(MENAFN- The Peninsula) joelyn baluyut |
The Peninsula Doha, Qatar: Laura Allaberdina's eyes light up as she talks about her passion for dogs. For her, they are not just pets; they are her life's calling.
Having spent more than a decade and a half in the aviation industry in the country, Laura made a life-altering decision to follow her dream and become a professional dog trainer. Today, she stands as an inspiration in Qatar, having built her company, Mission Pawssible, from the ground up with a motto that encapsulates her mission:“Trust, Train, and Transform.”
Laura's love for dogs began in her childhood, where she dreamed of having a multitude of furry companions. Little did she know that her dreams would become a reality in Qatar, where she has been residing since 2004. She proudly boasts five magnificent dogs, including a German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and several rescued souls. As a passionate advocate for dog rescues, she dedicates her time to conducting seminars for rescue centers, organisations, and individual rescuers, all in an effort to help dogs find forever homes.
The inception of Mission Pawssible was a collaborative effort among Laura's clients and friends who recognised her unique approach to training. "My clients came up with the name, and everyone approved," she explains. Thus, Mission Pawsible was born, becoming Qatar's first dog training company.
Laura's path to success wasn't without its challenges. In 2022, she faced her toughest battle - cancer. "My last year was one of the hardest of my life," she reflects, "but with the support of my family, friends, and my dogs, I made it through. We survived it, and we're happy."
Mission Pawssible's motto, "Trust, Train, Transform," isn't just a tagline-it's the core of Laura's methodology. Initially, the process involves both training the dog and educating the owner. Laura emphasises that a significant part of her work is transforming the owners' behaviour, which ultimately leads to changes in their pets.
Laura firmly believes that the furparent should also educate themselves in order to understand their dog's behaviour. "You need to train yourself to understand your dog's behaviour," she advises. "When you make changes in your routine, show discipline, and provide mental and physical stimulation, your dog will respond positively."
Mission Pawssible offers various training options, including online classes during the pandemic and group sessions in Al Bidda Park. One of the most successful programmes is the "Perfect Pup Program," where puppies get introduced to new experiences and other pups, ensuring a positive start to their lives.
Laura's training has transformed many dogs' lives, and the success stories are heartwarming. One such story is Luna, a dog who was aggressive towards both humans and other dogs. After staying with Laura for a few weeks, Luna became sociable and affectionate, astonishing her furparents with the remarkable change.
Rescue dogs, like Chester and Jolly, also found a new lease on life under Laura's guidance. Chester, once dominant and aggressive, now lives peacefully, while Jolly overcame her fears and became a confident, loving companion.
Her expertise comes from a wealth of experience and education. She was trained under a renowned Russian behaviorist and carries certifications from the Pet Professional Guild (PPG), International Animal Behavior Association (IAABC), and Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT).
Meanwhile, her message to furparents is a simple but powerful one: "Trust your dog, invest time in training them correctly, and you'll see remarkable changes. Dogs are like our children; they need our love, care, and attention. Daily walks and socialisation with other dogs are the best gifts you can give them."
Laura's journey from arriving in Qatar with just one dollar to becoming a leading dog trainer is nothing short of remarkable. "Everything I have now is thanks to Qatar - the beauty of this country and the opportunities it provided," she shares with gratitude.
In closing, she urges people not to give up on their dogs, regardless of behavioural challenges. With patience, hard work, and the guidance of a professional, every dog can be transformed.
Laura Allaberdina's story is a reminder that with trust, training, and determination, anything is pawssible.