What do we do about TikTok? The short videos are highly watchable and often full of hilarity or useful information. On the flip side, the platform has given rise to some weird trends.
One such trend — barking at your dog — has attracted the attention of a dog advocacy group.
I think most of us have made 'animal' sounds at our pets, whether it's meowing at a cat or imitating a dog's noises. It might not seem like a big deal, and in many cases it likely isn't. But it can be a serious stressor for dogs.
Don't ask me why. It's just another social media trend that's picked up steam in recent months.
These videos go a little further than just talking to your dog. They generally involve a dog owner getting very close to their dog's face and barking loudly.
The goal of these videos is to get a funny reaction out of the dog.
If you were thinking that barking directly into a dog's face might be stressful for the dog, you're absolutely correct.
What might seem like a 'funny' response from a dog can actually be a sign of trauma.
One such response, known as whale eye, involves the dog opening their eyes very wide and freezing in place. This is a sign that the dog is stressed.
Other dogs might vocalize back at the owner, or lick their lips. These are both signs that the dog is trying to calm itself down in a stressful situation. Eventually, they might just try to escape the situation.
"The main problem with this TikTok trend is that the challenge is rooted in causing confusion, fear, or discomfort for the dog," explained Sassafras Lowrey of the American Kennel Club (AKC). "In general, this is not an activity to do with your dog."
Dogs are loving companions, but most dog owners have noticed that they don't enjoy being crowded or hugged. Recording a video where you get right in their face is an invasion of that all-important personal space.
A little eye contact with your dog is fine, but prolonged eye contact can come off as threatening. The dog might act defensive in response, and if it doesn't trust you, it may even lash out.
Dogs are pretty easy to read, so it's always a good idea to take stock of their body language. If something you're doing is making them appear to be stressed out, then stop doing it!
Having a dog becomes intuitive, but is often confusing for first-time owners.
Long-time dog owners, what have you learned about doggos over the years? Be sure to let us know your tips, tricks and hacks in the comments!
h/t: AKC
