Bark at Your Dog TikTok Trend Could Scare or Confuse Your Dog, Our Expert Says

 We're all curious to see how our dog might react to us barking, but this viral trend usually isn't good for our dogs.

At some point most of us have uttered a woof or a bark at our dogs just to see if they notice, but the "bark at your dog" TikTok trend could be startling or confusing our pups.

Each dog is different, but many of the dogs in the videos, which have earned more than 300 million views on the video-sharing app over the last month, exhibit body language that shows fear or even aggression, says Jenna Stregowski, RVT and Daily Paws' pet health and behavior editor.

"If done repeatedly, it can even condition the dog to fear or avoid you," she says.

While some dogs might not mind the human barking and even think it's a fun game, Stregowski still recommends not participating in the trend. Heading outside for a game of fetch or some belly rubs are better ways to bond with your dog.

"The risk of barking at your dog outweighs any potential benefits," she says.

How Dogs Are Reacting To Human Barks on TikTok

Most of the TikTok videos look similar: An owner sits facing the camera next to their dog, sometimes only mere inches between them. Then, the owner either barks or they let the audio from TikTok—which you can play as you record the footage—do it for them. Then we see how the dog reacts.

In two of the most popular videos, the dogs' eyes get incredibly wide—a sign of aggression, according to Stregowski, who has more than 20 years of experience in animal medicine. Other dogs display their discomfort in other ways, like backing away in fear or surprise, flattening their ears, or even baring their teeth and growling. Dogs wagging their tails slowly can even be a sign of fear, Stregowski says.

Some of the dogs respond in ways that might seem harmless or playful, licking the faces of the barking humans. But that might be another cause for concern.

"While this may initially appear as affection, it may actually be the dog's way of trying to calm the person down," Stregowski says. "Dogs sometimes lick other dog's muzzles to put them at ease in social situations."

 Why Dogs Bark and How You Can Control It

So why is this happening? Stregowski says the dogs are obviously confused why humans are making their noise, and most of the barking sounds are similar to an alert or warning bark. They're also reacting to their person's demeanor and body language.

And yes, in some cases the dogs might think it's harmless or even part of a game, but it's probably not worth finding out. It could spook your dog, and you might accidentally end up with a scratch or a bite.

Should I Bark at My Dog at All?

Many of us have done this before, either wanting to see how our dogs react or trying to "speak dog" ourselves. We're inquisitive creatures and just want to see what happens, probably like many of the people in these TikTok videos. There's nothing wrong with being curious.

 What Your Dog's Body Language Is Trying to Tell You

But knowing how the barks could scare your dog, there's no practical reason for you to do it, Stregowski says. If you absolutely must see how they react, bark from a distance instead of near your dog's face. Then, if needed, you can use cues—sit, stay, etc.—to "redirect" any unwanted behavior, Stregowski says. Once they follow your cue, you'll of course reward them with their favorite treat. This should only be done between a dog and their owner because they already have a trusting bond.

If you do try this—which we wouldn't recommend—it's probably best to keep the video off social media.

"Even if your dog seems to be having fun, it's not a good idea to post a video of you barking at your dog," Stregowski says. "Unfortunately, as this may inspire others to try it on their own dogs with negative results."

Woman who cloned boyfriend's voice to catch him cheating admits it was prank

 

Mia Dio originally posted a video of how she input voice messages from her boyfriend Billy into voice-cloning technology to catch him cheating - but has now admitted it was all fake

An influencer who used AI technology to clone her boyfriend’s voice to discover whether he was cheating on her has admitted it was all a prank. Social media creator Mia Dio, 22, from Miami, posted a Tiktok video earlier this year showing how she input voice messages from her boyfriend Billy into voice-cloning technology.

The clip, which has gone viral, showed her using Billy’s fake voice to speak to his friend on the phone and find out what had really happened the previous night when they had gone out. Telling fans what she was doing, she revealed: "I'm going to AI clone my boyfriend's voice, call his best friend and figure out if he lied to me about what he was doing last night. I opened up a voice-cloning software and imported voicemails that my boyfriend has left."

Chatting on the phone using Billy’s voice, Mia told his friend that she did not "remember much from last night" but felt weird, then asked, "What did I do?". In the video, which has been viewed 2.7 million times, the pal reveals that Billy “made out” with a “random sorority girl” in front of everyone.

Ending the video with Mia looking upset, people flocked to comment on whether it was real or not. However, the content creator has now revealed the whole thing was fake, the conversation was fabricated and her boyfriend never cheated on her.

She said: “No one's cheating on anyone, that I know of. I can always use AI, I guess.” Mia also shared how she paid $4 (£3) to clone Billy’s voice and was able to put the video together in two takes. Discussing how easy it is to use, she said: “Anyone can do this, clearly. If a scammer can do this, they're not that smart. I can do this.

“I had heard of using software like this on another news article that they were doing virtual kidnappings. That they were calling you and it was like the voice of your loved one. I think that with technology and social media, it is so much easier for people to cheat because there’s so much access. The flip side there is that it’s also much easier to get caught, which is why I believe there’s such a cheating epidemic.”

Mia went on: “Important context here is that this video was fully a prank on my fans, and both my boyfriend and friend were in on it. One night, him and I are talking and it comes up how you can genuinely clone someone’s voice. I remember watching the news and they were talking about that AI kidnapping scam, and I thought it was crazy. Right around the same time, the AI Drake song went super viral and I was blown away at how realistic it sounded.

These TikTok viral £25 sandals look just like the sellout £640 Hermès pair

 When something goes viral on TikTok we want to know about it, and the latest craze is over these stunning dupes which look near-identical to the popular Hermès sandals.

The leather-look sandals from Ego boast a similar cut-out front design to the iconic Hermès Chypre Sandals which sell for a whopping £640, unlike the affordable footwear retailer's which are priced at just £25.

As well as being super affordable, the dupes come in 14 colours ranging from a chic black and tan to a bold pink and orange - and they’re available in UK sizes 3 to 9, depending on which colour you opt for.

Hermes sandal dupes

Valerie Gladiator Velcro Strap Sandals - £25

These stunning dupes feature the classic 'H' cut-out front design, a similar adjustable velcro strap to keep them nice and secure and a padded footbed and sole so they’re comfortable and supportive enough to wear all day long.

From £

25

EGO

Buy now

Not only do the sandals feature the classic ‘H’ cut-out front design, but they have a similar adjustable velcro strap to keep them nice and secure. The dupes also feature a padded footbed and sole, so they’re comfortable and supportive enough to wear all day long.

Many Ego shoppers have headed to TikTok to share the designer dupe find - including ex Made In Chelsea star Frankie Gaff, who called the sandals 'really comfy' and 'cool' in her video.

Her followers were quick to comment on the video with one saying: "Literally wearing them now, they are the most comfy shoes ever!!"

A second added: "I've ordered them and they were too small, had to go a size up! Love them."

Although they're a little pricier retailing at £100, fashion fans have also been raving about Steve Maddens Missile Sandal - which again look pretty similar to the Hermès pair. Like both of the sandals above, these dupes boast a geometric cutout design, adjustable top strap, a moulded footbed and a treaded flatform sole.

There are only three colours to choose from, however we're absolutely loving the sand suede option which is perfect for summer.

While Hermès Chypre would set shoppers back around £640, the Ego valerie gladiator velcro strap flat slider sandals cost just £25, meaning you could save around £615 by opting for the dupe - what a bargain!

Elizabeth Beisel Becomes First Woman to Complete Historic Block Island Swim: 'Humbled and Honored'

 The Survivor alum completed the 10.4-mile swim on Saturday in five hours and 19 minutes

Elizabeth Beisel is "humbled and honored" to have made history as the first woman to swim from mainland Rhode Island to Block Island.

The three-time Olympian, 29, completed the 10.4-mile swim Saturday in five hours and 19 minutes, according to a news release from Swim Across America. Beisel helped raise funds for the nonprofit for cancer research and patient programs in honor of her father, Charles "Ted" Lyons Beisel, who died in July after battling pancreatic cancer.

"As a child growing up in Rhode Island and swimming in the ocean along our beautiful coastline, I always dreamed of swimming to Block Island," she said in the release. "I envisioned my dad on the island waiting for me to finish with an ear-to-ear grin on his face — how proud he would be that I made it."

 Olympian Elizabeth Beisel to Swim 12.4 Miles in Open Ocean in Honor of Her Late Father

Elizabeth's initial goal was to raise $5,000 for Block Cancer. She has raised over $135,000 to date.

The 2016 Team USA Captain hit the water by Ocean Mist, her father's favorite restaurant, at Matunuck Beach. After battling a finish-line riptide, Elizabeth was met with an emotional embrace from her mother Joannie and brother Danny on Block Island.

CATE BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY

The Survivor alum said her father was confident that she would accomplish her goal, "and that helped sustain him during his final months."

"I'll never get to hug him again, but his fight wasn't for nothing," she shared. "I know that my dad's battle, along with the money raised by Block Cancer, will save someone's life one day. He is smiling knowing we helped give someone and their family the most precious gift of all time."

 Survivor Castaways Elizabeth Beisel and Jack Nichting Are Dating: 'Yes, We Share Hair Products'

"Elizabeth has been supporting Swim Across America for many years, even before her father's diagnosis, so this was our opportunity to support her," Rob Butcher, CEO of Swim Across America, said in the release.

Block Cancer funds, he added, will be used by the nonprofit's cancer researchers "for science and patient care that will hopefully save someone's life in the future."

During an appearance on Good Morning America earlier this month, Elizabeth revealed that the idea for the fundraiser came after her father was first diagnosed with cancer on Christmas Day in 2020.

CATE BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY

"He didn't want the swim to be about him whatsoever," she told the show at the time. "He wanted it to be about everybody who was fighting cancer. It gave my dad a lot of joy to kind of see Block Cancer come into fruition and turn into what it is now."

 Survivor Contestant Accused of 'Inappropriate Touching,' 2 Players Admit to Using Allegations to Win

The money raised by Elizabeth's swim will be donated to Rhode Island hospitals for cancer research, including the hospital where her father was treated, according to GMA.

"As sad as it is, cancer is going to touch all of us in some way at some point," she explained. "And, you know, for me, to be able to have a platform where I can bring people together … it's kind of a beautiful thing."

15-Year-Old Girl Takes 28.5-Mile Swim Around Manhattan to Raise Funds For Cancer Research

The swim is one of many that the high school junior has participated in throughout the last eight years to raise over $60,000 for cancer research

PHOTO: 

LIZ TUNG FOR SWIM ACROSS AMERICA

 A 15-year-old California native completed a 28.5-mile swim around Manhattan for a good cause.

Maya Merhige traveled to the Big Apple over the weekend to participate in the 20 Bridges Swim and raise money for cancer research with Swim Across America. The swim took eight hours and 43 minutes to complete, according to ABC-7, and is one of many that the high school junior has participated in throughout the last eight years to raise over $60,000 for the non-profit organization.

 Mountain Biker Helped Save 4 Hikers Before He Died in Hot Calif. Valley

LIZ TUNG FOR SWIM ACROSS AMERICA

"Whatever I'm doing in my swimming, or whatever pain I go through in my swims, it's really nothing compared to the struggle that cancer families go through," she told the news outlet. "And that really pushes me to keep going forward."

According to Good Morning America, the 20 Bridges Swim takes swimmers under 20 bridges and three rivers, making the experience more enjoyable for Merhige who enjoys "the challenge."

"I really like the challenge of it. I got to see all of the Manhattan skyline from the water at night, which is something I think not a lot of people can say," she told GMA. "So I had a really fun time with that and it was beautiful."

Before Merhige's accomplishment, only two other 15-year-old swimmers have completed the daring swim around Manhattan, per Swim Across America.

LIZ TUNG FOR SWIM ACROSS AMERICA

 Ill. Carnival Shut Down After 10-Year-Old Is Thrown from Ride: 'Prayers Go Out to the Child'

She told the organization in an online interview, “I swim for each and every single person that has ever been touched by cancer. Whether it’s for a patient, a doctor, a family member, or a friend, I swim for them all." Her drive to participate in the marathon swim became stronger after the death of a family friend.

"Sam Hallward, a family friend of mine, passed away from brain cancer (DIPG) in December 2022 at the age of 12," she shared with Swim Across America. "He was one of the most outgoing and adventurous kids I knew, and I just know that he would have loved to be in all of the awesome places that I get to go while swimming.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories

Merhige is also driven by her own experience with a medical scare.

“I’m one of the lucky ones,” she explained to the organization. “The grapefruit-size tumor was benign and with the exception of a massive scar across my stomach, I will be okay. This brief, but terrifying experience, gave me and my family a small taste of what others go through when confronted with a terrifying medical situation. It gave me even greater respect for what people with cancer experience and made me even more committed to this effort."

CoronaVirus Effects on Toronto Real Estate Market

 

Toronto Real Estate Market Sales are up 45.6%! Normal
Prices Up 16.7% in the midst of CoronaVirus (COVID-19) feelings of trepidation!
CoronaVirus impacts on Toronto’s Real Estate Market, March 2020!

This is an exhaustive audit about what’s happening in
Toronto’s Real Estate Market! Here you read about the CoronaVirus (COVID-19)
impact on Toronto’s land Market and how the crown infection will affect the
market and capital markets! This report, what’s more, incorporates gauges and
Supporting Data to our Past Forecasts. And furthermore how the Market Meltdown
would affect land in Toronto.

Toronto Housing Market Overview Amid CoronaVirus
fears:

Walk 2020 has begun with a sum of 7,256 resale
exchanges announced through TREB’s MLS in Toronto’s land advertise. That was a
memorable 45.6% expansion in the number of deals contrasted with a year ago
comparative time in Toronto’s land. On that, the normal home cost in the
Greater Toronto Area (GTA) has been $910,290, which is OVER 16.7% cost
increment Year over Year in Toronto’s lodging market!

CoronaVirus (COVID-19) sway on Toronto’s land Market:

In the meantime CoronaVirus’s impact in the capital
markets was overwhelming in February. Toronto Exchange Composite Index hit the
most elevated 17,944 on February twentieth, at that point dropped to a low
12,700 on March twelfth, which is a HUGE 28% soften down in very nearly two
weeks!!

Then again, the Toronto land advertises, was the most
grounded since 2017, in the midst of all the COVID-19 pandemic frenzy. I, as a
Toronto Real Estate Agent and speculation examiner, have seen more financial
specialists entering the land showcase when the figure of the securities
exchange appears to be unpredictable to them. On the off chance that you take a
gander at the REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) stocks, you’d see among the
tremendous emergency in every other part, the REITs are performing generally
better than different stocks ( less dive we find in those stocks). Particularly
private REITs. The images that I prescribe you to follow are REI.UN ( RioCan
REIT ) and CHP.UN ( Choice Properties REIT ).

Land in GTA has been a safe long haul venture for
some. Examiners additionally have appreciated the waves to a great extent,
however, one significant thing to recall is that the purchasers who drive the
market are not all theorists. They are First purchasers, Up sizers, or
downsizers, who really need a rooftop for living. A considerable lot of the
purchasers have really ended clients, second comes to the income financial
specialists. Examiners are not a major piece of the market here.

Is there a FOMO in the land advertise?

As somebody who works with purchasers and merchants in
Toronto’s land showcase, I’d state that the FOMO has come back to the market,
and significantly more purchasers are contending on the properties in excess of
two or three months prior. Numbers likewise bolster that, the number of deals
expanded by 45.6% and the number of dynamic postings dropped by 33.6%, which
squeezes the standing stock. That being stated, in the midst of CoronaVirus
dread, I estimate significantly more significant expense increments in
Toronto’s lodging market for the following month! That is the other way that
the financial exchange moves right now!

What will befall the business sectors if the CoronaVirus
(COVID-19) gets leveled out:

On the off chance that the CoronaVirus gets leveled
out in Canada, i.e, they discover a solution for it, or by one way or another
control it, the certainty will return to the financial exchange. On the off
chance that we take a gander at the exercises gained from SARS, we’d understand
that the CoronaVirus will be controlled eventually, that is the point at which
the business sectors, particularly financial exchanges, would begin rising once
more. All things considered, the cash that streams to the stock division would
be a help to the Real Estate Market. In any case, again the FOMO may cause a
minor air pocket for the stocks too. Which will, in the end, be rectified at
some point or another after that.

In any case, until that time article Search, I think
the land advertisement in Toronto would be dependent upon more significant
expense appreciation.