Owning a dog is a big responsibility, and these moments are when the real work begins. For those who just can’t seem to get a handle on their rambunctious four-legged companion, a top-notch trainer can turn chaotic challenges into pleasurable routines.
This is where Jokhim Raj comes in. Based in Ipoh and with just one year of experience, the 30-year-old may be new to the dog-training scene, but he is already being sought after nationwide.
This might be because his style closely mirrors that of world-renowned dog whisperer Cesar Millan. In fact, just last January, Jokhim travelled to the US to learn from the master himself!
Despite having grown up with dogs, this former engineer never imagined working full-time with canines until he began training his own dog a few years ago. When his wife noticed his patience, curiosity and talent, she encouraged him to become an assistant for a dog trainer in Ipoh.
But Jokhim’s passion really truly ignited after his trip to the US, where he completed Millan’s training programmes. “Not only did I learn about dog psychology and enhance my skills, but that experience changed me,” he told FMT Lifestyle in reflection. “I learnt more about myself.”
A single tip from Milan provided the impetus for him to become a top trainer. “Cesar told me that the owners will tell you their story, but the dog will tell you the truth. So don’t come to any conclusions without seeing the dog first.
“The moment I started doing this, I didn’t feel nervous anymore.”
Recently, FMT Lifestyle saw Jokhim in action at Desa Parkcity in Kuala Lumpur, helping a rescue dog named Billie become more obedient to his human. Billie had a mind of his own on the leash – constantly pulling away and getting distracted by other dogs.
“When I meet a dog, I want the owner to walk the dog first. From that moment, I will know what the problem is and I can read the human’s energy,” Jokhim explained.
Indeed, he believes the challenge often lies not with the dog but with the human. When he held Billie’s leash for the first time, it was as if the issues were instantly resolved. And, after just 30 minutes with Jokhim, Billie was like a whole new pup.
With his insights on leadership, staying calm, and proper leash handling, Jokhim shared his expertise with Billie’s owner. Armed with this knowledge, human and canine quickly began to thrive.
Jokhim admits, however, that not every dog is a walk in the park. One of his most unforgettable experiences involved Shima, a German Shepherd and Husky mix.
“This was before I trained with Cesar. Shima came in because they almost wanted to put her down as she was very aggressive and bit her owner multiple times.”
Yet, after just three months of training with Jokhim, a dog that was once untouchable turned into a completely different companion.
“Shima is one of those I will never forget. She went from aggressive to very friendly. The moment Shima sees me now, she’s so excited,” he said warmly.
As he continues to transform dog-owner relationships across the country, Jokhim urges everyone to seek guidance and give their pets the care they deserve.
Above all, he stresses the importance of proper training, especially given the rising cases of abandoned pets – some of which might simply have been doggos that needed a little discipline and direction.
“You must treat a dog as a dog, not a human. It’s about trust, respect, and then love,” Jokhim concluded.
Follow Jokhim Raj on Instagram.