Not All Girls Like Poodles
From protection dog training to behaviorally treating aggressive dogs, meet the fearless 24 year old dog trainer
In a world where societal expectations often box women into traditional roles and their preferences, Tara James is a refreshing outlier. In talking to pet parents, Shih Tzus and Toy Poodles were often the most common pets, not that we are generalising. The reality is that no two people are alike, and not all girls are the same.
For Tara James, the 24-year-old founder of Canine Synergy, a premium dog training facility in Whitefield, Bangalore, big dogs have always been her companions. So much so, that she chose to defy conventions both personally and professionally to craft a career for herself, taking The Leap to become a certified dog trainer, especially to those that are rowdy.
A Lifelong Bond with Dogs and Taking The Road Less Travelled
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Born and raised in Bangalore, Tara’s roots are technically Malayali, she had an upbringing that always revolved around animals. Her connection to dogs runs deep - her mother grew up around dogs and horses, influenced by her father, a veterinarian in the army. For Tara, dogs have been part of the family since she was six. However, her relationship with animals took on deeper significance during her teenage years, especially as she struggled with mental health issues.
Finding conventional schooling challenging, Tara dropped out in grade 11 to pursue open schooling. During this difficult phase, volunteering at the CUPA Second Chance shelter became a lifeline. Working with abandoned and rescued dogs provided her with purpose and clarity, reigniting her mental and emotional well-being. Tara’s decision to work with dogs full-time was not without obstacles. "There was no formal education for dog behaviour," she explains. "It took two years to convince my parents, both software engineers, that this was a viable career." With persistence, she secured a job at CUPA, where she developed expertise in behaviour modification, particularly with aggressive dogs.
"There was no formal education for dog behaviour," she explains. "It took two years to convince my parents, both software engineers, that this was a viable career."
After three years at CUPA, Tara launched her own business, The Collar Club, in 2021. However, her ambitions outgrew the studio setup. Dissolving the partnership, she built Canine Synergy, a larger board-and-train facility focused on not just training dogs but also educating families. Today, her work extends far beyond traditional pet training. Tara runs Anarchy K9s, the first PSA (Protection Sports Association) club in Karnataka. PSA, a civilian dog sport, mirrors police dog training in its emphasis on obedience and controlled aggression. Through the club, Tara is pioneering protection dog training in South India, hosting PSA trials with international judges later this year.
Tara’s journey has not been without challenges - especially navigating gender expectations in a field dominated by men. "In the protection dog world, there are probably less than 10 women across India," she notes. "People expect women to do certain jobs, not be out in the sun, working with aggressive dogs." But Tara remains undeterred with her passion; Transcending outdated gendered notions related to her vocation.
"In the protection dog world, there are probably less than 10 women across India," she notes. "People expect women to do certain jobs, not be out in the sun, working with aggressive dogs."
Bridging Science and Empathy In Training Dogs
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Tara’s philosophy diverges from outdated training methods still prevalent in India, especially in southern regions. She advocates for modern, science-based techniques that build trust between dogs and their handlers. "Training should work with a dog’s natural instincts, not suppress them with fear," she emphasises.
Her clientele ranges from millennial pet parents—“double income, no kids” types who treat dogs as a family - to shelters that entrust her facility with rehabilitation and rehoming rescue dogs. Tara also mentors young trainers, encouraging more people to join the field with a modern, humane approach to dog training.
Living alone since the age of 18, Tara has shown resilience in every step of her journey. She shared how "explaining my career to family and society was draining initially," However, her unwavering dedication has silenced critics, as more people recognize the value of her work.
Tara James’s journey is about more than just training dogs—it’s about creating a positive impact through empathy, breaking gender stereotypes, and building a life around what truly matters. In a world where poodles may symbolise traditional femininity, Tara is proof that not all girls like poodles - and that’s perfectly okay.
In a world where poodles may symbolise traditional femininity, Tara is proof that not all girls like poodles - and that’s perfectly okay.
As her career gains momentum, Tara is an inspiring example of what can happen when passion meets purpose. Whether through training protection dogs, helping shelter animals find homes, or mentoring the next generation of trainers, Tara James is leaving her mark on the pet parent community in South India, one lesson at a time.
