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Dog Owner Witnesses Peculiar Behavior At The Dog Park, Asks The Internet If His Dog Just Lied To Another Dog
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Dog Owner Witnesses Peculiar Behavior At The Dog Park, Asks The Internet If His Dog Just Lied To Another Dog

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We’d like to think of dogs as our sweet furbabies, carelessly jumping through the miseries of world with their wet snouts. But there’s another side to the doggo mind that we a) either didn’t know existed or b) pretended like it didn’t.

You see, the redditor u/Jthundercleese seems to have caught his buddy red-handed. As confused as he was by the whole incident, the owner recounted a moment of his beloved dog outsmarting another dog in what felt like a master deception move. The smartass surely deserves to be called the wolf of Wall Street, and I refuse to believe this is just a coincidence.

So, let’s dive into the discussion down below in a bid to answer the question “did my dog just lie to another dog?” The stakes are high, and our conclusion may change the way we look at our innocent puppos for, like, ever.

The dog owner decided to find out whether his beloved puppo is a trickster in disguise

Image credits: Robin Tobin (not the actual photo)

And this is the episode that he shared on Reddit

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Image credits: Jthundercleese

Bored Panda spoke to Antonio Diaz, a certified and professional K-9 trainer and dog behavioral specialist based in Las Vegas, about what this particular case tells us about our furry friends. “Intentionally lying is a bit of a stretch, but I’ve heard similar stories,” explained Antonio.

“One that comes to mind is of two resident dogs that both had a bone. One hid theirs right away while the other started to indulge.” The dog that buried their bone then ran back towards the house and started barking. Antonio continued: “This got the attention of the other dog and he came to investigate. Once he stepped away, the first dog quickly returned to claim their prize.” The dog behaviorist explained that this is an example of “what some dogs are capable of in order to get what they want.”

However, with all that said, Antonio reminded us that it’s very common for humans to find similarities and attach human traits to other animals. It’s called anthropomorphism. “Saying the dog was intentionally lying is anthropomorphism; saying he manipulated the other dog is a fact.”

But Antonio is convinced that dogs manipulate humans too. “A not-so-elaborate example is when a dog uses the ‘I need to go potty’ signal to their human (when they actually do not have to go potty) in order to get some free time outside,” he explained.

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People had a lot to say about the smartass doggo

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diz_1 avatar
Laugh Fan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seen my dogs do things like this! Funny how one toy or chew ends up being the 'must have' item!

anne-colomb1986 avatar
cassiushumanmother
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's possible, even birds do this. It has been observed by ethologists on raven, they mystify others. When they have something valuable and there are another crows watching, they fake to hide it in a place, watching if the others are watching, and then leave to hide the treasure elsewhere. (and then he giggle, thinking "LOOSERS!", not sure of the veracity of that behavioral pattern but i think he must do it)

earloflincoln avatar
rebajanemoore avatar
Becky Moore
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a dog that pretends he wants to go out, so I get off the sofa to open the door and he bloody steals my seat!! :p

trishajones70 avatar
Trisha Jones
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have three dogs a little CairnTerrier that five , pitbull that five and I have an old grumpy 15-year-old Australian cattle dog. The 15-year-old likes to go and purposely get their favorite toy take it to his bed set it down next to him and then when they see that he has it they try to go over and grab it and he growls at them then they come over to me like they’ve lost there best friend then when he grows tired of it he gets up and they go over and grab it and the world is good again. then the game starts all over again. My dogs like to play a game with me when company comes over they like to go over getting In their lap give them kisses and give them all this attention then look over to make sure I’m paying attention trying to see if I get jealous I just laugh. My life would be boring if I didn’t have my dogs

crabcrab avatar
Hans
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"terms and conditions apply. Dramatic effect for advertisement only."

a_f_jeppesen76 avatar
Ann Jeppesen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When my parents old dog was still alive and playing with a toy my own dog wanted, he suddenly perked his ears started barking and running towards the door. When the other dog did the same, my dog would spin around and take the ball. This wasn't a one time event, he did that frequently. I don't know if I would call it lying, but definitely out-smarting the other dog. It worked every time. (Sorry for potential misspelling and so on. I do not live in an English speaking country)

sendmorerum avatar
Up All Night
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now I know the reason why that German Shepherd tried to bark at me through the fence with a ball in his mouth. He did this more than once and of course, that's a 3-dog house. He couldn't risk losing the ball even when it came to guarding!

Load More Replies...
voodounlou avatar
Lou Lopez
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My smart dog would do this all the time; he'd play bow, then steal whatever the item was that the other dog abandoned. Beds, bones, people... He totally knew the rules well enough to bend them, and knew the other dogs well enough to manipulate them. He's 16 now and has dementia, poor guy... Watching him loose those parts of himself is hard, even if he is still cheerful and playful.

nicolas_pilot avatar
Nicolas Pilot
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"We'll call this other dog Richard" I'm guessing that's a pseudonym to protect the dog's identity

raroararoa avatar
RaroaRaroa
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He didn't lie. He just suggested an alternative and Richard went for it.

alchristensen avatar
Al Christensen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had two dogs. Zorro would gulp down his treats but Jazz liked to save his for a little while. One day, after gobbling his treat and seeing Jazz still had his, Zorro rushed into the garden, barking frantically, as if their nemesis, the neighbor's cat, was out there. Jazz rush out to join the barking, leaving his treat behind. Zorro ran in and gobbled the unguarded snack.

signups avatar
Sam Standerwick
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of mine does this but roped OH and I unwittingly into the deception until we realised! If little one had a bone she’d come over with a tug toy, all ears up, bright eyed and looking happy and excited and get is to play. Other dog is jealous of any attention not to them so dropped the bone and came over to muscle in, leaving first dog to steal the bone. She managed it a couple of times before we caught on that we were being used as accomplices in the bone theft lol

ashleyjones_2 avatar
CherylTunt
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dog has learned that her brother dog likes to bark at people walking by our house, if he wants his spot , like if he’s laying next to me , she will bark at the window he will jump up and she will take his spot ...

erin_16 avatar
GirlFriday (featuring Pitbull)
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dog and my brother's dog do this to each other all of the time. It is usually over a stuffed dragon. When A-Dog has it and Beastie wants it, Beastie will go sit in A-Dog's mom's lap. This prompts jealousy from A-Dog and he will drop the dragon to get affection from his mom, Beastie then swoops in, grabs the dragon and trots off in victory.

johanna_zamora avatar
Grumble O'Pug
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dog biologists have illustrated that dogs to understand abstract concepts. This is highly plausible.

scigib avatar
Karin Gibson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is not the brightest penny in a purse. Still he will bark as though as though we are being invaded by evil hordes if all the best sleeping places are taken. My "brighter"dogs will dash to repel the baddies. Paddy then dashed into the lounge gets the best spot and virtually sniggers at the other two.

scigib avatar
Karin Gibson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dog Paddy does something similar. One thing to know is that "the paddster"

hikithemooo avatar
Bonifasiana Kosong
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's not a lie. One doggo (lame) stick is another doggo treasure. That's all. Beside this just prove that dog is a happiest creature on Earth since just a stick can make them excited. I really wish I can have that much positivity in my life.

trishajones70 avatar
Trisha Jones
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have three dogs a little Cairn Terrier that is five years old I have a pitbull which is five years old then I have a grouchy 15-year-old Australian cattle dog and my 15-year-old Australian cattle dog likes to play a game were he will take their favorite toy and he’ll take it over to his bed and he’ll just set it on his bed and lay down and they’ll be looking for their favorite toy and then they go get it And he will growls at him. Then they’ll come over to me like like they lost there best friend. Then when he grows tired of it he’ll get up then they go grab it and then the game starts all over again. My dogs like to play a game with me when someone comes over they like to get in their lap and give them kisses and all this attention and they’ll look over to make sure I am watching trying to make me jealous . I just laugh , my life would be very boring without my three dogs

andrea_cordes avatar
Bama Cordes
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I give all three of my dogs rawhides. Dash goes face first into it while Chuck sits, very deliberately with his own between his front paws. Once Dash's is gone, Chuck will deliberately and slowly relish his. While Dash loses his mind. Totally deliberate.

dfreg avatar
Leodavinci
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's not lying. Even when humans (and other animals) engage in similar behavior, it's not lying.

foormanek avatar
bob foormanek
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nothing special. All dogs do that. Did this guy really watch his dog playing with others before?

shaynameidela avatar
Dorothy Parker
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He was Tom Sawyered. The stick was whitewashing the fence. Smart dog.

b_c_mead avatar
zootietoo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's called being "Tom Sawyered". In the novel, Tom was whitewashing the fence, and his buddies made fun of him for having to wrk instead of play. Tom insisted he was having the time of his life so vehemently, that the other kids asked if they could take a turn painting the fence. Tom allowed them to paint the fence for him, but only if they gave him something in return. So, Tom ended up getting snacks and toys in exchange for allowing the other kids to paint the fence.

rweaver-boredpanda avatar
Johnny
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's fun to anthropomorphized dog behavior, but it's possible that he was still excited from playing with the ball, maybe a little agitated that the other dog took it, so he picked up the stick and was genuinely interested in playing with it since he couldn't play with the ball. But then when the other dog dropped the ball, he picked it up since that's what he really wanted to play with. So maybe no trickery involved, just play.

diz_1 avatar
Laugh Fan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seen my dogs do things like this! Funny how one toy or chew ends up being the 'must have' item!

anne-colomb1986 avatar
cassiushumanmother
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's possible, even birds do this. It has been observed by ethologists on raven, they mystify others. When they have something valuable and there are another crows watching, they fake to hide it in a place, watching if the others are watching, and then leave to hide the treasure elsewhere. (and then he giggle, thinking "LOOSERS!", not sure of the veracity of that behavioral pattern but i think he must do it)

earloflincoln avatar
rebajanemoore avatar
Becky Moore
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a dog that pretends he wants to go out, so I get off the sofa to open the door and he bloody steals my seat!! :p

trishajones70 avatar
Trisha Jones
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have three dogs a little CairnTerrier that five , pitbull that five and I have an old grumpy 15-year-old Australian cattle dog. The 15-year-old likes to go and purposely get their favorite toy take it to his bed set it down next to him and then when they see that he has it they try to go over and grab it and he growls at them then they come over to me like they’ve lost there best friend then when he grows tired of it he gets up and they go over and grab it and the world is good again. then the game starts all over again. My dogs like to play a game with me when company comes over they like to go over getting In their lap give them kisses and give them all this attention then look over to make sure I’m paying attention trying to see if I get jealous I just laugh. My life would be boring if I didn’t have my dogs

crabcrab avatar
Hans
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"terms and conditions apply. Dramatic effect for advertisement only."

a_f_jeppesen76 avatar
Ann Jeppesen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When my parents old dog was still alive and playing with a toy my own dog wanted, he suddenly perked his ears started barking and running towards the door. When the other dog did the same, my dog would spin around and take the ball. This wasn't a one time event, he did that frequently. I don't know if I would call it lying, but definitely out-smarting the other dog. It worked every time. (Sorry for potential misspelling and so on. I do not live in an English speaking country)

sendmorerum avatar
Up All Night
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now I know the reason why that German Shepherd tried to bark at me through the fence with a ball in his mouth. He did this more than once and of course, that's a 3-dog house. He couldn't risk losing the ball even when it came to guarding!

Load More Replies...
voodounlou avatar
Lou Lopez
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My smart dog would do this all the time; he'd play bow, then steal whatever the item was that the other dog abandoned. Beds, bones, people... He totally knew the rules well enough to bend them, and knew the other dogs well enough to manipulate them. He's 16 now and has dementia, poor guy... Watching him loose those parts of himself is hard, even if he is still cheerful and playful.

nicolas_pilot avatar
Nicolas Pilot
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"We'll call this other dog Richard" I'm guessing that's a pseudonym to protect the dog's identity

raroararoa avatar
RaroaRaroa
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He didn't lie. He just suggested an alternative and Richard went for it.

alchristensen avatar
Al Christensen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had two dogs. Zorro would gulp down his treats but Jazz liked to save his for a little while. One day, after gobbling his treat and seeing Jazz still had his, Zorro rushed into the garden, barking frantically, as if their nemesis, the neighbor's cat, was out there. Jazz rush out to join the barking, leaving his treat behind. Zorro ran in and gobbled the unguarded snack.

signups avatar
Sam Standerwick
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of mine does this but roped OH and I unwittingly into the deception until we realised! If little one had a bone she’d come over with a tug toy, all ears up, bright eyed and looking happy and excited and get is to play. Other dog is jealous of any attention not to them so dropped the bone and came over to muscle in, leaving first dog to steal the bone. She managed it a couple of times before we caught on that we were being used as accomplices in the bone theft lol

ashleyjones_2 avatar
CherylTunt
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dog has learned that her brother dog likes to bark at people walking by our house, if he wants his spot , like if he’s laying next to me , she will bark at the window he will jump up and she will take his spot ...

erin_16 avatar
GirlFriday (featuring Pitbull)
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dog and my brother's dog do this to each other all of the time. It is usually over a stuffed dragon. When A-Dog has it and Beastie wants it, Beastie will go sit in A-Dog's mom's lap. This prompts jealousy from A-Dog and he will drop the dragon to get affection from his mom, Beastie then swoops in, grabs the dragon and trots off in victory.

johanna_zamora avatar
Grumble O'Pug
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dog biologists have illustrated that dogs to understand abstract concepts. This is highly plausible.

scigib avatar
Karin Gibson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is not the brightest penny in a purse. Still he will bark as though as though we are being invaded by evil hordes if all the best sleeping places are taken. My "brighter"dogs will dash to repel the baddies. Paddy then dashed into the lounge gets the best spot and virtually sniggers at the other two.

scigib avatar
Karin Gibson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dog Paddy does something similar. One thing to know is that "the paddster"

hikithemooo avatar
Bonifasiana Kosong
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's not a lie. One doggo (lame) stick is another doggo treasure. That's all. Beside this just prove that dog is a happiest creature on Earth since just a stick can make them excited. I really wish I can have that much positivity in my life.

trishajones70 avatar
Trisha Jones
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have three dogs a little Cairn Terrier that is five years old I have a pitbull which is five years old then I have a grouchy 15-year-old Australian cattle dog and my 15-year-old Australian cattle dog likes to play a game were he will take their favorite toy and he’ll take it over to his bed and he’ll just set it on his bed and lay down and they’ll be looking for their favorite toy and then they go get it And he will growls at him. Then they’ll come over to me like like they lost there best friend. Then when he grows tired of it he’ll get up then they go grab it and then the game starts all over again. My dogs like to play a game with me when someone comes over they like to get in their lap and give them kisses and all this attention and they’ll look over to make sure I am watching trying to make me jealous . I just laugh , my life would be very boring without my three dogs

andrea_cordes avatar
Bama Cordes
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I give all three of my dogs rawhides. Dash goes face first into it while Chuck sits, very deliberately with his own between his front paws. Once Dash's is gone, Chuck will deliberately and slowly relish his. While Dash loses his mind. Totally deliberate.

dfreg avatar
Leodavinci
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's not lying. Even when humans (and other animals) engage in similar behavior, it's not lying.

foormanek avatar
bob foormanek
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nothing special. All dogs do that. Did this guy really watch his dog playing with others before?

shaynameidela avatar
Dorothy Parker
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He was Tom Sawyered. The stick was whitewashing the fence. Smart dog.

b_c_mead avatar
zootietoo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's called being "Tom Sawyered". In the novel, Tom was whitewashing the fence, and his buddies made fun of him for having to wrk instead of play. Tom insisted he was having the time of his life so vehemently, that the other kids asked if they could take a turn painting the fence. Tom allowed them to paint the fence for him, but only if they gave him something in return. So, Tom ended up getting snacks and toys in exchange for allowing the other kids to paint the fence.

rweaver-boredpanda avatar
Johnny
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's fun to anthropomorphized dog behavior, but it's possible that he was still excited from playing with the ball, maybe a little agitated that the other dog took it, so he picked up the stick and was genuinely interested in playing with it since he couldn't play with the ball. But then when the other dog dropped the ball, he picked it up since that's what he really wanted to play with. So maybe no trickery involved, just play.

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