Why TikTok Is Ruining Your Relationship With Your Dog
It’s no secret that TikTok is addictive. The algorithm is powerful, and once you’ve watched a couple of dog videos, suddenly your entire feed is full of wagging tails, puppy eyes and clever training tricks. At first, this might feel like a good thing, after all, who doesn’t want more dogs in their life?
But here’s the problem: TikTok might actually be damaging your relationship with your own dog. And no, this isn’t just about the obvious fact that the more time you spend scrolling, the less time you spend out on new adventures with your pooch. The real issue goes deeper than that.
Here are five surprising ways TikTok could be harming your bond with your dog.
1. TikTok Romanticises Dog Ownership
The dogs you see on TikTok are often presented as perfect. You’re only watching 15–30 seconds of their day, usually the cute, funny or heart-warming bits. It’s easy to start comparing your dog to the “perfect pooch” on your screen and feel like yours falls short.
But remember: no dog is perfect. Behind every cute video there are hours of mess, chaos, training struggles and ordinary moments that never make it online. Your dog doesn’t need to live up to a curated feed, they just need you to appreciate them for who they are.
2. Comparison Through Training Videos
Training videos are hugely popular on TikTok, and while some can be helpful, they can also set unrealistic expectations. Watching a dog master recall, loose-lead walking or advanced tricks in a short clip doesn’t show the months of consistency, setbacks and patience that went into it.
Every dog’s training journey is unique. Comparing your progress to what you see online is a fast track to frustration. Instead of thinking, “Why isn’t my dog doing that?”, try asking, “What’s the next small step my dog and I can take together?”
3. Bad Advice from Strangers
Anyone can post training “tips” on TikTok—and that’s where things can go badly wrong. Some of the advice doing the rounds isn’t just unhelpful, it’s harmful.
This week alone I’ve seen people recommending calming chews, human-sized dolls, and even playing podcasts instead of the TV as a “fix” for separation anxiety. None of these things will resolve separation anxiety. At best, they waste valuable time. At worst, they make the problem worse and delay you getting the support your dog truly needs.
When it comes to your dog’s wellbeing, especially with behavioural struggles like separation anxiety, seek advice from qualified professionals, not strangers on TikTok.
4. TikTok Can Unlock New Fears
TikTok’s algorithm doesn’t just show you what you like, it shows you more of what you watch. If you happen to watch a single video of a dog fight, your feed can quickly fill with similar content. Suddenly, you’re feeling anxious about letting your dog off-lead, nervous about other dogs in the park, or even worried about leaving the house.
While raising awareness of risks can be valuable, being bombarded with worst-case scenarios can leave you fearful and overprotective. Your dog will pick up on that anxiety, which can affect their own confidence and behaviour.
5. Unrealistic Expectations About Dog Lifestyle
TikTok often makes it look like every dog owner is constantly on adventures; hiking mountains, visiting dog-friendly cafés, or teaching their pup a new trick every week. While those videos are fun to watch, they can create a false idea of what “good dog ownership” looks like.
The truth is, most dogs thrive on routine and don’t need daily excitement or endless activities. Rest days, quiet walks around the block, and relaxed time at home are just as important for your dog’s wellbeing as the big days out. Feeling like you’re “not doing enough” because your life doesn’t look like a TikTok reel can leave you guilty and overwhelmed, when in reality your dog probably just wants quality time with you.
Final Thoughts
TikTok might feel like a harmless way to get your daily dose of dog content, but be mindful about how it shapes your relationship with your real-life companion. Your dog doesn’t need to be “TikTok perfect”, they just need you, present and engaged.
Instead of scrolling, why not use that time to go for a walk, practise a short training session, or simply enjoy a cuddle on the sofa? Your bond will be stronger for it.
