most dependent of all pets. That is why it becomes extremely important for the child to understand the responsibilities, duties, etc. of pet ownership.
The best way is to be around dogs as much as possible. It could mean accompanying a friend who has a dog while they go for a walk, visiting dog parks or even spending time at the vet’s place with permission. While at it, we also insist that the child make maximum contact with dogs within their comfort levels. This gives them a feel of being with a canine — the fur, the wet nose, the sticky saliva.
PetSitters is a place where all of this, and much more, can be done under one roof. Our Pet Sibling Programme offers a three-pronged approach to help the family with decision-making.
- The first is when the family comes in for a consult wherein the family structure, schedules and preferences are discussed. The pros and cons of everything, from breed to diet are discussed.
- The second is where the child/children come to the facility and experience a day in the life of dogs. Right from morning to evening, the child takes complete care of the dog s/he is assigned including walks, meals, exercise, grooming, play and even picking up poop.
- The third is where the family gets back with what they find feasible, what the child thinks after spending time with dogs and what s/he feels after getting an idea of what being a pet-sibling looks like. The further plan of action is decided such that it suits all family members.
Apart from learning about dogs, kids just have a blast during their day with the dogs. Be it making acquaintances with canines for the first time or playing with them, it keeps the kids hooked throughout. Just being around dogs makes them happy. They begin asking questions and understanding the bond better. Most kids even forget about their gadgets!
We largely give you a professional assessment of what may or may not work, taking into consideration the age, schedules and requirements of all those staying in the house. By giving the entire family an objective understanding, it enables you to be the best judge of the situation and decide whether to introduce a four-legged member into it.
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Shalaka Mundada is the owner of PetSitters, a premium pet boarding facility in Pune, India.
Founded in 2008, PetSitters largely works in the field of Dog Kenneling, Pre-Pet Consultations & Dog Behavior Modification Programs. Shalaka is a certified Trainer, Behaviourist from John Rogerson’s Northern Centre for Canine Behaviour, UK. She has also completed her Kennel Management Course from Shirin Merchant Canine Can Care, Mumbai.
Along with kenneling, Shalaka largely work in the filed of Human Animal Interactions. She conducts workshops and events across age groups which work on enriching the classic animal human bond by better understanding of the species. Involving children as a part of pet ownership, getting them to understand the nuances of pet parenthood and how to have fun along the way are some of the program deliverables. Some of the programs are as listed- Pre Pet Counselling, Pet Sibling Program, Puppy Handling workshops, Pet Handling workshops, The Dog School. These programs also further designed for anyone and everyone who is interested in being a part of the every growing pet industry as it gives a basic foundation of working with pet dogs.
This is a great initiative Shalaka.. Kuddos
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Would like to share experiences of two things:
1. Pre Pet Counselling
We were thinking of getting a puppy and had *so* many questions – right from how we could adjust our routine with the puppy to, if and how the puppy would accept us!
Shalaka Mundada, the owner of PetSitters, arranged for a special training camp for the kids to assess how well they could handle dogs. She keenly observed both kids and told us that both were perfect for handling dogs. That was good news. After that, she sat us down as a family and explained the details of what care that is needed for them – right from which dog breed to select to medical and psychological care. We finally decided to get a golden retriever.
To summarize, we couldn’t have got the pup without Shalaka’s timely and sound advice.
2. Puppy handling
Shalaka was present with us when we were selecting the puppy and helped us pick the right one. Our house has slippery tiles, so there was a chance that the pup’s hips would get weakened. So she advised us to get socks for his feet which would prevent him from slipping. Shalaka was always ready to calm us down when we had panic attacks of when the pup tried to eat a frog, or when he got a little diarrhea!
It has now been 1.5 months since we have got the pup (named Toast), and we are having the time of our lives. My daughter has been training the pup, and again, Shalaka’s advice has been phenomenal in this. We are trying to mould Toast to be obedient and be friendly with other dogs in the area. We took Toast to PetSitters where Shalaka trained him not to be possessive, using her highly trained dogs! That was a sight to see! We will now be sending Toast to PetSitters for swimming sessions and also stay over for some time in the kennel so that he gets used to being there. The kennel is very clean and a “happy” place for dogs.
Highly recommend PetSitters’ services if you are even thinking of getting a dog, and of course if you are looking for a friendly place to keep your dog for a few days.
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