Copyright dailyrecord
A professional dog trainer has named the five breeds he believes people should "avoid" - not because they're aggressive or risky, but due to the level of care and attention they require. Welcoming a dog into your home is a significant decision as the pets need constant care, attention, exercise and more from their owners throughout their lives. Choosing which breed to adopt can be challenging as not all breeds are suitable for first-time or inexperienced owners, and training is often crucial. This is where content creator and "dog behaviour expert" Casey Ray steps in. With more than 30 years of experience with dogs, the expert revealed a list of five breeds people should "avoid" in a YouTube video but emphasised this isn't because they're "bad dogs". Instead, it's because they're frequently matched with "the wrong people, in the wrong environments, with unrealistic expectations", leading to unhappy dogs and stressed owners. If you're thinking about getting a dog, make sure to consider the pros and cons, as well as your lifestyle, before making the commitment. In fifth place, Casey placed the dachshund, a breed he has personally owned and described as "fantastic", but they're not easy. Casey explained: "People see 'cute', trainers or experts see 'stubborn, vocal, and tough to motivate'. Bred to fight underground - and it shows when you try to tell them 'no'. "And they can really just be a pain, guys. And like I said, this is coming from a trainer's standpoint." He said: "They're fantastic dogs. I'm not knocking the breed by any means. It's just, they can be a pain in the butt to train. They really can." This American breed, found in the UK, has a history as a farm dog and hunting companion. Casey ranked them fourth due to their intelligent and lively nature which can lead to training difficulties for novice owners. The expert remarked: "Hyper intelligent, hyper reactive, and built for movement. Have you ever seen a rat terrier? "Have you ever tried to own one or train one? They're constantly scanning for something to chase, bark at, or dominate, and they're just go, go, go." He continued: "Talk about causing stress levels in a trainer and owners. Have a rat terrier around for a little while." Instantly identifiable by their "egg-shaped" head, the English bull terrier is a playful, loyal and affectionate breed but they require firm, consistent training from experienced owners. Casey stated: "I had trained many and I would always say, 'oh man, these things are hard.'" The expert said they need "a special person" to "understand and not get frustrated" with them because they can be very "stubborn". In second place, the expert placed the miniature pinscher. These clever, playful and outgoing dogs are known for their high energy levels, stubbornness and desire to dominate. Casey said: "Tiny body, huge ego, reactive, bold, and not afraid to start trouble they can't finish. Most people underestimate how serious this little dog can get." Taking the top spot, Casey highlighted the chow chow, recognised for their dense, fluffy coats, distinctive black tongues, and reserved temperament. They are naturally protective and quite independent, making them better suited to experienced handlers. Casey said: "I know several people that have been bitten by this breed. I've trained several, I know trainers that have trouble with this breed - it's a hard breed to read." Wrapping up his list, Casey said: "They're all fantastic dogs and they can all be trained to very high levels, all these breeds. What I'm trying to say here is that some of these just make things a lot harder on you." Irrespective of breed, training is often essential for all dogs, along with proper socialisation which can be crucial to preventing them from becoming overly reactive or aggressive. Remember, never leave dogs unsupervised around children.
