Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Pune and raised in Dubai. After 35 years, I decided to close down my very successful business and follow my passion in animal behavior. I enrolled in Animal Behavior College, California and played music in bars across California to pay for my education. After graduating, I moved to India and helped set up India’s first luxury pet resort. “Always on Top, Dawg!” is first my book which talks about the importance of a strong leader-relationship when it comes to communicating with your dog.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Always on Top, Dawg!” was inspired with the idea to provide the right knowledge to pet parents and children and help them understand the root cause of their dog’s behavior to tackle problems better and permanently. I wanted to pass down the knowledge that I have accumulated over time as an animal behaviorist to help pet owners build a better relationship with their dogs.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes! I think faster than I type and so I ask my wife to type down chapters as I think them out loud!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been most influenced by Victoria Stilwell who is a positive training methodologist. I have learnt under her and her book “Train your dog Positively” has greatly influenced many techniques that I use for puppy training.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I am working on developing the curriculum for India’s first professional canine behavior diploma course.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I feel that the best method for me is via social media and reaching out to my client database. That I way I can ensure I have put my book in the right hands.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Always have a fresh pair of eyes look at your finished content. You will always get great constructive feedback which you would have definitely missed!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up because there are roadblocks. It just means there is another way around.
What are you reading now?
Currently I am reading “Mine!” which is a book on Resource Guarding by Jean Donaldson.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I guess the next step would be to write as many short books as I can about various training and behavioral concepts. There is just too much information for me to put down in one single book.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Wow. That’s a tough one. I would definitely take
1. A Dog’s Life by Peter Mayle
2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and 2
3. How to Win Friends & Influence People