Humans and dogs — sinners alike, are a result of a lifetime of indulgence. Pradeep Verma takes you down the road to avoid pitfalls.
Let’s admit it. Who does not like being pampered and spoiled? Both: humans and dogs — without exception, love to be at the centre of the universe and be indulged. However, sometimes the thin line between pampering and pandering gets squished and we have got a ‘spoilt brats’ situation that could spiral out of control any day. Read on and get to know how to avoid the pitfalls.
Connoisseurs of the tikka
Indian dogs do not just eat kibble—they negotiate like seasoned politicians. One whiff of paneer tikka and suddenly the kibble bowl looks like prison food. Chapati with ghee? Acceptable. Dal-chawal? Fine, but only if it is garnished with chicken. And if you dare serve plain kibble, expect a look that says, “Excuse me, do you think I am some foreign import? I was born in Bengaluru, not Boston.”
Battles for the bed
Humans invest in memory foam mattresses, weighted blankets, and ergonomic pillows. Dogs? They sprawl across the bed like furry tsunamis, leaving us clinging to the edge like passengers on a crowded Mumbai local. And we whisper, “Do not disturb him, he looks so peaceful,” even though he is snoring louder than your uncle after Diwali night.
Walks or the tugs-of-war?
We call it “exercise.” Dogs call it “dragging my human around while sniffing every paan-stained wall in the colony.” The human indulges the dog’s endless curiosity, waiting patiently while he investigates a suspicious samosa wrapper for ten minutes. The dog indulges the human’s delusion that this counts as cardio. Spoilt brats – both of them.
Barkday Parties and Rakhi Rituals
Indian dogs don’t just get birthdays—they get bark days. Cakes from Mumbai’s dog bakeries, balloons, and “Happy Barkday” banners. Some even get Rakhi tied on their paws during Raksha Bandhan, because, er… why not? And then we complain they’re spoilt, as if we didn’t personally book the hall and order the cake.
Insta Celebrities
Dogs in India are not just pets; they’re family influencers. Aunties gossip about them, uncles complain about their barking, and the house staff fight over who their favourite is. Some dogs even have their own WhatsApp groups, where owners share photos and emojis, as if the dog were a celebrity. One has to literally wade through the deluge of pet pics to find that rare one of the humans.
Bigtime Spoiling, No End In Sight
The economics of spoiling is booming. Gurugram has dog spas, Mumbai has dog bakeries, Bengaluru has dog yoga. Capitalism knows we’ll pay anything to pamper our furry overlords. And the munchkins? They spoil us by letting us believe we’re good providers, even though they’d happily trade all of it for a piece of chicken tikka.
The Emotional Hook
Dogs are therapists without degrees, comedians without scripts and gurus without ashrams. They spoil us with joy, loyalty and the kind of companionship that makes human relationships look flimsy. And we spoil them with endless validation. “Who’s a good boy?” we ask, ten times a day, reinforcing their belief that they are, indeed, the best boy in the mohalla.
The Glorious Absurdity
Yes, humans and dogs in India are spoilt brats. They manipulate, they indulge, they demand, they surrender. They live in a bubble of mutual pampering, oblivious to the absurdity of it all. And maybe that’s the point. Maybe being spoilt isn’t a flaw but a privilege, a reminder that life can be ridiculous and wonderful at the same time. So, the next time your dog demands Gulab Jamun or your human insists on dressing you in a kurta for Diwali, remember: you are spoilt brats —both of you! And isn’t that glorious?
The Question Looming Large
So, is spoiling your dog a bad thing? Well, a Yes and a No. Actually, it depends! There is a Right Way to do it, and then, there is the Wrong Way. For starters, let’s look at the Wrong Way.
Wrong Ways of Spoiling Dogs:
Many owners confuse love with indulgence, which can backfire:
Overfeeding & unhealthy treats: Giving too many snacks, table scraps, or rich foods (like paneer or biryani leftovers) can lead to obesity and health problems.
No boundaries: Allowing dogs to demand attention, bark excessively, or ignore commands teaches them that rules don’t apply.
Treating them like humans: Dressing them up constantly, carrying them everywhere, or letting them dominate the bed may feel cute but can foster anxiety and entitlement.
Rewarding bad behavior: Comforting whining or giving treats when they misbehave reinforces the wrong actions.
Neglecting discipline: Skipping training because “he’s too cute” results in spoiled behavior that strains the human-dog bond.
Right Ways to Spoil Dogs:
Spoiling doesn’t have to mean chaos—it can be healthy and enriching:
Balanced treats: Use nutritious snacks in moderation, ideally tied to training or positive behavior.
Consistent boundaries: Dogs thrive when they know what’s allowed and what isn’t. Clear rules reduce stress.
Mental stimulation: Puzzle toys, scent games, and varied walks spoil them with fun while keeping their brains sharp.
Physical activity: Regular play and exercise are the best indulgences—walks, fetch, agility, or even dog yoga.
Affection & attention: Belly rubs, cuddles and praise are free, healthy ways to spoil without side effects.
Training as bonding: Positive reinforcement makes dogs feel rewarded while teaching good manners.
The bottom line is, spoiling isn’t all that bad—it’s how you do it. The wrong way creates bratty, unhealthy dogs; the right way creates happy, well-adjusted companions who still feel adored.
