A Nation of New Pet Parents
India's love for pets has translated into a booming market. The country's pet care market was valued at over USD 2.3 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow steadily, with some forecasts predicting it will reach over USD 4.3 billion by 2033. This rapid
expansion is driven by rising disposable incomes, urbanisation, and a significant cultural shift where pets are increasingly seen as part of the family rather than just guard animals. The pandemic further accelerated this trend, with many seeking companionship during lockdowns. This has led to a surge in demand for everything from premium pet food and accessories to grooming and veterinary services. However, this growth has also brought a steep learning curve for a new generation of pet owners who are navigating the challenges of pet ownership for the first time.
The Wild West of Pet Training
With the rise in pet ownership comes a parallel demand for dog trainers. The problem is that the industry is almost entirely unregulated. In India, anyone can declare themselves a dog trainer or behaviourist without any formal certification, assessment, or licence. This has created a 'Wild West' environment where quality and methods vary drastically. Many self-proclaimed trainers rely on outdated, dominance-based, or punishment-heavy techniques that have long been debunked by modern animal behaviour science. These harsh methods, which can include physical correction and intimidation, often create fear and anxiety in dogs, potentially leading to more significant behavioural problems down the line, including aggression. This lack of oversight leaves pet owners vulnerable to bad advice that can damage the human-animal bond they sought to build.
The Hidden Costs of Bad Advice
The consequences of poor training extend beyond a poorly behaved pet. For the animals, coercive training methods can lead to anxiety, fear-based aggression, and a diminished quality of life. For owners, the failure to see results despite paying for services leads to immense frustration. This can tragically result in pets being surrendered to already overburdened shelters or, in worst-case scenarios, abandoned. Reports suggest that a significant number of pet owners admit to having abandoned a pet, often when the realities of raising an animal become too challenging. Furthermore, a lack of proper socialisation and training contributes to public nuisance issues and safety concerns, such as excessive barking and biting incidents.
A Call for Certification and Positive Methods
In response to this growing crisis, a movement towards professionalising the industry is gaining ground. Several private organisations and academies across India now offer certification courses for dog trainers, focusing on modern, science-backed techniques. These programmes champion positive reinforcement, a method that uses rewards like treats or praise to encourage desired behaviours. This approach is not only more humane but is also proven to be more effective in building a dog's confidence and strengthening the bond with its owner. Experts and animal welfare bodies advocate for owners to seek out certified professionals who are transparent about their methods. When looking for a trainer, pet parents should ask about their certifications, whether they use force-free methods, and request to observe a training session to ensure the approach is compassionate and effective.
