“Nothing is more fulfilling to me than training dogs and watching them be successful.”
World-Class Training and Top Honors
Hello, my name is Rhea Bhatia, and I am a Certified Dog Trainer based in the UAE and certified NOT through brief workshops, self-proclaimed experience or online courses but through a rigorous curriculum that mandates 100% field training. I dedicated six months of my life to intensive, hands-on learning at a premier dog training academy in the USA. This wasn’t just any program; it’s arguably the world’s most comprehensive dog training program, spanning 24 weeks with a demanding curriculum that requires students to live on-site and achieve a minimum grade of 80% to pass. As one of the world’s top dog training academies, it admits students only after rigorous qualification rounds and requires them to work with a diverse range of breeds and temperaments.
My education extended far beyond basic obedience; I immersed myself in advanced dog training methods rooted in over 40 years of scientific research in canine psychology. The techniques we studied were evidence-based and continually updated to incorporate the latest insights in dog behavior. I was the first student from the UAE, one of the youngest in my class, and graduated at the top of my class, being honored as the class ‘Valedictorian’.
From Corporate to Canine Psychology
However, my journey is a little different. For a substantial part of my life, I did not make my passion my career. I left my corporate career a few years ago to pursue my passion: Canine Psychology.
Expertise Rooted in Field Training
I started as a part-time pet sitter, began training various dogs as an added service, and soon recognized the demand for quality dog trainers in the UAE. What truly solidified my dedication to this field was an experience with a Husky named Star. His family, desperate for help, entrusted him to me after he had bitten several members of their household. Their only other option was euthanizing him as they did not want to put another family in danger. Despite my best efforts at the time, I lacked the formal training to effectively address his behavioral issues. Star’s case deeply affected me and fueled my determination to seek the best possible education. I returned from the academy armed with the knowledge and skills to make a real difference in the lives of dogs like Star.
Dogs Are My Heartbeat
My passion for dogs extends beyond training. I’m actively involved in rescue work, having personally rescued, trained, and rehomed nine stray dogs in Dubai. I also played a key role in rescuing and sheltering twelve other dogs in 2023. I believe in giving back to the community and inspiring others to adopt from shelters, offering discounted training rates to those who do.
I pour my heart into every case and aspire to positively impact the lives of dogs and their families. A badly behaved dog can quickly become a nuisance, but sharing your life with a well- behaved dog is a true bliss that I believe everyone should experience. Nothing in the world makes me happier than training dogs and watching them succeed.
Just like physical fitness, training and mental stimulation for pets are a MUST. If we truly love our dogs, we should ensure we give them wholesome lives by engaging their senses and resourceful brains—even if it’s simple fun tricks like fetching your soft drink from the refrigerator or finding your car keys. Keep their brains fueled, and as a result, keep them very happy!