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Dog expert reveals not all dogs are ‘the best’ and how to avoid a common mistake

September 15, 2024

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Dog expert reveals not all dogs are ‘the best’ and how to avoid a common mistake

A DOG expert has revealed a common mistake when training their pets.

Canine behavior specialist Will Atherton is keen to educate the public about the need to choose the right breed.

Will is a dog expert and has built a large following thanks to his top tipsSource: TikTok/@iamwillatherton

Through his efforts, he has rescued countless dogs from shelters and saved them from euthanasia.

At 33, he advocates that anyone considering getting a dog should do their research thoroughly before choosing a breed.

He emphasizes how important it is that you can take good care of the dog you decide to adopt.

However, he has noticed that many busy families in the UK often make a mistake when it comes to expectations of certain breeds.

He shared a video on his TikTok page @iamwillathertonwho has more than 907,000 followers, and reveals his advice on training dogs.

Will says: “Not all dogs can be the most perfect dogs in the world and my own two dogs are great examples.

“Uncle Sully, my Labrador is my role model dog.

“I use him in all the extreme modification cases I have because of his personality.

“His temperament, his character traits and his genes fit perfectly with what I expect from him.”

However, he explains that if he were to try to “force” his other dog, Puppy, a bred mastiff cross, her “genetics, temperament and characteristics would not make her a good fit.”

I am a medical alert dog for a 9 year old – I know her blood sugar is dropping before her monitor knows, I am such a good girl

Will continues: “Then I would be constantly frustrated with her.

“However, I appreciate who she is and what her genetics and characteristics are, which are those of a large, powerful game, a cross between a Mastiff and a large dog.

“That’s why she’s the perfect family watchdog for me.

“But if you understand who your dog is, you can train him or her accordingly and have realistic expectations of him or her.

Full of action

“You will be happier and they will be happier too.”

He continues in the caption of his video: “Honor your dog, people.

“Don’t make excuses for bad behavior, but understand what you have and work with it where possible. Always have realistic expectations of what they can achieve and what you can teach them.

“You will be surprised how much happier you both will be.”

People hear that Border Collies are the smartest and most trainable dogs in the world
Will Atherton, 33

Will previously revealed to Fabulous a breed that busy families often regret owning: the Border Collie.

“Border Collies are incredibly capable and excel at tasks such as herding sheep,” Will said. “It’s a joy to watch them in action.”

However, he pointed out a common misconception: “People hear that Border Collies are the smartest, most trainable dogs in the world.

“But they interpret ‘most trainable’ as ‘easy to train,’ which is not the case.”

Uncle Sully, Will's Labrador is his perfect role model dog — Uncle Sully, Will’s Labrador is his perfect role model dogSource: TikTok/@iamwillatherton

Bred Mastiff cross named Puppy is perfect for guarding the familySource: TikTok/@iamwillatherton

Is it true that dogs resemble their owners?

According to research by Michael Roy at the University of California, San Diego, dog owners often choose dogs that have similar characteristics to themselves.

The psychologist tested his idea by going to three nearby dog parks, photographing the dogs and their owners separately, and then asking a group of participants to try to bring them together. Despite no additional cues, he found that they were able to who lived with whom with reasonable accuracy.

And the test has been repeated many times since then, with the same results each time.

The research shows that owners with long hair are more likely to choose dogs with long, hanging ears and even eyes with a similar shape.

Border Collies have an exceptionally high energy level and require more physical and mental stimulation than the average family can provide.

Without adequate enrichment, they may become bored and develop behavioral problems such as excessive barking, digging, or destructive chewing.

“Families are trying to integrate a dog that has been bred to work for hours each day into their busy family life,” Will explains.

“I have come across many bored and destructive Border Collies. They often herd children, a behavior I often address.”

Loving and loyal

Due to their herding instincts, Border Collies may exhibit behaviors such as chasing, heel biting, or herding family members when confined in a home environment.

Will has even dealt with cases of frustrated Border Collies pulling on children’s clothes.

Border Collies need plenty of space to run and play, so they are not suitable for small homes without large outdoor areas.

While they can be loving and loyal companions for the right families, Will urged that potential owners should carefully consider whether they can meet the breed’s unique needs in terms of time, attention and resources.