TikTok’s vast array of trends can range from baffling fads to adorable moments. One such charming trend is the “hands in” challenge. In this activity, individuals sit alongside their furry friends, layering their hands one after the other, reminiscent of a sports team huddle followed by a collective “Go team!” motivation. In the most endearing cases, showcased by TikTok enthusiasts (as seen here and here), canines sometimes place their paw on the stack of hands.
“It means nothing about how ‘smart’ a dog is or how much it loves/cares about its people/feels like part of the family.”
While the participants often burst into cheers and the dogs exhibit a joyful yet puzzled demeanor, one may wonder if the dogs genuinely grasp the significance of the activity or are they simply emulating their human counterparts?
The question isn’t trivial, as it relates to canine cognition and their concept of understanding, also known as the theory of mind.
Dr. James Serpell, a professor of Animal Ethics & Welfare at the University of Pennsylvania, suggested to Salon that the most probable explanation for the behavior is that dogs are following their training to “give paw or shake hands,” perceiving the stacked hands as a similar command. “Several of them seem to contemplate before acting, which indicates uncertainty regarding the appropriate response,” remarked Dr. Serpell.
https://tiktok.com/@danniwellss/video/7368975758582156577
Queen’s University Belfast’s School of Psychology lecturer in animal welfare and behavior, Dr. Catherine Reeve, agreed that conditioning is the likeliest reason for canine participation. Reeve added that the dogs might be responding to a visual cue associated with the “give paw” command.
“If a dog is trained to offer their paw, they might be more inclined to perform the behavior,” Reeve explained. “On the other hand, dogs that haven’t learned the ‘give paw’ command or do not recognize the stacked hands as a cue might not participate.” Punishing a dog for incorrect responses can also inhibit them from attempting the behavior in the challenge.
Thus, a dog’s performance in the “hands in” challenge is not an indicator of intelligence or affection. The intricate motivations underlying a dog’s action or inaction can be numerous.
“Just because a dog doesn’t join in doesn’t imply it’s less intelligent or loving toward its family,” Reeve clarified.
The fascination surrounding the “hands-in” challenge reveals a broader public curiosity about canine cognition, which could pave the way for more scientific inquiry. Dr. Monique Udell of Oregon State University believes that controlled research is necessary to deduce the motives behind these behaviors, as she told Salon.
Understanding the prior training and the number of attempts preceding the successful behavior in the videos is crucial to draw reasoned conclusions, according to Dr. Udell.
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“Some dogs master this type of training quite rapidly.”
Dr. Serpell points to the existing literature on dog training that aligns with the behaviors spotted in the “hands in” challenge. He refers to the ‘do-as-I-do’ training method which emphasizes mimicking the owner’s actions.
According to Serpell, some dogs are more adept at this learning style, hinting at their potential to understand intentions and cooperate.
Serpell also notes that the rewarding reaction from the owners serves as immediate reinforcement, whether intentional or not, reinforcing that imitation is a form of flattery.
If a dog seems disinterested, Dr. Reeve reminds us it’s usually not indicative of a lack of comprehension or familial bonding. She gives an example of her own dog, who’s uncomfortable with paw-handling due to sensitivity issues but still engages with her in a paw-shake using his unique methods.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dogs and the Hand-Stacking Trend
### Do dogs understand the hand-stacking trend on TikTok?
While it appears that some dogs participate in the hand-stacking trend on TikTok, their understanding is likely based on their previous training and familiarity with commands like “give paw.” They may not grasp the trend as humans do but rather respond to what they perceive as a known cue or command.
### What does a dog’s reaction to the hand-stacking challenge indicate?
A dog’s reaction to the hand-stacking challenge doesn’t necessarily reflect their intelligence or the level of affection they have for their owners. It could be influenced by many factors such as prior training, recognition of cues, or comfort with the requested behavior.
### Can all dogs participate in the hand-stacking challenge?
Not all dogs may participate in the hand-stacking challenge. The likelihood of a dog joining in may depend on its training history, its recognition of the hand-stacking as a cue similar to “give paw,” and its prior experiences with being rewarded or punished for trying new behaviors.
### Is a dog’s ability to imitate a sign of intelligence?
While some dogs may exhibit the ability to imitate their owners, which requires a certain level of cognitive skill, this ability varies widely among dogs and is just one aspect of a dog’s overall intelligence and behavioral repertoire.