Dog Subtly Signaling Mom It's Time to Leave Dinner Party Delights Internet
If dogs could talk, this one would be whispering to his owner "I'm bored with these people, time to go," but the smart canine instead makes his point by standing on his hind legs and staring with pleading eyes.
The text layered over the video of the five-year-old dog says: "When your mom drags you to a dinner party and you're trying to tell her you wanna go home."
Toward the end of the video, someone puts their hand out and disgruntled, Reggie gives his paw. But that isn't enough to make him want to stay, as his eyes go straight back to his owner, Mel
The hilarious video shared to a page dedicated to the pair (@melandreggie) has gathered over 237,000 TikTok views and 56,000 likes.
It has also resonated with many who have commented on the clip to say they often feel the same when at a social event.
"Me at any function with my husband once my social battery runs out," and another wrote: "me at work 5 minutes after walking in."
Owners have also chimed in to say their dogs aren't a fan of socializing for too long either.
"My dog would go stand by the door, facing the door," said a third commenter and a fourth wrote: "My dog is always the first out of the door and first in the car … and the first to want to immediately go home."
Tips to Help Your Dog Feel Comfortable around Strangers
Like Reggie, some dogs may be happy to hang out with friends or in public places for a while before having enough. Whereas some dogs may not even entertain the idea of mingling, if that sounds like your dog then you may want to check out these tips provided by The American Kennel Club:
Practice Positive Interactions
Gradually introduce your dog to strangers, focusing on calm, positive experiences rather than forcing interactions.
Avoid Forced Introductions
Pushing fearful dogs into interactions can worsen their discomfort and lead to aggressive behavior. Instead, build confidence by allowing your dog to be near people without engaging.
Recognize Signs of Discomfort
Uncomfortable dogs may bark, growl, or try to escape. Subtle cues like stiff posture, yawning, or lip licking can also signal distress. Pay close attention to your dog's body language.
Build Confidence Gradually
Start training in a safe space, keeping a comfortable distance from people. Pair the presence of strangers with rewards like treats to create positive associations.
Use Real-World Training
Practice in controlled environments like parks or pet-friendly stores during quiet times. At home, manage interactions by keeping your dog leashed and rewarding calm behavior when visitors are present.
Manage Interactions
Always give your dog an "opt-out." Keep them leashed or safely secured when overwhelmed. Advocate for your dog by asking strangers to respect their space.
With patience and consistent training, you can help your dog feel more at ease around strangers while building their trust and confidence.
Newsweek reached out to @melandreggie for comment. We could not verify the details of the case.
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