Dog trainer warns against teaching a common trick to dogs as he deems it dangerous. Will Atherton, a renowned canine behaviourist, with a huge following on TikTok, advises dog owners to steer clear of a certain trick, despite its appeal as a show-off skill. In a recent video, he highlighted the potential risks associated with teaching dogs the paw trick, a move where the dog extends its paw similar to a human handshake.
Even though the paw trick is easy to teach and may seem impressive to demonstrate, Atherton cautioned that dogs might exhibit what he terms as ‘offering behaviours’. This could lead to dogs swatting at their owners for attention or food, which could be hazardous, especially with larger breeds. Atherton emphasised the importance of dogs displaying polite behaviours such as sitting and waiting calmly rather than engaging in potentially dangerous behaviours like swatting.
The warnings from Atherton have resonated with many viewers, with his video garnering over 460,000 views and sparking a conversation among dog owners who shared their own experiences with teaching the paw trick. Some recounted instances where their dogs would repeatedly offer their paw or other related behaviours in anticipation of treats or attention.
Atherton’s advice serves as a cautionary tale for dog owners who may unwittingly reinforce undesired behaviours by teaching certain tricks. It underscores the need for responsible and thoughtful training methods that prioritize safety and good manners in dogs. Ultimately, fostering a positive and harmonious relationship with our canine companions should be the goal of all training efforts.