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Picture an Unconventional Badass Woman. Now, add heaps of canine compassion to the canvas, and then finish up with a masterstroke of kindness and humility—and voila, you have the portrait of Shirin Merchant. Our Badass Boss in feature is India’s most renowned Canine Behaviour Specialist and Trainer who is changing the face of dog training in India. She is the founder of Canines Can Care—India’s first and only organisation working towards evolving the concepts of rescue and assistance dogs. She was also the founder and editor of India’s first Canine Magazine—Woof! The Mag with a Wag!—which she ran through the decade ending 2012.
In a field that is considerably dominated by men in our country, the sheer quality and approach of Shirin’s work is a big reality check for those with the unfounded belief that “women cannot be dog trainers since they are too weak.” Shirin operates with the mission of changing the way dogs are trained in India—from methods of intimidation and pain to kinder and constructive training methods. This comes from her belief that: “Every living creature on Earth wants two things in life primarily- respect and kindness”.
That she was awarded the prestigious International Commendation award for Trainer of The Year by the KCAI, Kennel Club of England—and an accreditation by them that only seven other people in the world have—is testimony to her success, dedication and commitment. She was also awarded the First Ladies Award by the President of India and the Ministry of Women and Child Development—for her outstanding and unconventional work. In an exclusive interview with BeBadass, Shirin discusses her love for dogs and her work philosophy and shares some insightful advice on leading an unconventional life.
“I didn’t choose this line of work. This line of work chose me. In my family everyone loved dogs, and so I grew up with a passion for animals” —
Could you tell us about your first ever memory with a dog...
My first memory would be with my first dog—a beautiful black Doberman called Sambo. He had the kindest heart. I clearly remember when I was about 5 years old, I was laying on my bed and crying, and he had come and sat by my side for over an hour till I was OK.
Growing up, did you always have a special and instinctual bond with animals?
Yes, I just instinctively would reach out for any animal around me and say hello.
What drove you to pursue a degree in zoology?
Science has always been a field that fascinated me, so it was natural for me to take up the study of animals.
Post her graduation, Shirin ventured into her father's business, but in her own words: “My heart was not into it. I had always wanted to do something related to animals but since there was no nothing at that time in India I continued helping my dad.” she said in an interview with yourstory.com.
However, her life changed in 1995 when she met John Rogerson—a world renowned animal behaviorist.
Tell us about your training with the world renowned canine behaviourist and trainer—John Rogerson—and how that impacted you?
John Rogerson is my mentor. He taught me not just about canines, but also to be kind to animals, and generous with sharing my knowledge with others. I stayed in England for months at a time over a period of 4 years and studied, competed in working trials and learnt from some of the best trainers in England.
Of her love for her work, we speak to Shirin about the highs and lows of her job and why she decided to start her own venture:
Three words to describe your career as a canine behaviourist?
Exhilarating, Motivational, Compassion
What is the most rewarding and challenging part of the work you do?
Working with the dogs is the easy part. Convincing humans to let go of old preconceived notions of dog training and behaviour is challenging.
What motivated you to conceptualise Canines Can Care?
In 1995, I started Canines Can Care to make a change in the way dogs were trained in India. Over the years the organisation pioneered the concept of Assistance dogs, Professional Trainer Courses, civilian Search and Rescue dogs and India’s first canine magazine for pet parents- Woof! The Mag with a Wag!
“In fact, the ‘Canines Can Care’ search dog team was the only one representing India in the aftermath of the Bhuj earthquake in 2001,” she adds in an interview with yourstory.com.
How does it feel to get all the recognition that you have—accreditation from Kennel Club of England and First Ladies Award from the President of India and the Ministry of Women and Children?
Honestly, it's awesome to be recognised for all the hard work and sacrifices, but dogs and pet parents really don’t treat you any differently just because you have awards to your name. They still expect results with their dogs.
“The day you think you know everything about dogs is the day you will step into dog poop. Always leave your ego at the door when working with a dog” — Shirin shares her insights on what we can learn from our furry friends :
Against the backdrop of canine psychology—what are among the first few impressions that dogs observe in humans?
Dogs read us far better than we read them. They make use of their powers of observation and can tell through subtle body language cues when we are upset, sad, nervous or even frightened.
What are some of the unspoken cues that humans should pay attention to—to engender a better relationship with dogs?
Dogs are talking to us in their own language of body language cues. It’s time we learned to listen.
What are some of the most inspiring & insightful lessons that we can learn from dogs?
Dogs have been teaching us ever since we domesticated them and will keep teaching us. Lessons of unconditional love, loyalty and compassion are some of the things we can learn from dogs. But most importantly, they teach us more about humanity than any other human can.
“They teach us something as basic and simple as unconditional love, forgiveness. How many times have we shouted at our dog as we left for work but when we return in the evening, they are there at the door, wagging their tails, just ecstatic to see you. Try doing that to your husband/wife one day, you’ll come home to a prolonged 48-hour drama! Dogs forgive and prefer to live in the present, they never hold grudges. If they have a problem, they don’t sit on it for ages like humans do, they immediately express it. These are all lessons that we can surely learn from”, she adds in an interview with indianwomenblog.org.
“You don’t have to love animals to be kind to them. Kindness can be practised towards all regardless of whether you love or respect another. If you can choose to be kind or be right, choose kindness. Always” —In our last segment, Shirin shares her views on training dogs in a kinder way and shares her advice on leading one’s life:
Older methods of dog training focussed on evoking intimidation and fear. Contrasted against this—what is your philosophy and process for training dogs in a more kinder way?
More people today are keeping dogs than ever before and pet parents are more aware of dog training and behaviour than they were 20 years ago, but yet we have more dogs being abandoned in India than anywhere else. The lack of education in our country—whether it is people who bring home a dog and have no idea what commitment it entails or the fact that even after years, we still have trainers in India who are quick to hurt a dog in the name of training are challenges that still persist. If a dog was aggressive, it was deemed rabid and put to sleep. A dog is never a bad dog, they are either misunderstood, frustrated, or are trying to say something to their human.
Some parting advice, please?….
Life is too short. Live it on your own terms.
What does being a badass mean to you?
Being a Chihuahua in a Rottweiler’s world!
Name three badass women in your life
My college teacher—Ma’am Smita, my mother and my sister.
What advice would you like to give to younger folks interested in making a career in unconventional fields?
Don’t let anyone tell you how to lead your life. Listen to your own gut instinct because no one knows what will bring you happiness better than your own self.
Picture an Unconventional Badass Woman. Now, add heaps of canine compassion to the canvas, and then finish up with a masterstroke of kindness and humility—and voila, you have the portrait of Shirin Merchant. Our Badass Boss in feature is India’s most renowned Canine Behaviour Specialist and Trainer who is changing the face of dog training in India. She is the founder of Canines Can Care—India’s first and only organisation working towards evolving the concepts of rescue and assistance dogs. She was also the founder and editor of India’s first Canine Magazine—Woof! The Mag with a Wag!—which she ran through the decade ending 2012.
In a field that is considerably dominated by men in our country, the sheer quality and approach of Shirin’s work is a big reality check for those with the unfounded belief that “women cannot be dog trainers since they are too weak.” Shirin operates with the mission of changing the way dogs are trained in India—from methods of intimidation and pain to kinder and constructive training methods. This comes from her belief that: “Every living creature on Earth wants two things in life primarily- respect and kindness”.
That she was awarded the prestigious International Commendation award for Trainer of The Year by the KCAI, Kennel Club of England—and an accreditation by them that only seven other people in the world have—is testimony to her success, dedication and commitment. She was also awarded the First Ladies Award by the President of India and the Ministry of Women and Child Development—for her outstanding and unconventional work. In an exclusive interview with BeBadass, Shirin discusses her love for dogs and her work philosophy and shares some insightful advice on leading an unconventional life.
“I didn’t choose this line of work. This line of work chose me. In my family everyone loved dogs, and so I grew up with a passion for animals” —
Could you tell us about your first ever memory with a dog...
My first memory would be with my first dog—a beautiful black Doberman called Sambo. He had the kindest heart. I clearly remember when I was about 5 years old, I was laying on my bed and crying, and he had come and sat by my side for over an hour till I was OK.
Growing up, did you always have a special and instinctual bond with animals?
Yes, I just instinctively would reach out for any animal around me and say hello.
What drove you to pursue a degree in zoology?
Science has always been a field that fascinated me, so it was natural for me to take up the study of animals.
Post her graduation, Shirin ventured into her father's business, but in her own words: “My heart was not into it. I had always wanted to do something related to animals but since there was no nothing at that time in India I continued helping my dad.” she said in an interview with yourstory.com.
However, her life changed in 1995 when she met John Rogerson—a world renowned animal behaviorist.
Tell us about your training with the world renowned canine behaviourist and trainer—John Rogerson—and how that impacted you?
John Rogerson is my mentor. He taught me not just about canines, but also to be kind to animals, and generous with sharing my knowledge with others. I stayed in England for months at a time over a period of 4 years and studied, competed in working trials and learnt from some of the best trainers in England.
Of her love for her work, we speak to Shirin about the highs and lows of her job and why she decided to start her own venture:
Three words to describe your career as a canine behaviourist?
Exhilarating, Motivational, Compassion
What is the most rewarding and challenging part of the work you do?
Working with the dogs is the easy part. Convincing humans to let go of old preconceived notions of dog training and behaviour is challenging.
What motivated you to conceptualise Canines Can Care?
In 1995, I started Canines Can Care to make a change in the way dogs were trained in India. Over the years the organisation pioneered the concept of Assistance dogs, Professional Trainer Courses, civilian Search and Rescue dogs and India’s first canine magazine for pet parents- Woof! The Mag with a Wag!
“In fact, the ‘Canines Can Care’ search dog team was the only one representing India in the aftermath of the Bhuj earthquake in 2001,” she adds in an interview with yourstory.com.
How does it feel to get all the recognition that you have—accreditation from Kennel Club of England and First Ladies Award from the President of India and the Ministry of Women and Children?
Honestly, it's awesome to be recognised for all the hard work and sacrifices, but dogs and pet parents really don’t treat you any differently just because you have awards to your name. They still expect results with their dogs.
“The day you think you know everything about dogs is the day you will step into dog poop. Always leave your ego at the door when working with a dog” — Shirin shares her insights on what we can learn from our furry friends :
Against the backdrop of canine psychology—what are among the first few impressions that dogs observe in humans?
Dogs read us far better than we read them. They make use of their powers of observation and can tell through subtle body language cues when we are upset, sad, nervous or even frightened.
What are some of the unspoken cues that humans should pay attention to—to engender a better relationship with dogs?
Dogs are talking to us in their own language of body language cues. It’s time we learned to listen.
What are some of the most inspiring & insightful lessons that we can learn from dogs?
Dogs have been teaching us ever since we domesticated them and will keep teaching us. Lessons of unconditional love, loyalty and compassion are some of the things we can learn from dogs. But most importantly, they teach us more about humanity than any other human can.
“They teach us something as basic and simple as unconditional love, forgiveness. How many times have we shouted at our dog as we left for work but when we return in the evening, they are there at the door, wagging their tails, just ecstatic to see you. Try doing that to your husband/wife one day, you’ll come home to a prolonged 48-hour drama! Dogs forgive and prefer to live in the present, they never hold grudges. If they have a problem, they don’t sit on it for ages like humans do, they immediately express it. These are all lessons that we can surely learn from”, she adds in an interview with indianwomenblog.org.
“You don’t have to love animals to be kind to them. Kindness can be practised towards all regardless of whether you love or respect another. If you can choose to be kind or be right, choose kindness. Always” —In our last segment, Shirin shares her views on training dogs in a kinder way and shares her advice on leading one’s life:
Older methods of dog training focussed on evoking intimidation and fear. Contrasted against this—what is your philosophy and process for training dogs in a more kinder way?
More people today are keeping dogs than ever before and pet parents are more aware of dog training and behaviour than they were 20 years ago, but yet we have more dogs being abandoned in India than anywhere else. The lack of education in our country—whether it is people who bring home a dog and have no idea what commitment it entails or the fact that even after years, we still have trainers in India who are quick to hurt a dog in the name of training are challenges that still persist. If a dog was aggressive, it was deemed rabid and put to sleep. A dog is never a bad dog, they are either misunderstood, frustrated, or are trying to say something to their human.
Some parting advice, please?….
Life is too short. Live it on your own terms.
What does being a badass mean to you?
Being a Chihuahua in a Rottweiler’s world!
Name three badass women in your life
My college teacher—Ma’am Smita, my mother and my sister.
What advice would you like to give to younger folks interested in making a career in unconventional fields?
Don’t let anyone tell you how to lead your life. Listen to your own gut instinct because no one knows what will bring you happiness better than your own self.
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