A video of a dog hiding under a table has left the internet in stitches—but it isn’t so much the content that has caught TikTok users’ attention as the reason behind it.
During the clip, shared on a page dedicated to two Irish Setters @rudy_theirish, the dog’s face can be seen peering out from under the table as the animal apparently hides from its owner.
The text over the video explains why: “When you acted sick all week so you could get chicken and rice, and now Mum’s on the phone to the vet.”
The clip, captioned “Master manipulator,” has over 30,000 views and proves dogs are much smarter than we think.
Two screenshots from the video show Rudy hiding under the table and peering out between dining room chairs.
TikTok/@rudy_theirish
Do Dogs Understand Our Conversations?
The VCA Animal Hospital’s website highlights research showing that dogs process language in a similar way to humans, using both sides of their brains. The left side processes word meanings, while the right interprets tone. This ability to integrate both word and tone helps dogs better understand their owners.
Another study used MRI scans to show how dogs respond to different tones and words. When praised with a sweet tone, both brain hemispheres were active, enhancing comprehension. However, if the tone was neutral, only the left side activated and dogs didn’t always fully understand. The reward center of their brains also only lit up when both words and tone were familiar and pleasant. Therefore, how you speak to your dog—both in terms of words and tone—plays a crucial role in their understanding and emotional response.
TikTok Reacts
Several TikTok users responded to the video with laughing emojis, and it seems other dogs are great actors too, according to another owner’s experience. “My dog was sick all night and I called the emergency vet at 4am and said I’d bring him in. 10 mins later my dog was fine and slept until 12pm as he’d been up all night sick,” they wrote.
“That didn’t go to plan,” said another person.
Pet owners will be able to relate to the video as it’s rare for an animal to jump with joy when it comes to visiting their vets. But the American Kennel Club states that dogs do not need to suffer from anxiety before an appointment as there are other solutions such as mobile apps and house-call veterinary services.
These options allow dogs to be examined in their own home, where they feel more comfortable. Additionally, apps offer virtual consultations, medication delivery and health monitoring features. This approach not only helps dogs but also improves convenience for owners and veterinarians.
Newsweek has reached out to @rudy_theirish for comment.
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