Last Updated on November 20, 2024 by Fumipets
Hysterics Over Why ‘World’s Smartest Dog Breed’ Struggles During Walk
Dogs often surprise us with their antics, but when the “world’s smartest dog breed” shows confusion, it’s both puzzling and hilarious. Arlo, a charming Border Collie, recently captured the hearts of millions with his reaction to a simple red light during a nighttime walk. His story not only sparked laughter but also discussions about dog behavior, intelligence, and proper walking techniques for our furry friends.
The Smartest Dog Breed: Border Collies in the Spotlight
Border Collies have earned their reputation as the most intelligent dog breed. Known for their problem-solving skills, agility, and trainability, they’re a favorite among farmers, trainers, and pet enthusiasts. According to studies, Border Collies can understand new commands with fewer than five repetitions and obey the first command 95% of the time. These dogs excel in following directions through hand signals, whistles, or voice commands.
But intelligence doesn’t mean they can’t be thrown off by something unusual—like Arlo’s encounter with a red light.
Arlo’s Hilarious Walk: The Red Light Incident
Arlo’s owner, known as @theythemtheo on TikTok, shared a video of their evening walk on November 14. With the British winter bringing early nights, Arlo was equipped with a harness featuring a red flashlight for visibility.
What followed was a comedic sequence of confusion. As the red light flashed on nearby walls, Arlo noticed it out of the corner of his eye and whipped his head around, only to see the light vanish. This happened repeatedly, leaving Arlo visibly puzzled. The video quickly went viral, amassing over 1.1 million views and 111,100 likes.
TikTok Reacts: From Laughter to Concerns
TikTok users couldn’t get enough of Arlo’s antics.
- Hilarious Comments:
- “I guess something stopped his stride,” joked one commenter.
- Another playfully imagined Arlo’s thoughts: “What sorcery is this?”
- Supportive Voices:
- “I would be suspicious too!” defended a viewer, empathizing with Arlo’s reaction.
- Concerns About Lasers:
While the video was lighthearted, some viewers raised valid concerns. The American Kennel Club (AKC) warns against using laser pointers with dogs, as their disappearing nature can lead to confusion and anxiety. Prolonged exposure might even cause obsessive-compulsive behaviors, leaving dogs frustrated and stressed.
@theythemtheo Replying to @watchingfromthesidelines
Owner’s Response to Concerns
Arlo’s owner was quick to address these concerns, reassuring viewers of Arlo’s well-being:
“Arlo is a very happy and healthy dog! She gets tons of love and stimulation, and we never encourage her to play with lights or shadows. This was from a trial walk with a harness light during the dark British winter, and we obviously haven’t used the light again.”
This thoughtful response highlights the importance of understanding our pets’ needs and behaviors, even during seemingly innocent moments.
Why Smart Dogs Like Arlo Get Confused
Even the smartest dogs can have their moments of confusion. Here’s why:
- Unfamiliar Stimuli: New objects or sensations, like the red light, can catch dogs off guard.
- High Prey Drive: Border Collies are wired to chase moving objects, which may explain Arlo’s reaction to the light.
- Lack of Context: Without a clear source for the light, Arlo couldn’t process what he was seeing.
This highlights that intelligence doesn’t always equate to immediate understanding of novel situations.
Best Practices for Walking Your Dog at Night
To ensure your dog’s safety and comfort during evening strolls, consider these tips:
- Use Proper Lighting: Equip your dog with reflective gear or soft LED lights to improve visibility without causing confusion.
- Stay on Familiar Paths: Stick to well-lit, known routes to prevent stress or anxiety.
- Observe Behavior: Monitor your dog’s reaction to new equipment or surroundings. Adjust as needed to ensure their well-being.
- Engage Their Senses: Let your dog sniff and explore safely to reduce distractions and build confidence.
The Importance of Understanding Canine Behavior
Arlo’s experience is a reminder of how important it is to understand our pets’ behaviors. While Border Collies are highly intelligent, each dog is unique and may respond differently to unfamiliar situations. By being attentive to their needs, we can ensure a healthy, happy bond.
Concluding Thoughts: A Lesson in Pet Ownership
Arlo’s viral moment brings laughter and learning in equal measure. His confusion over the red light shows that even the smartest dogs need guidance and understanding. As pet owners, it’s our responsibility to create environments that nurture their natural instincts while avoiding unnecessary stress.
FAQs
1. Are Border Collies really the smartest dog breed?
Yes, Border Collies are widely regarded as the most intelligent dog breed due to their ability to learn commands quickly and their exceptional problem-solving skills.
2. Why do dogs react strongly to lasers or lights?
Lasers and lights can trigger a dog’s prey drive, leading to confusion or anxiety when the light disappears without resolution.
3. How can I ensure my dog stays safe during nighttime walks?
Use reflective gear, stay on familiar paths, and observe your dog’s reactions to new equipment or environments.
4. Can lights or lasers harm my dog’s mental health?
Overexposure to lasers can lead to obsessive behaviors or anxiety in dogs. It’s best to avoid using lasers as toys or during walks.
5. What should I do if my dog shows fear or confusion during walks?
Remain calm, remove the source of stress, and gradually expose your dog to new stimuli in a controlled manner.
References: Original Article on Newsweek
