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Why the “bark at your dog” TikTok trend isn’t as funny as you think it is

By Kimberley Spinney

A photograph taken on February 9, 2022 shows the logo of video-focused social networking service TikTok, at the TikTok UK office, in London. - With a billion users, TikTok has rapidly become one of the most important players in the music industry, and now has its sights set on revolutionising the way artists are discovered and get paid. (Photo by Tolga Akmen / AFP) (Photo by TOLGA AKMEN/AFP via Getty Images)
A photograph taken on February 9, 2022 shows the logo of video-focused social networking service TikTok, at the TikTok UK office, in London. - With a billion users, TikTok has rapidly become one of the most important players in the music industry, and now has its sights set on revolutionising the way artists are discovered and get paid. (Photo by Tolga Akmen / AFP) (Photo by TOLGA AKMEN/AFP via Getty Images) /
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There have been a number of trends popularized by TikTok. One in particular is all about barking in your dog’s face to see how they react.

And while you might think that the dog’s reaction is funny or fun, it’s not nearly as humorous as you think. In fact, if you really pay attention to many of the dogs in these videos, you can clearly tell that they are uncomfortable with what is happening.

In nearly every video that has been posted as part of the TikTok trend, you can see dogs displaying signs of stress. These are not dogs enjoying a little fun and games with their human. This is a case of training your dogs not to trust you.

Here’s why you shouldn’t take part in the TikTok trend of barking at your dog

As the American Kennel Club pointed out,

"Barking in your dog’s face can be confusing, stressful, or even be seen as threatening. That confusion or frustration leads to big reactions such as your dog baring teeth or trying to get away, which can be seen in many of the viral videos."

This entire trend can end up being dangerous instead of “funny.” And there are multiple reasons for this, including the fact that you are invading your dog’s personal space. Then there is the eye contact component. In many of the videos, the person barking at their dog is basically forcing their dog into a stare down, which is unnecessarily aggressive.

Even a dog who is normally even keeled and sweet can find this entire situation to be stressful, leading to them biting because they are scared or startled.

Honestly, just because you think something is funny doesn’t mean your pup does. And the more often you go our of your way to make your dog uncomfortable for views on TikTok, the more likely you are to erase their trust in you, leaving you with a dog who never knows when you might snap at them again.

Next. Is hugging your dog a good thing?. dark

TikTok might be for fun, but when it comes to trying to go viral with the help of your dog, there are so many other ways you can do it that don’t involve intentionally scaring or startling your dog.

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