A leading dog trainer has issued a crucial warning to first-time dog owners, urging them to steer clear of certain breeds that are notoriously difficult to manage without prior experience. The expert emphasises that while these dogs can be incredibly appealing, many new owners drastically underestimate the commitment required, leading to situations where pets may end up in unsuitable homes or face behavioural challenges.
The Perils of Popular But Demanding Breeds
Adam Spivey, known online as SouthendDogTraining, has taken to social media to outline the common pitfalls that inexperienced owners encounter. He stresses that selecting the wrong breed is a significant mistake that can have long-term consequences for both the dog and the owner. The trainer has identified specific breeds and broader categories that are particularly ill-suited for those embarking on dog ownership for the very first time.
Siberian Husky: A High-Energy Challenge
Topping the list of breeds to avoid is the Siberian Husky. Spivey explains that this breed is physiologically designed for endurance, built to run throughout the day with minimal rest. The vast majority of owners fail to provide the substantial level of exercise that these dogs inherently need and are capable of handling.
This exercise deficit frequently manifests in destructive behaviours, such as persistent howling and household damage. The Husky is also characterised by a strong independent streak and remarkable intelligence, which makes recall training exceptionally challenging. Combined with an extremely high prey drive, this creates a complex package that is simply too demanding for an owner without the necessary skills and experience.
The Demands of Working Line Breeds
Moving beyond a single breed, the trainer advises against any working line breeds for novice owners. This category includes working line Labradors, Cocker Spaniels, and German Shepherds, among others. The key distinction lies in their breeding and purpose; these dogs are specifically developed for roles in police, military, and other professional working contexts.
Spivey clarifies that there is a world of difference between a typical family Labrador and its working line counterpart. The latter possesses drives and energy levels that far exceed what an average active household can provide. Without a proper job or sufficient mental and physical enrichment, these intelligent dogs often become frustrated and reactive, displaying problematic behaviours rooted in unmet needs.
Livestock Guarding Breeds: Powerful Protectors in the Wrong Setting
The third category highlighted includes formidable livestock guarding breeds such as Caucasian Shepherds, Anatolian Shepherds, and Kangals. These dogs are powerful, possess immense jaw strength, and have deeply ingrained protective instincts. They are typically calm and inactive until they perceive a threat, at which point they can react with startling speed and force.
Spivey notes a worrying trend where these breeds are growing in popularity, yet are often placed in entirely unsuitable environments like city apartments. He recounts frequent enquiries from owners in urban settings like London, bewildered that their dog reacts aggressively to neighbours in gardens, lifts, and communal stairwells. The trainer points out the obvious mismatch: placing a breed bred to guard vast territories into a confined, densely populated community is a recipe for conflict and stress.
A Message of Caution, Not Condemnation
Adam Spivey is careful to frame his advice not as a criticism of the breeds themselves, which he admires greatly, but as a pragmatic guide for first-time owners. The goal is to ensure successful, lifelong partnerships between dogs and their families. He concludes that this guidance is specifically tailored for those new to dog ownership, aiming to prevent the heartbreak of failed placements and to promote the welfare of these remarkable animals by ensuring they are matched with capable, prepared owners.
