Mumbai to Montreal: A Different Way to Understand Dogs (Episode 302)

About this episode

The episode features a conversation with Sam Amalsadwala about his unique approach to dog behavior influenced by his cultural background and experiences.

In this episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast , Daniel Ettinger and Ashley Bishop sit down with Sam Amalsadwala , a Montreal-based dog behavior expert whose path into animal behavior is anything but traditional. Originally from India and trained as a chef, Sam shares how a career transition — and a deep curiosity about dogs — led him to build a unique approach to canine behavior grounded in observation, relationship-building, and real-world socialization. Drawing from his cultural background, including the role dogs play within Zoroastrian traditions, Sam offers a perspective on human–animal relationships that challenges many Western assumptions about dog ownership and training. Sam discusses his now well-known work walking large groups of dogs — sometimes up to 35 at a time — off-leash in a private forest environment, and how that experience shaped his philosophy that early socialization and environmental exposure often matter more than traditional obedience training . The conversation explores: Cultural differences in how societies view and live with dogs The evolution from training-focused models to relationship-based behavior work The realities and ethics of off-leash…

People in this episode

Hosts: Daniel Ettinger, Ashley Bishop

Guest: Sam Amalsadwala

Topics covered

• dog behavior
• cultural perspectives
• human-animal relationships
• off-leash training
• animal welfare
• community safety

Keywords

• dog training
• behavioral euthanasia
• socialization
• relationship-based training
• cultural differences
• off-leash freedom

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Zoroastrian

Places: Mumbai, Montreal

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