Xavian Mar’s Journey from Academia to Canine Care
At 9:30 AM, I meet 21-year-old Xavian Mar, who is dressed for the day in sunglasses, a dry-fit tee, shorts, and running shoes—ideal attire for his profession. Today, we’re set for a lengthy walk, as Xavian proudly runs his own dog-walking and training business, Xavian and Pack, which he launched just a few months ago in June.
His company van, the first major purchase for his new venture, slowly rolls to a stop on a River Valley road. We have a few minutes to wait before he picks up his eighth dog of the day.
Through the van’s window, seven eager canine faces—primarily Singapore Specials—bounce with excitement, competing for a glimpse of the new human visitors. Muffled barks escape from inside, and Xavian approaches with outstretched palms, calming the enthusiastic pack.
“Just walk past them; they’re all trained and calm enough. Make yourself comfortable,” he instructs as we climb into the back of the van, quickly familiarizing ourselves with the excited group. We must hurry; the eighth dog has just reached the lobby of the nearby housing estate, and any delay could mean an unhappy wait for the other dogs.
A Dog’s Life
While maintaining a tight pick-up schedule, Xavian drives carefully; a sharp turn could send the dogs tumbling. Inside the van, the dogs play together, unconfined by crates or leashes, which Xavian believes stifles their social interaction. “Opportunities for socialization should begin as soon as a dog enters the van,” he asserts.
Xavian frequently collaborates with animal welfare organizations, noting that shelters often struggle to provide adequate exercise and social interaction for their dogs. “Many dogs remain in shelters for extended periods due to a lack of volunteers,” he explains, highlighting the impact of limited interaction on dogs’ behavior.
Currently, Xavian’s pack has expanded from seven to twelve dogs, with two more pick-ups pending. “The minimal socialization at shelters can lead to pent-up energy and behavioral issues,” he notes. “Owners often under-exercise their dogs, and we aim to provide them with ample exercise and interaction.”
Passion Made Practical
In Singapore, side hustles like dog-walking typically don’t lead to substantial careers. However, for Xavian, it would have been unwise not to follow his passion for helping dogs. “I started volunteering at Purely Adoptions and later at Action for Singapore Dogs. A fellow volunteer needed help with her anxious dog, and my training helped calm it down,” he recalls.
What began as a freelance side gig in 2017 evolved into a thriving business, as word-of-mouth brought in new clients eager for Xavian’s training methods.
The Curious Case of Behavior Modification
As we navigate the winding roads, a shy long-haired dachshund curls up in Xavian’s arms, hesitant to join the pack. Xavian reflects, “All these dogs were once anxious and excitable. With behavior modification, they become calmer and more sociable.”
Behavior modification focuses on addressing the emotional state of the dog, particularly when excessive anxiety or fear leads to undesirable behaviors. “Obedience training might not address underlying anxieties,” he adds, contrasting it with behavior modification techniques.
Who Let The Dogs Out?
We arrive at an open field, or dog run—a crucial stop for the dogs to release pent-up energy. As soon as Xavian swings open the door, a whirlwind of excitement erupts, and dogs race to explore the grassy area.
Xavian remains vigilant, keeping a watchful eye on the pack as they play. Each dog excursion happens three times a week, costing between S$75 to S$85 per dog, depending on breed. On other days, Xavian focuses on behavior modification training sessions that can cost around S$250 per hour.
In each session, he assesses the stimuli causing a dog’s undesirable behavior and works to condition them to respond calmly, incorporating dog excursions as part of the training.
Dog-Eat-Dog World
Competition in the dog-walking industry is fierce. With 571 entities offering pet care services in Singapore, Xavian and Pack is just one among many.
Attracting new clients is a constant challenge, and pet owners are selective about their choices, seeking the best for their furry companions. “In Singapore, we’re one of the best public healthcare systems,” says Xavian, hoping that visibility during their walks in popular areas like Marina Bay will help build trust and attract new customers.
Not A Walk in The Park
Xavian reflects on the challenges he faced while pursuing his passion. “My lecturers advised me to stop my business and focus on my studies. I doubted myself because I felt everyone was against me.”
He recalls nearly being expelled due to perceived conflicts of interest between his business and his studies. “I risked my diploma to help dogs,” he admits.
As we near the end of the walk, Xavian guides the pack back to the van, their excitement waning as they settle in for the ride home. Despite the muddy chaos and rigorous demands of his job, Xavian has no regrets. With unwavering determination, he navigates the challenges of being a professional dog walker, committed to the welfare of the dogs in his care.
