Animal behaviourists are warning dog owners against participating in the viral 'bark at your dog' TikTok challenge, which involves barking directly into a pet's face. The trend has amassed over 159 million tags on the platform, with one video gaining more than 242 million views. However, experts say the trend can trigger aggressive reactions, even in normally calm dogs, and could lead to bites.
Registered clinical animal behaviourist Katie Scott-Dyer told the Mirror: "Please don't do the 'bark at your dog' challenge, no matter how gentle your dog might normally be. It is dangerous because dogs know we are not dogs and that we don't normally make these kinds of sounds, let alone in their personal space." She warned that the behaviour could confuse the animal and potentially set off a "bite attack".
Scott-Dyer urged owners to consider the impact on their relationship with their pet. "You not only risk losing their trust, but a child might be seriously injured," she said, noting that some TikToks show injuries from dogs reacting. "Animals as sentient creatures... deserve better from those entrusted with their care. Is it really worth it for the sake of a TikTok?"
Other dangerous trends highlighted by experts include feeding dogs spicy foods or sour items like lemons, which can cause gastrointestinal upset. Animal behaviourist Roz Pooley warned that the 'peanut butter challenge', where owners spread peanut butter on their forehead for dogs to lick, risks bites if the dog reacts defensively. Similarly, trends involving kissing dogs on the face or pretending to collapse can stress animals and degrade trust.
Pooley advised owners to learn their dog's body language, such as lip licking, yawning or avoidance, which indicate distress. "Repeated pressure to engage in stressful encounters may degrade the dog's overall relationship with their owner," she said. Both experts urge pet owners to avoid these viral challenges to keep their dogs safe and maintain a healthy bond.
