Dogs may not be able to use spoken language, but boy do they find ways to communicate exactly what they’re thinking with us anyway. Whether it’s an expression on their faces, urgently jumping around the room, or even barking until we get the point they’re trying to make. When they want attention from us, they can be especially insistent… but when it comes to meal times, dogs seem to be best at making sure their message to us is clear. They want to eat!
The Golden Retriever in this video might be a little over the top, though. It’s time for dinner, and I can’t imagine he ever lets his mom forget it after seeing this!
On Saturday, November 16, @bestboybrix on Instagram shared what happens when her Golden Retriever, Brixton, leading up to his 5 p.m. dinner time. According to the caption, the footage here was taken over the span of just three minutes. She wasn’t even late for dinner yet — he just really wanted to make sure she’d be on time.
First, he starts trying to lead her to the kitchen, just in case she forgot the way. When she still doesn’t move, Brixton starts pawing at her and giving her aggressive head butts. He still didn’t give up when she didn’t budge. Poor thing.
Even when she did make it to the kitchen with him, he kept looking back and forth from her to the pantry, where the dog food is kept… just in case she forgot. Is that why she’s taking forever to get his food ready?!
This video just goes to show exactly how routine oriented dogs are, especially when it comes to food. They may not be able to read a clock, but they sure know when dinner is supposed to be served.
How dogs show they’re ready to eat
There are a lot of dogs out there who will let you know they’re ready for their next meal just as dramatically as Brixton does, but some are definitely more subtle when they’re trying to communicate with you. And if you and your dog are new to each other and still figuring out your routine, there are a few signs to look out for to start reading their body language.
As the American Kennel Club points out, many dogs will tell you anything you need to know with their eyes. For example, hard eyes that seem to have gone cold are a sign of aggression, and if they’re staring at something, those are probably negative emotions at play. Softer eyes can signal that a dog is feeling calm or happy.
If you notice your dog licking their lips, they may be a bit anxious or uncomfortable. And if they’re smiling, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re happy; you’ll know when they’re baring their teeth vs. happy to see you.
Eventually, you’ll be able to read your dog like a book — it just takes a little bit of time!
