A dog behaviour expert has delivered a stark caution about two widely adored dog breeds, identifying the "problem behaviours" he frequently encounters.
Celebrated dog trainer Will Atherton, boasting over 900,000 TikTok devotees, dispenses valuable tips on dog training and choosing the proper breed through his videos.
In a recent upload, Will examined "three breeds that right now I'm seeing the most problem behaviours with" but amended to "two" breeds in the caption. He noted that due to an influx of queries about canine issues from his followers, he felt compelled to spotlight the breeds currently linked to the most challenges.
Dachshund
Top of his list was the Dachshund, affectionately known as the Sausage Dog, reports Surrey Live.
Will pondered: "The question is, is this just because they are booming in popularity right now and they're not prone to additional behaviour, or is it that they are prone to additional behaviour? My personal belief is that it's a combination of both situations."
Cocker Spaniel
As for Cocker Spaniels, Will sees them daily presenting "extreme barking, extreme reactivity and extreme pulling", as well as "extreme fear and anxiety-based behaviours".
He further explained: "And I believe this is because people are getting working line Cocker Spaniels, and they are not even coming close to being able to provide them with the output that they need."
Will elaborated on his decisions in the comments section, revealing that he consults with "some of the best trainers in the world" to understand why they frequently encounter the same breeds. He posed the question: "[Is it] because the breed is inherently prone to problem behaviours or simply the probability from their popularity makes it more likely to see those specific breeds? ".
Will expressed his opinion, stating: "My thoughts are that it's a combination of both things, and although all dogs with the right genetics, socialisation, training and most importantly leadership in their life can thrive, my years of experience and thousands and thousands of dogs I've helped make me strongly believe that choosing the right breed from a good breeder, or taking your time to rescue a dog that's a great fit, is the most important decision you can make."
English (United States) ·