Kerala university launches expanded dog training programme amid pet boom

Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU) has rolled out an enhanced six-week certification programme designed to equip handlers with comprehensive skills in managing domestic dogs. The curriculum encompasses canine behaviour analysis, obedience training techniques, safe handling protocols, and the legal framework governing animal welfare in India.

The move comes as pet ownership in Kerala has increased substantially in recent years, creating growing demand for qualified trainers and handlers. According to university officials, the shortage of trained professionals has contributed to a persistent problem: many pet owners abandon animals when behavioural problems arise, overwhelming animal shelters and rescue organisations across the state.

The structured training programme addresses multiple gaps in the current landscape. Participants learn to assess and modify unwanted behaviours, implement positive reinforcement methods, and understand the physiological and psychological needs of dogs. The curriculum also covers relevant provisions of animal protection laws, ensuring handlers operate within legal and ethical boundaries.

University authorities view the initiative as a dual-purpose intervention—creating employment opportunities for trained professionals while reducing animal abandonment rates linked to poor behaviour management. The programme is expected to produce handlers capable of supporting responsible pet ownership and improving outcomes for animals in domestic settings.