What's Happening?
A golden retriever named Duke has captured the hearts of social media users with his gentle behavior during encounters with deer on his daily walks. Carmen Caldwell, Duke's owner, shared a video on TikTok
showing Duke sitting calmly in front of a deer, a behavior he has learned through training. The video has received over 1.3 million views and 333,100 likes. Caldwell explained that Duke has been accustomed to these walks since he was a puppy and has learned to sit politely when he wants to 'say hi' to the deer. This behavior is not only adorable but also demonstrates responsible pet ownership and training.
Why It's Important?
The viral video highlights the importance of training dogs to manage their natural prey drive, which is an instinctive behavior in all dogs. According to the American Kennel Club, while prey drive cannot be completely eliminated, it can be managed through training methods like Predation Substitute Training. Duke's behavior serves as an example of how pet owners can foster positive interactions between their pets and wildlife, promoting safety and harmony in natural settings. The widespread attention the video has received also underscores the public's appreciation for responsible pet ownership and the joy that well-trained pets can bring.
