Resisting a dog's pleading eyes can be challenging, but there are times when pet owners need to be firm—especially in situations that could endanger their furry friend.

A new video, shared by the TikTok account @itsmalcontent, shows a Border collie pup refusing to heed his owner's warning against eating a plant. Despite the owner's firm reminder of "you're not allowed to eat plants," the determined dog paws at the camera and howls in protest, seemingly objecting to the restriction.

The owner's caution is well-founded, as many common household plants can be poisonous to dogs. Ensuring pets do not consume these potentially harmful plants is crucial for their safety. The playful confrontation has resonated with many, amassing over 860,000 views in less than 24 hours. Additionally, the video has garnered more than 203,000 likes.

Newsweek reached out to Joe Nutkins, a U.K.-based dog training instructor and co-director at Dog Training for Essex and Suffolk in England, for insights on the viral clip. Nutkins noted a key aspect of the owner's approach: the absence of the word "no."

She explained: "The word 'no' is very overused with our pets, especially our dogs. 'No' gives dogs very little information on what they should be doing or why they shouldn't do something."

Nutkins elaborated on the varied responses dogs may have to hearing "no," stating that it often leads to confusion or frustration. She told Newsweek: "Some will bark back in frustration that they are offering behaviors and being told 'no' in return without any hints on what's wanted. Other dogs may become more anxious over time and turn away from their owner, which can look like they are being 'stubborn.' You may also have a dog who enjoys having the last word, so you say 'no,' they bark or howl back and wait for your next 'no' to challenge!"

The video not only entertains but also sheds light on effective dog training techniques. The owner humorously captions the clip with, "I'm getting bullied over here," and he can be heard playfully accusing the young pup of "picking on" him. However, other users disagree.

"I want to be on your side but she always makes such good points," said one user and another wrote: "She needs a treat now for NOT eating the plant."

As the Border collie puppy continues to charm viewers with his spirited protest, the video serves as a reminder of the joys and challenges of pet ownership, and the importance of patience and understanding in training our furry friends.

Tips from Nutkins: Alternative Approaches to Saying 'No'

• Offer an Alternative Behavior: Encourage your dog to perform a behavior you find agreeable, such as settling down, sitting, or laying on their bed.
• Prevent the Unwanted Behavior: Identify what your dog is doing that prompts you to say "no" and find ways to prevent it. For example, if your dog digs in the garden when alone, accompany them outside or keep them on a lead.
• Shift Focus: Redirect your dog's attention to something else, like interactive toys, snuffle mats, a toy to play with, or chews.
• Teach Fun Tricks: Train your dog in fun tricks so you can follow up a "no" with a positive command. This helps your dog understand that "no" has a meaning and a follow-up action.

Newsweek reached out to @itsmalcontent for comment via email. We could not verify the details of the case.

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