TRAINING FROM THE HEART: THE MUTTLY CREW INTERVIEWS MICHAEL ASIRVADEM, FOUNDER OF WESTSIDE K9 AND “FRIENDS FOR LIFE” PROJECT

For many dog parents, hearing professional trainer Michael Asviradem’s advice is an enlightening experience. It’s similar to achieving the perfect, peaceful walk with your dog. You are moving at the same pace and in harmony. The weather is ideal. While any distraction, whether an unruly squirrel or a nosy neighbor is not a problem. You both are going with the natural flow.

Michael’s love for critters and animals, particularly dogs, steered him to train and walk them. But what an interesting journey he took to get here! When Michael was younger, his mom was scared of what he may have in his pocket. It could have been an insect or a frog. He grew up in Sri Lanka with elephants roaming in his backyard. He was considered the adventurous wild child of the family. Michael grew up and fetched a corporate event management job. But a desk could not contain him. He became a news field reporter- facing the front line of war. Michael has been put through a wall. As a first responder, he helped others after one of the worst tsunamis to hit Asia in modern history. During all of this, his heartfelt passion remained with animals and children. He worked with snakes at a Sri Lankan habitat and population conservation. Michael involved himself in humanitarian work helping children affected by war. Particularly child soldiers.  Later, he revisited his relationship with 4-legged beings. Michael and his wife Lara have visited animal sanctuaries across 29 states in the U.S. He even emotionally connects with critically endangered species like Mexican wolves! We found out that after all his adventurous challenges, losing his dog-son Brutus was the hardest, most traumatic experience of his life. While learning this and how he has helped dog parents or companions-to-be, we knew we needed to share his training tips with our readers. Check them out!

Tip 1: Do your research. Vet organizations before you adopt or foster dogs. One example I encountered is a person registering herself as a rescue agency, but she was buying dogs from puppy mills. Then she was getting them adopted. 

Tip 2: Know the dog’s history. Learn where she came from and her upbringing. You have to be able to handle the baggage that comes with the animal. If they were in a cage or crate for so long, imagine the experience in human terms. It’s like being confined in a holding cell. A tiny space. This can lead to stress that leads to anxiety.

Tip 3: A foster home has to prepare a dog to move on. You don't want to set roots where there is trauma of having to uproot and go somewhere else. Remember you are the stepping point for a dog to move on to a new life.

Tip 4: It’s not so much what you do. It’s how you do it. How do you get the dog to trust you? 
Body language. When outside, stop and sit on the ground while holding his leash. You are now his center point. Let him explore in a 360-degree radius. Use the full extent of the leash. Don’t pull. Let him explore and sniff. Keep touching him to a minimum. But have lots of positive verbal interaction! Encourage him with upbeat, loving comments like “good boy!”  No matter what his past was like, whether traumatic or peaceful, this a great exercise for the both of you. He has this opportunity to see the beautiful world around him with happy people and friendly dogs. The moment he gets scared, he can come back to you as his home base. When he does, you can sooth him with positive comments. If he crawls into your lap, that’s the highest expression of love.   

 Tip 5:  Remember their future is not reliant on their history. They can go on to blossom and being awesome creatures. All it takes is a little bit of love and understanding.