Training pets can be quite the challenge, especially for busy pet owners. However, those with multiple furry friends might have witnessed an interesting phenomenon: dogs often learn quickly by observing one another.
Take the story of a family with a foster dog named Tomato. This little pup formed an unwavering bond with the family’s golden retriever, Bubbles, following her around like a shadow. Without realizing it, Bubbles became Tomato’s mentor!
In a TikTok video shared by user @arlolovesbubbles on August 18, Tomato was eager to stay close to Bubbles. He mimicked her every move, whether it was transitioning from a sit to a cozy lie-down on the couch. It was adorable to see him adjust his paws just like Bubbles.
@arlolovesbubbles/TikTok
Though it was sweet to watch, Bubbles didn’t seem too pleased with her new role as Tomato’s shadow. She threw a look at her owner that clearly said, “I need some space!”
In a follow-up clip, Tomato’s clinginess continued as he plopped down right next to Bubbles while she was trying to rest. No matter how much she shifted to get comfortable, Tomato was right there, ready to snuggle.
Tomato’s behavior is an example of what scientists call allelomimetic behavior, or contagious behavior. According to Psychology Today, this occurs when dogs copy actions from their peers. They tend to follow, mimic, and learn from one another, which can greatly aid in training, especially for puppies.
Viewer Reactions
The TikTok post quickly gained traction, with over 75,000 views, 13,400 likes, and 149 comments as of Monday.
Comments ranged from, “Omg so cute. He’s just learning how to be a good boy lol,” to praise for Bubbles as a “good role model for the puppy.”
One viewer humorously noted, “The side eye at the end,” while another imagined Tomato thinking, “If I do what she does, they’ll keep me.”