Pet Cam Captures Dog's Reaction to Open Door: 'Cogs Turning in His Brain'

Internet users have been left in stitches after a dog was caught on camera considering running away.

In a TikTok video posted a week ago, Grace Beverley, from London, England, captured the moment her dog noticed the open front door and appeared to debate whether to make a break for it. The clip, under the username @gracebeverley, now has more than 4 million views.

"The front door wasn't latched property this morning," the text overlay in the video reads. "Here is real live footage of my puppy deciding whether to take himself on a walk or come upstairs for a cuddle." The caption says: "You can see the actual cogs turning in his brain." In the short clip, the small dog stands in the hallway. He takes a look out of the door, then at the stairs, then back at the door, before finally deciding he'll head upstairs to see his owner.

However, what is truly fascinating is the underlying psychology behind this dog's decision-making. In a study published in 2003 by a group of researchers from Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, Hungary, and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, tests were used to explore dogs' problem-solving abilities.

The experiments involved placing an object or food behind a transparent, V-shaped wire-mesh fence, offering dogs the opportunity to reach the reward by detouring around the obstacle. Some groups of canines were provided with two open doors as an alternative, easier route to the reward.

In the first experiment, dogs reached the reward by going through the open doors in the initial trial. However, when the doors were closed in subsequent trials, their detouring performance diminished. Yet, dogs in the experimental group that observed a human demonstrator successfully detouring after the doors were closed exhibited improved problem-solving skills, compared to those without a demonstration.

The second experiment delved into the impact of social learning on dogs' behavior. Canines were initially taught to detour the fence with closed doors after observing a human demonstrator. Surprisingly, even when the doors were opened in subsequent trials, some dogs persisted in detouring along the fence, demonstrating a preference for the familiar route.

The findings suggest that dogs can use information gained through social learning to come to a decision in problem-solving situations. However, it also highlights that repeated individual and social experiences can contribute to the manifestation of maladaptive behavior.

While Grace's dog could have headed off on a solo adventure, it seems that his understanding of the benefits of a cuddle session was more appealing.

In thousands of comments, people shared their reactions to the adorable moment.

"That dog must really love you," wrote Elley. "My dog would be halfway across town."

Loubi posted: "The intrusive thoughts didn't win today."

"This is the best video I've ever seen," commented Meg Reilly, and poster Grace replied: "By the time I calmed down I thought the same thing."

Newsweek reached out to Grace Beverley via email for comment.