An unusual training method has gone viral on TikTok after a video showed a dog named Meadow watching the popular children's show Bluey to stop her from barking at the TV.
The moment was posted by @meadowtheserbicepup on TikTok and has already garnered over 2.3 million views.
"Meadow has been struggling with barking, so her program asked for her to start a slow desensitization program. Her first step is to watch low-trigger shows like Bluey to get more comfortable seeing dogs," the poster wrote in the caption.
In the video, Meadow seems transfixed by the popular Australian cartoon, and isn't barking either. The text overlay read: "When the vet orders you to watch Bluey for desensitization training." Newsweek reached out to @meadowtheserbicepup via TikTok for comment.
Expert Reacts
Nick Horniman, MRCVS, is a veterinary surgeon and founder of online pet pharmacy MyPetsVet. He explained the science behind desensitization training, and how TV shows such as Bluey might play a role in helping dogs like Meadow.
"Desensitization training is a well-established technique in behavioral therapy for dogs. It involves gradually exposing a dog to a stimulus that they find stressful or concerning, but in a controlled and nonthreatening way, so they can build up tolerance and confidence over time," Horniman told Newsweek.
He said that a show like Bluey could be particularly helpful because of its gentle, relatable sounds and scenarios. "It's gentle, repetitive, and features calm, friendly tones, which can make it a useful tool to help dogs adjust to similar stimuli in their environment, such as children playing or household noise," Horniman added.
While the Bluey technique seemed to work well for Meadow, Horniman said it might not work well for all pets. "It's not a one-size-fits-all solution, and it works best as part of a broader behavioral plan," he said.
Online Comments
In the comments section, dog owners eagerly shared their own experiences with similar approaches to managing their pets' behaviors.
"I NEED THIS. Mine barks at dogs, horses, robots, and dinosaurs on TV," wrote one user, Lyssa. Another user, H.G., posted: "Bluey is literally the only thing ours won't bark at. No real animals because that's a nightmare."
Other users mentioned their pups' own TV preferences. "My dog likes the NFL," wrote TheStudentDiary, while Alex&Barney commented: "We can't leave the house unless Finding Nemo's on, and he'll throw a fit when the credits roll."
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