A dog trainer revealed the three breeds he finds most challenging to work with, with one topping the list due to its potential danger.
The UK is a nation of dog enthusiasts – hence why they’re affectionately dubbed “man’s best friend” – and countless households are eager to adopt a pooch into their homes and hearts.
Dogs are renowned for being faithful sidekicks, spreading cheer and comfort worldwide. Like humans, every dog breed exhibits distinctive traits and behaviours, underscoring the importance of careful research before embracing the significant commitment of raising a pet.
Hugely popular online, canine behaviour expert Will Atherton commands a large social media following by posting videos brimming with guidance and advice. One of his latest Instagram videos has captivated legions of viewers, numbering in the thousands.
In this video, he ranks the three dog breeds that he least enjoys training, elucidating the reasons behind his choices. Alongside the video, his caption read: “Any trainer or behaviourist that tells you they don’t have favourite breeds to work with and least favourites are either lying or haven’t worked with enough and I know when I was starting out I’d have loved to hear people being honest, so at the risk of upsetting a few people here’s some of my least favourites.”
Speaking directly to the camera, Will explained: “These are three breeds that as a canine behaviourist, I really don’t look forward to working with. The first one, for me, is the Chow Chow.
“Now, don’t get me wrong, I agree, they look absolutely phenomenal but they’re one of the few breeds that I actually don’t have many situations where I’ve met a really nice one.
“Now, I understand, as a behaviourist, I see when things go wrong but usually it’s with really sweet dogs that are just making bad decisions. With the Chow Chow, that’s rarely the case.”
The next dog on Will’s hit list was the pug. He continued: “Now, pugs are awesome little dogs – they’re usually really fun, really lively, full of character and full of personality. The reason that I’m not a huge fan of working with them has nothing to do with their temperament or characters but everything to do with how much I struggle with seeing them suffer with their breathing.”
Finally, Will shared his thoughts about the Caucasian Shepherd, which is a large livestock guardian dog. The expert described them as: “A breed that genuinely makes me question whether if they wanted to do me serious harm, if there’s anything I could do about it – if they made that decision.”
People shared their experiences in the comments section. One person said: “Caucasian Shepherds should be out in the wilderness working, not in someone’s house. I’ve seen several people’s videos of them working and no part of that makes me think they would thrive as a house pet.”
It’s worth remembering this is just Will’s own opinion, before getting a dog, it’s important to do your research and measure up whether you can meet their needs. Training is often essential, and it’s worth bearing in mind not all animals are suitable for first time owners.
If you’re looking to welcome a dog into your home, consider the benefits of adopting a puppy or dog from a charity or local shelter instead of shopping from a breeder.