Will Atherton warned that such a breed lacks a good 'off-switch', which could spell trouble for owners A dog behaviour expert has made a startling confession about one 'adorable' breed he dislikes, cautioning that they could be a 'terrible choice' for owners. Will Atherton operates a 'behaviour modification' and training centre in Derbyshire for dogs with various attitude issues. Although he's always maintained that any dog can be safe and well-behaved in the right environment, one particular breed lacks a good 'off-switch'.
So, if you're looking for a pup that can unwind with you at home, this one probably isn't the best choice. "This is why I hate the Springer Spaniel," Will said to his 950,000 TikTok followers. "Now, I'll let you in on a little secret.
"There isn't actually any breeds that I hate, but I just strongly believe that breeds have a purpose and for some people a Springer Spaniel might be a great choice and for some people they might be a terrible choice." The Springer Spaniel may seem adorable but Will emphasised that it's essential to consider what these dogs were first bred for. Renowned for their sharp sense of smell, agility, and trainability, these dogs have historically been prized as hunting companions.
Pheasant shooting and grouse hunting are among the sports they are traditionally used for, learning how to locate animals before 'flushing' them out of their hiding spots. Will warned that this deep-rooted hunting instinct could make them challenging pets .
