German Shepherd has best reaction to seeing her own reflection for the first time
Sometimes we’re surprised by the person we see in the mirror.
For some, the mirror might be a simple vanity affair. For others, it can provide affirmation and improve self-compassion. And still yet there are many more who don’t bother looking because they ‘already know what they look like’. Whatever your reason, reflections can be an intriguing thing. While we may use it as a discovery tool, sometimes the thing that we see isn’t always what we expect.
Take this young seven-month-old German Shepherd for instance.
Footage of her has been making its rounds on TikTok, where it’s received viral status.
The video features her reaction as she views herself for the first time ever in a full-length mirror. The video was uploaded by user @emiilyy_23, who noticed the adorable incident unfolding and was quick to take a video. The dog walks into the room with the mirror, only to spin around as she notices what appears to be another copy of her. To her, perhaps, another dog altogether.
Her reaction is truly priceless!
In a moment of worry and doubt, the puppy immediately crouches into a defensive position and lets out a warning growl. As she faces her own doppelganger, she is quick to protect. You can hear her owner in the background, having a laugh about everything, saying “That’s you!”.
The video is only made more adorable by the fact that the puzzled pooch is completely convinced she’s looking at a separate dog.
The young dog continues to crouch and growl at the mirror. She darts forward to pounce and then immediately retreats in fear as her reflection copies the same exact moves. Eventually, she comes to her senses. She sniffs the glass and realizes that she is the only dog present. However, she still seems baffled by the entire incident.
The viral video has been watched over one million times and has over 150,000 likes on the popular social media app. Her owner uploaded the video, penning the caption: “Just my 7mo German Shepard seeing herself in a mirror for the first time.”
Fans immediately poured in, giving their praise to the adorable video.
“Hilarious! She’s like, get out of my house.”
Another viewer confessed: “I spilled my drink I laughed so hard at this.”
A third viewer commented: “Dogs are such goofballs! I love them so much”
On the opposite end, some viewers witness the dog’s reaction as an early sign of aggression. However, the majority seems to think it’s a very normal reaction for perceiving an ‘intruder’ in her home.
Interestingly enough, the self-awareness of animals has been questioned.
Psychologist Gordon Gallup Jr. devised a ‘mirror’ test, if you will, to test these boundaries with different species of animals. Among the animals that have passed? Orangutans and chimpanzees, as well as elephants and dolphins. Among those that have failed? Panda bears, sea lions, and yes – dogs. They’re more apt to play or fight with their reflection than truly recognize who they are.
Check this curious puppy out for yourself in the video linked below!
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Sources: The Atlantic, TikTok, Daily Star
