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

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 dogsThe evolution from training-focused models to relationship-based behavior workThe realities and ethics of off-leash freedomUnderstanding both human and canine behaviorThe difficult conversations around behavioral euthanasia and public safetyThis episode challenges listeners to think beyond labels like “good dog” or “bad dog” and instead consider the balance between animal welfare, community safety, and responsible ownership.Whether you work in animal control, shelters, training, or simply love dogs, this conversation offers thoughtful insight into how culture, environment, and expectations shape the animals we live alongside.Learn more about Sam and his work at: samaysam.com