What does it really mean to be a pet parent in today’s world? In this episode of 3 Techies Banter, we sit down with leading canine behaviourist Shirin Dhabhar, one of the very few globally accredited experts in her field, to unpack 30 years of experience working with dogs and humans. From the shift from “dog owners” to “pet parents” to the dangers of over-humanizing pets, this conversation dives deep into what we’re getting right - and wrong - about raising dogs today. 00:00:00 - Highlights of the Episode 00:04:20 - Introduction to Shirin Dabur 00:06:30 - The Journey into Dog Training 00:07:30 - Changes in Pet Ownership Over 30 Years 00:09:00 - Understanding Dogs as Different Species 00:10:00 - The Importance of Time and Commitment 00:12:00 - Choosing the Right Dog Breed 00:14:00 - The Allure of Popular Breeds 00:15:00 - Best Dog Breeds for City Living 00:16:30 - The Importance of Mental Stimulation for Dogs 00:18:00 - Feeding Dogs: Common Sense Guidelines 00:19:00 - Support for Pets in India: Too Much or Too Little? 00:22:00 - The Stray Dog Dilemma 00:24:00 - Technology Advancements in Pet Care 00:27:00 - The Bark GPT April Fool's Joke 00:29:00 - The Challenge of Training Videos from the West 00:30:00 - The Role of Toys in Dog Happiness 00:32:00 - Aggression in Dogs: City vs. Village 00:34:00 - Funny Stories from Dog Training Experiences 00:38:00 - Emergency Care for Pets 00:40:00 - Dealing with Pet Loss 00:41:00 - The Challenge of Pet-Friendly Spaces in Cities 00:42:00 - Five Must-Haves Before Adopting a Pet 00:43:00 - The Role of Dog Walkers in Pet Care We also explore: Why many people shouldn’t get a dog The truth about breed selection (and why Huskies in India are problematic) How technology is changing pet care The myth of “perfect dog diets” and over-engineering pet care Real-life stories that show how humans are often the problem, not dogs The rise of AI in pet care (and why it can’t replace real understanding) Whether you’re a dog lover, a pet parent, or just curious about how humans and animals coexist, this episode is full of insights, humor, and hard truths Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices