Man Proposes to Girlfriend, Dog Steals the Show With Hilarious Reaction
A video of a dog's brilliantly timed "excited" response to his owner's engagement has left internet viewers in stitches.
The viral clip was shared by @clara_emiko and has amassed more than 1.7 million views since it was posted on May 12. The footage begins with a man getting down on one knee, while opening a ring box and holding it up to the woman.
A message overlaid on the clip simply reads, "Wait for it," as the video later shows a dog come into the frame and mount himself onto the man's back. While standing on his hind legs, the canine is shown thrusting himself back and forth against the man's back, while the woman is laughing with her head thrown backward.
A caption shared with the post reads: "Cooper was very excited to welcome Jacob into the family." A later comment from the poster said that the dog is 11 years old and neutered, yet "he's still got it in him."
Why Do Dogs Hump?
As unusual as the timing of the dog's thrusting in the viral clip may have been, the act itself is normal canine behavior.
Our canine companions "mount and thrust against other animals, people and objects, such as wadded-up blankets, dog beds and toys;" sometimes, they simply rub against people or objects without mounting them, says the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Below are some reasons why dogs hump, as outlined by the ASPCA.
- Displaying play behavior: Mounting and thrusting are both sexual behaviors that count as normal play behavior for dogs. However, "poorly socialized or undersocialized dogs excessively mount other dogs in response to play solicitation," says the ASPCA.
- Excitement or stress: Some dogs may hump a person or another dog in response to a stressful or exciting situation.
- Compulsive disorders: Mounting can also become a compulsive habit, especially if it's done in response to stress, and can interfere with their normal functioning.
- Establishing social status: Canines may sometimes mount people and other animals to display social status or control.
- Medical issue: Different medical problems, such as urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, priapism (persistent, often painful erections) and skin allergies, can also be a reason for the mounting behavior. "If you notice your dog excessively mounting, licking or chewing himself, or rubbing his body against things, take him to a veterinarian to rule out medical concerns," advises the ASPCA.
'Best Proposal Video'
TikTok users were in stitches over the dog's unexpected antics in the viral clip.
Christine wrote that it was the "Best proposal video EVER!!!!" and Anndavidson09 commented that it was the "BEST engagement photo EVER!!"
Lisa Elmer added: "You said yes and cooper said 'yas me too!'."
Kristan posted: "Even his paws are wrapped around him." The original poster replied: "No literally the photo killsss me bc [because] of his paws and look over the shoulder."
Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via TikTok. This video has not been independently verified.
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