Golden Retriever Watches Robot Vacuum His Paw, Response Delights Viewers

You don't have to own a dog to know that they often have a problem with a vacuum cleaner. Well, one woman seems to have figured out a way to put an end to the drama by investing in a robot vacuum.

Usually, the suction device that is big and noisy sets off a dog, and they may follow it around barking. But in this instance, Jessica Porter Lee's golden retriever is far from riled up.

Instead, the dog lies on the ground with a perplexed facial expression as the small, autonomous device that cleans floors by vacuuming goes over his paw and beside him.

The January 14 video shared to @jessicaporterlee quickly went viral, gathering 9.8 million views and over 1 million likes.

Newsweek reached out to @jessicaporterlee for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case.

More than 7,000 users have commented on the video, many praising the dog for keeping its cool.

"Why does every golden retriever constantly look confused and concerned," asked one user, and another described the dog as "unfazed [and] annoyed at the same time."

"The vacuum is starting at the source," said another comment with over 66,000 likes.

However, the same can't be said for other owners, who have shared how their dogs react to the household appliance.

"I wish my dog was this unbothered. He literally shakes because he's so scared of it," said a fourth user, and another said: "The way my dogs would have a heart attack if the vacuum touched their foot."

Why Are Dogs Scared of Vacuums?

It is likely that this golden wasn't alarmed by the robotic device due to its size and lack of sound, whereas a conventional cleaner may be seen as more of a threat.

Newsweek previously spoke to Joe Nutkins, a Kennel Club-accredited dog trainer from England.

She said: "Vacuums make a new sound which can worry noise-sensitive dogs or confuse other dogs.

"When being used, the movements can cause natural instincts like herding (chasing and biting the vacuum), territorial (needing to control the space around them), or guarding (protecting their home/family)."

How To Train Your Dog Not To Be Scared of the Vacuum

Nutkins provided the following tips:

• Leave your dog to investigate the device without switching it on. Make sure you praise any interest in it and praise them for ignoring it if they are usually worried.
• Play with toys near the vacuum without it being on to build a positive association.
• Play games with your dog with the vacuum on in a stationary position for short sessions.
• Ask someone to entertain your dog while you start to move the vacuum, which may help them feel less fearful.
• Make sure there is a safe space for your dog to go rather than following them while hoovering.

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