A video showcasing the extraordinary vigilance and quick response of guard dogs when “predators lurk” has captivated users on TikTok.
The clip was shared by TikTok user @craborchardcreek and has amassed 5.9 million views since it was shared on August 19.
The footage, captured by a security camera at around 4 a.m. local time, begins with a tranquil scene of a goat and two baby goats standing in a fenced area. Nearby, two dogs, identified in a later comment by the poster as Anatolian shepherd dogs, appear to be sleeping soundly on the ground.
A note overlaid on the clip ominously states “Predators lurk in the darkness…” The scene then shifts as the goat seems to notice something in the distance. One of the dogs also senses the potential danger and swiftly raises its head.
In an instant, the initially relaxed pup leaps into action, followed closely by its companion. The pair dash off into the distance. Moments later, a third dog, identified as a Great Pyrenees by the poster, joins the fray, running in the same direction as the other two.
A message overlaid on the clip reassures viewers that “these new baby goats are safe under the protection of their livestock guardian dogs.”
The reaction of the guard dogs in the viral clip is not surprising as our canine companions may be instinctively wired to protect their owners, according to an April 2020 study published in the journal PLOS One.
The study, which looked at whether dogs would release their “seemingly trapped” owners from a large box, found that canines released the owner more often when the owner “called for help” (the distress test) than when the owner “read aloud calmly” (the reading test).
According to the study, “dogs were as likely to release their distressed owner as to retrieve treats from inside the box, indicating that rescuing an owner may be a highly rewarding action for dogs.”
The study also noted that canines displayed more stress behaviors in the distress test than in the reading test. “This evidence of emotional contagion supports the hypothesis that rescuing the distressed owner was an empathetically-motivated prosocial behavior,” the study said.
While releasing the owner can be attributed “primarily to other motivations,” the study found “multiple lines of evidence indicated that prosocial tendencies represented a significant component of the dog’s motivation to rescue the owner.”
‘Instant Combat Mode in a Nanosecond’
TikTok users were amazed and impressed by the swift actions of the guard dogs in this viral video.
Ken said “Straight to work is wild. 0 fear in those dogs.” Lisah105 noted “I need backup like that. Full sleep mode to instant combat mode in a nanosecond.”
Amy Louise Wass marveled at their quick response, stating, “I find it amazing how they go from sleeping to completely alert and up in seconds.”
DottieBird humorously noted “These dogs are always combat ready. They’re Seal Team 10,” while erichoffman363 likened their readiness to that of the military, saying “That is a soldier!! They know when it’s go time.”
Others echoed similar sentiments. Anthony Nunez praised their bravery, saying “Dogs are so brave they are just ready at all times.” Joseph Cannata noticed the dogs’ decisive action, simply saying “Zero hesitation.” User 1godspeed8 admired their dedication, noting “The loyalty of dogs is amazing, fresh out of sleep instantly into whatever bro on.”
Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via TikTok. This video has not been independently verified.
An Anatolian shepherd dog stands alert, ready for action. A video of two Anatolian shepherd dogs going from sleeping into “instant combat mode” after spotting a potential predator has gone viral on TikTok.
iStock / Getty Images Plus
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