I’m a dog trainer & seeing an uptick in reactivity – casual pet owners should avoid a type of breed, they’re a bad match
A DOG trainer has revealed the breeds most casual pet owners aren’t equipped to care for.
They said it “breaks my heart” to see how many of these dogs are in circumstances where they aren’t physically or mentally stimulated.
The canine expert took to Reddit’s Reactive Dogs forum warning that working breeds aren’t suitable for causal owners.
POOCH PROBLEMS
Posting under the handle LB-the3rd, they reflected on their 20 years of experience with rescues, shelters, and everyday pet owners.
“I preface my experience to say, if you get a Border collie, Aussie, ACD, Shepherd, Malinois, etc. working dog, nine times out of ten it is reactive BECAUSE the ‘normal’ dog owner is not equipped to handle the genetic impulses of these dogs,” they said.
“It doesn’t make the owner a bad owner!
“It doesn’t make their dog a ‘bad’ dog. Just a bad match for the circumstances.
“I’m seeing a massive uptick in reactive dogs, and it breaks my heart.
“These are good, good dogs, just trying to understand the world around them that doesn’t line up with what their body instincts are telling them!”
The Redditor said herding breeds can be “super dangerous” and nip if not trained properly.
They recommended finding an agility, herding class, or sessions that involve obedience training with a whistle in a field.
They said guarding breeds also require “guidance and a firm (not cruel) hand” to avoid becoming dangerous.
“Take them to obedience classes (advanced obedience when they learn proper skills) and Schutzhund class (if applicable and able to do so),” they said.
“These dogs are WORKING dogs.
“Without consistent, stimulating WORK these dogs will mentally and emotionally implode and become reactive.
“By the time they get to me, it’s so, so sad and breaks my heart.
“Please, I’m BEGGING you, to research your breeds and make responsible and realistic choices for what you can handle.”
PET PEEVES
The post was highly upvoted with many animal lovers commenting to share their opinions.
“It’s sad how many people want a working breed for the aesthetic/vibes (and because to them it feels more like a ‘real dog’), but expect it to have companion dog behavior,” one person wrote.
“The dogs are bred for different purposes.”
What is a working dog?
According to the American Kennel Club, working dogs are bred to assist with jobs such as guarding, rescuing, and pulling sleds.
They are known for their intelligence, strength, alertness, and protectiveness but may not be the best option for first-time dog owners.
There are many breeds including Siberian Huskies, Great Danes, and Rottweilers.
Anatolian shepherd dogs are among those that require obedience training and proper socializing.
“Amen! I cringe when I see people rehoming these working dogs,” another said.
“Especially Great Pyrenees.
“Seeing those as house dogs just bugs me and it’s rampant where I am due to the actual local ranches – NONE of which are sheep farms.
“It’s like the townies just get it in their heads it’s a good idea to get a giant, fluffy house dog.
“Sometimes it works out, but not enough of the time.
“Friends of mine are REAL into huskies but they never give them all they need so they eat furniture and such.”
“My pit bull has her issues, to be certain, but none of them are an inability to just be a house dog.
“She has that life down cold. Born to be a house hippo.”