Dog Study Tours
Resilience. Coexistence. Freedom.
Learn more about free living dogs through
an immersive journey across India.
This is a classroom without walls, where the streets of India provide a masterclass in the art of living. We don't just watch dogs; we immerse ourselves in their world to unlearn human biases and re-learn the mechanics of social intelligence and survival. Through this high-impact experience, you will witness resilience and coexistence in their rawest forms, gaining a practical, life-shifting education that no book or course can provide.
The Classroom
From urban spaces to hills & beaches, we will travel across different parts of India, observing dogs in different contexts and environments.
The Curriculum
Observation-based ethology, canine ecology, social dynamics, and human-dog relationship through the dog's perspective.
The Experience
A week and a half of immersive field study, local culture, and personal growth.
Photos from 2025 Dog Study Tours
What do we do in the Dog Study Tours?
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Learning through observation - we take two walks every day to observe dogs in their natural environments (streets, train stations, beaches, hills, markets, etc)
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Dialogue - we gather and discuss all that we have learnt in our walks. The discussions are guided by professors at University of Technology, Sydney's Centre for Compassionate Conservation.
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Local culture - we soak in all the diversity India has to offer - food, music, arts, religion, transportation, etc.
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Engage - we meet local care givers who look after the free living dogs. We learn about their stories, the impact of dogs on humans, and the impact of humans on dogs.
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LEGS - We study the L(egs), E(nvironment), G(enetics), and S(elf) of free living dogs as taught by Kim Brophey in her course.
What do the tour participants have to say?
About your Tour Guide
Hi! I'm Kapil Patwardhan
If 10 years ago someone had told me that I would be taking people around India, facilitating a learning experience with street dogs, I would have laughed more than I do while watching a Seinfeld episode.
A little over a decade ago, I was slowly introduced to dog welfare world by my parents who would volunteer at adoption camps. In 2018, I officially started working full time for dogs and have since helped 1000s of puppies find their forever homes. But it always felt like something was incomplete. So I started learning about behaviour, evolution and human-dog relationship. I finished the Advanced Dog Behaviour Diploma from Nordic Dog Education Centre for Dog Trainers, and the LEGS course from Kim Brophey. Since then I have been involved in various research projects with dogs in India, written a children's book, and actively involved in helping communities coexist with dogs.
Now I've stumbled upon this incredible opportunity to show the dogs I care for to so many people from around the world. I will be your guide, philosopher and friend while you're in India.
- Kapil Patwardhan
2026 Dog Study Tours
After the success of our tours in 2025, we will head to two new places in 2026!
Sri Lanka Dog Study Tour
Explore the wonderful island country of Sri Lanka that is home to around 2 million free living dogs. There is plenty to learn from the dogs, the humans, wildlife and how they all coexist in complex systems. The tour will also take you to Udawalawe National Park for a full day ethical safari observing free elephants and birds.
Tour Dates - Feb 27 - Mar 9 2026
NOW FULLY BOOKED
Mountain Dog Study Tour
Head to the Himalayas to do a focussed study tour of the Indian mountain dogs. Our tour will be held in and around Dharamshala, the home of the exiled Tibetan government. Set along the beautiful landscape of the western Himalayas, the mountain dogs live interesting lives with Indians, and Tibetan monks.
Tour Dates - Apr 23 - May 3 2026
NOW FULLY BOOKED
2027 Dog Study Tours
All over India Tours
Tour 1 - 16 to 26 January 2027
Tour 2 - 12 to 22 February 2027
After a gap of two years, all over India tours will return in 2027. The tours will take you through different parts of India, as we learn from dogs in different environments, climates, and cultures. We will also engage with local volunteers, dog feeders, and caregivers who will teach us more about dog-human relationship in India. Themes that usually come up are coexistence, freedom, and common sense.
The Dog Study Tours isn't like any other tourist tour. We will live, walk, and experience life like locals.
We will also have dog experts in the tours.
Tour 1 - A world-class canine professional (to be announced shortly)
Tour 2 - Julia Robertson (Founder, Galen Myotherapy)
A third tour may be added in the summer of 2027 - Mountain Dog Tour in Dharamshala.
Tour Inclusions
Tour costs USD 2800 / GBP 2100 / EUR 2400 (Single occupancy)
Tour costs USD 2300 / 1750 GBP / EUR 2000 (Double occupancy)
($200 spot reservation fee. No added interest flexible payment plans available)
Hotels
Domestic Travel
Expert Fees
3 star or better hotels with breakfast included
Flights, Trains, Buses, Airport transfers - All transportation within India
Fees for local experts that help in curating our dog observation sessions
Special Experiences
All activities that give a better context of local culture (for example workshops, Taj Mahal tickets, hikes, etc)
Materials
Notepad, Tote bag, T-shirt and other useful items during the tour
Taxes & Giveback Funds
Includes all local taxes and service charges, plus support for local dog volunteers in all cities
All Over India Tour Itinerary
5 Cities, 11 Days, Countless Dogs
Mumbai
We start our tour with two days in Mumbai, witnessing dogs in a densely populated urban environment.
New Delhi
We then spend a day in New Delhi, looking at dogs cared for by local communities, and learn more about networks set up by dog caregivers.
Pune
We then spend four days in Pune, witnessing dogs in universities, hills, rural spaces, and visit Kapil's home.
Agra
We then spend two days in Agra, visiting the Taj Mahal and looking at dogs in and around a tourist site. The tour ends on our return back to New Delhi from Agra.
Goa
We then spend two days in Goa, mainly looking at dogs by the beach.
List of Cities
Day 1 & 2 - Mumbai
Day 3 to 6 - Pune
Day 7 & 8 - Goa
Day 9 - New Delhi
Day 10 & 11 - Agra
Dog Study Tour FAQs
Sign ups for 2027 tours will open shortly...
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Step into their freedom, learn from their resilience, and leave with a perspective that changes everything.