One of the latest challenges on TikTok is #barkatyourdogchallenge, which encourages people to send videos in which they appear barking at their dogs and recording their reactions.
The intention is to capture a funny moment, but according to animal experts, the wide eyes and playful expressions that dogs make are actually signs of stress and fear.
Here's why you should never bark at your (or any other) dog.
What happens when you bark at your dog
See some examples listed by American Kennel Club (AKC):
- “Whale eye” (wide eyes)
- Rigid body and facial features
- Ears facing back
- Barking or vocalizations back toward the human
- Lick your lips
- Show your teeth
- escape attempt
Other reactions are a little more obvious and let you know that your dog definitely It's not like you barking in his face (or anything else you do that might scare him). The AKC says these may include:
- Barks
- Heels
- Bites
- etc
Of course, all dogs are different, but to be safe, the AKC recommends avoiding this challenge.
Why Barking at Dogs Stresses Them Out
What, exactly, is going through a dog's mind when a human barks at them?
“Dogs barking can mean different things depending on the context – the tone and body language can mean anything from 'playful' to 'I'm worried' and even a defensive 'stay away',” said veterinarian Dr Jo Woodnutt to Pets Radar .
“In this TikTok challenge, people are barking at their dogs without considering their body language or tone, and there is a risk that this will be misinterpreted.”
On the same line, Woodnutt observes that the TikTok challenge also involves two other things humans do that make dogs uncomfortable: invading their personal space and making eye contact with them – both of which are perceived by dogs as threatening.
“Reading the dogs’ body language, many of them are already a little nervous about the situation and aren’t sure what’s going on – they’re on edge,” adds Woodnutt.
Animals, despite providing fun moments, are not toys and must be respected and cared for. As intelligent creatures that they are, they don't care about TikTok ( 😁 ) and all they want is for you to truly and affectionately connect with them, the same way they ALWAYS do with you.
POR 
ENG