Beyond Puppyhood—Why Advanced Training Is Essential
Rajapalayams are not just pets—they’re emotionally intelligent, territorial, and bred for purpose. Without advanced training, they may develop reactivity, anxiety, or dominance behaviors like any other intelligent breeds. Intelligence has its side effects - if not disciplined with training, it makes the dog self-willed.
In 2022, a Rajapalayam named Shiva from Chennai ran away during Diwali fireworks. The cause? No desensitization, no retreat zone, and no leash control. With progressive training, Shiva now calmly stays home—even with guests and crackers outside.
There are many such instances of how training helps in developing healthy habits in your dog, but let's go straight to the meat of the topic.
This article expands on Part 1 by diving deeper into obedience drills, aggression control, festival prep, prey drive management, and adult retraining, tailored for Indian homes and lifestyles.
Daily Obedience Drills & Leash Manners
Rajapalayams thrive on structure, that's helped in the past. Even structure in training help humans in critical training.
Without it, they may:
- Pull ahead on walks
- Ignore recall (“come”)
- React to strangers or animals
- Refuse to heel at gates or stairs
Core Drills:
See that the following commands are taught early in the training. Then, don't leave the training at that. Keep repeating the commands for few more days till these commands become second nature to the puppy or your veteran dog.
Don't stop at that too. Periodically, keep practicing these commands just as we revise the lessons for our children from time to time lest they forget. So, keep training to keep you Modulhound sharp and obedient.
- Sit, Stay, Down, Come (Recall), Heel, Leave it
- Combine 3–4 commands in each session
- Practice against distraction-free walls, gates, or terraces
Leash Skills:
- Practice indoors (a few laps) and outdoors (15–20 minutes)
- Use lean meat treats or paneer to reinforce commands
- Reward calm leash behavior and correct responses
Why it matters: Without daily drills, Rajapalayams may become dominant, reactive, or unresponsive in real-life situations.
Noise Desensitization & Confidence Building
Indian homes are full of sensory overload:
- Vehicles honking
- Loudspeakers
- Crackers
- Weddings or celebrations
Solutions:
Sound desensitization drills (start with cracker noises at low laptop volume)
Gradually progress to louder sounds—use lots of treats!
Complement with calming aids:
- Crate or noise-blocking mat
- Vet-approved chew or calming spray
- Anxiety wrap or diffuser
Why it matters: Rajapalayams are sensitive to sound and movement, like any other dog. Without preparation, they most likely to bark, hide, or become reactive during festivals, noisy gatherings, and social gatherings.
Progressive Socialization for Pets & Places
Rajapalayams are reserved and naturally territorial. Dogs with very good hunting and guarding instincts display territorial aggression.
Without socialization, they may:
- Growl at guests
- Bark at unknown pets
- Refuse to enter new places
Indian Challenges:
In India, we enjoy big families and plenty of social activities. Our families are generally bigger with many cousins and the complete family of the cousins. Such frequent gatherings at home can become a stressful event for the dog that can trigger aggression. The following things are to be made familiar to the dog in the training.
- Houseguests
- Busy parks or markets
- Unknown pets or street animals
Steps:
- Introduce people and places progressively
- Start with scent (e.g., clothes) or distance introductions
- Reward calm curiosity and step-by-step exploration
- Use leash control and “leave it” for focus
- Arrange boundary walks with kept dogs
Why it matters: Poor socialization leads to fear-based aggression or isolation. Early exposure builds confidence and tolerance.
Prey Drive Control & Hunting Alternatives
Rajapalayams were bred to hunt wild boar. Their prey drive is strong and must be channeled.
Signs of Uncontrolled Prey Drive:
- Chasing cats, birds, or vehicles
- Lunging at moving objects
- Ignoring recall during outdoor play
Safe Alternatives:
See that the following training elements are practiced sufficiently and regularly to keep the hunting drive of your Rajapalayam puppy under check.
- Scent games with hidden treats
- Tug-of-war with durable toys
- Fetch with soft balls
- Agility drills in open areas
Why it matters: Uncontrolled prey drive can lead to accidents, injuries, or behavioral regression.
Large Breed Aggression Management
Rajapalayams may show aggression if:
- Poor or absent socialization
- Rigid boundary setting or underemployment
- Negative feedback or punitive training
Solutions:
- Confidence-building over punishment
- Safe socialization and neutralization of triggers
- Calm exit drills and “watch me” redirection
- Avoid yelling or leash jerks—use calm tone and treats
Why it matters: Aggression is often fear or confusion—not defiance. Rajapalayams respond best to trust and clarity.
Retraining Adult & Senior Rajapalayams
Yes, grown dogs can break habits.
That's very natural in intelligent dogs with hunting instinct. Generally the pet parents lose hope or become anxious as they don't understand that such behavior is natural. Don't punish the dog for these, because that creates other unwanted behavior.
Causes of hard habits:
- No training in puppyhood
- Prolonged underemployment (e.g., tied up)
- Lack of exposure to noise, people, or pets
This is the reason, retraining is needed time to time. It is not a lot of work, rather it's fun time with your beloved pet. See how quickly they come around.
Retraining Essentials:
- Focus on obedience drills, socialization steps, and noise desensitization
- Use high-value treats and gradual exposure
- Progress slowly, be patient and creative—then celebrate gains!
Why it matters: Adult Rajapalayams are loyal and intelligent. With consistency, they can relearn and thrive.
Choosing a Dog Trainer in India
Look for trainers who:
- Understand native breeds and sighthounds
- Use positive reinforcement (no choke chains)
- Offer home-based sessions
- Provide progress tracking and transparency
Ask for trial sessions and observe how your dog responds.
Rajapalayam Training Checklist
Rajapalayam Training Checklist for Indian Families
Training Area Age to Start Frequency Tools Needed Key Tips
Leash Manners 12 weeks Daily Collar & leash Reinforce heel, reward calm
Noise Desensitization 4 months Weekly Sound clips, treats Progress very slowly
Socialization 8–16 weeks Weekly Leash, retreat zone Reward calm curiosity
Obedience Drills 12 weeks Daily Treats, clicker Practice sit-stay-down daily
Retraining Any age Daily Treats, quiet space Move gently & consistently
Aggression Management 6 months+ As need Leash, “watch me” command Use redirection not punishment
