A dog trainer has shared the one breed he believes to be a “big mistake” for new owners to choose.
Bringing a dog into your home can be a joyful, rewarding decision. They didn’t get the reputation of “man’s best friend” by accident; qualities like their loyalty, happiness, affection and devotion to their owners are clear.
Of course, getting a dog is a very big responsibility that should last for the dog’s lifetime, so it isn’t something to enter into lightly. Canine behaviourist Will Atherton believes many new owners are all making the same “big mistake” when it comes to getting a dog.
The expert has cultivated a dedicated following on social media after sharing his years of expertise and insight on why dogs may be displaying certain behaviours, in addition to tips and advice on how to rectify any unwanted issues.
In a recent Instagram video, the expert went into detail about the importance of selecting the right breed for your family and lifestyle, raising concerns about one breed in particular.
In the caption accompanying the footage, Will penned: “The more I do, the older I get, and (hopefully) the wiser I become, the more and more I believe breed choice is the biggest mistake owners make around the world”.
In the video, he began: “This is why you should not get yourself an American Bulldog. Now, Bully breeds have got a bad rap recently, especially with the ban of the XL Bully.
“The reality is, I’ve met some nice XL Bullies and some of the worst dogs I’ve ever worked with have been XL Bullies. Now, when it comes to the American Bulldog, I’ve actually never met one that’s gone severely wrong with severe aggression, like I have done with XL Bullies.”
He continued: “But I have met many that are hyper reactive towards other dogs, pull like an absolute freight train because of all this size, muscle, and power that they have and if you’re not an experienced canine leader that can handle this kind of strong breed, they will be a terrible fit for you – even if they’re utter sweethearts like this one here.”
The video racked up thousands of views and people were keen to share their experiences in the comments section. One person said: “I rescued an American bulldog and it’s taken me a few years but I’ve managed to train him out of reactivity. He’s an absolute sweetheart but I agree with you that these dogs are definitely not for novice owners”.
Another agreed: “Absolutely love hearing you talk about this breed. Gives me confidence in my leadership. My boy is a good boy and all you’ve said is so true.”
Before getting a dog, it’s important to do your research. It’s also worth bearing in mind that training is essential, and not all dogs are suitable for first time owners.
If you’re looking to welcome a dog into your home, consider the benefits of adopting a puppy or dog from a charity or local shelter instead of shopping from a breeder.
