Introduction
Dog petting etiquette has always been an important but sometimes confusing topic for dog owners and non-owners alike. The rules around when and how to approach and pet an unfamiliar dog are not always straightforward. This all came to the forefront back in 2019 when a viral video called “Can I Pet That Dog?” took the internet by storm.
The original video was posted to TikTok by a user named @oggway who filmed a funny interaction between a boy and a girl about petting her dog. The girl repeatedly responds “No, you cannot pet this dog” to the boy’s enthusiastic requests, capturing the awkward tension that can arise in these situations. The video blew up almost overnight, garnering over 3 million likes and kicking off a widespread meme.
The Original Video
The viral “Can I Pet That Dog?” video was originally created by Jennifer Epstein, a television reporter for Fox 13 in Tampa Bay, Florida. Epstein was covering Gasparilla, an annual pirate festival in Tampa, in January 2020 when she came across a woman with a dachshund named Stella. In the video, Epstein approaches the woman and her dog and politely asks, “Can I pet that dog? Can I pet her?”
The woman agrees, and Epstein proceeds to excitedly but gently pet Stella while repeating, “Can I pet your dog? Can I pet your dog?” Epstein later posted the short clip to her Facebook page, where it quickly went viral, garnering over 5 million views. The original video highlights Epstein’s infectious enthusiasm and politeness when requesting to pet the dachshund. Her sincere excitement struck a chord with dog lovers everywhere.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/Jen.Epstein.FOX13/videos/can-i-pet-that-dog/634599360418615/
Why It Went Viral
The “Can I Pet That Dog” video quickly went viral on social media platforms like TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram in October 2020. There are several factors that contributed to its rapid spread online:
Cuteness – The boy in the video, 7-year-old Remi, is absolutely adorable as he shyly and politely asks to pet the dog. His sweet, innocent request warmed the hearts of millions of viewers.
Relatability – Asking to pet a cute dog is something many people can relate to. The video captures an experience many have had when wanting to interact with a dog they don’t know.
Simplicity – The short 7 second video has a very simple but highly shareable concept that is easy for people to understand. This simplicity made it very easy for users to recreate and share their own versions.
Humor – While heartwarming, Remi’s sincere request and the funny twist at the end added humor that made the video even more entertaining to watch and share.
Timing – The video debuted during the COVID-19 pandemic when people were isolated and viral pet content provided a sense of joy and connection.
Interactivity – The organic “Can I pet that dog?” trend allowed people to create their own unique and personalized versions, increasing engagement.
Overall, the cute concept, Remi’s charm, the humorous twist ending, and the easily recreatable format led to high engagement and shares across social platforms.
Impact and Reactions
The original “Can I Pet Your Dog?” video had a massive cultural impact, going hugely viral across social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter. The simple, wholesome concept resonated with countless viewers, accumulating over 25 million views on TikTok alone.
The viral popularity spawned an outpouring of creative social media reactions and tributes. Some users made their own “Can I Pet Your Dog?” videos posing the question to strangers and their pets. Pet owners shared heartwarming stories of times strangers asked to pet their dogs. The Twitter account @CanYouPetTheDog documents video games that allow players to pet in-game dogs, amassing over 300,000 followers. Countless memes and jokes spread celebrating the simple joy of petting dogs.
Beyond social media, the trend has impacted gaming and pop culture. Some video game developers have added petting mechanics after the video’s popularity. “Can I pet your dog?” has become a friendly fandom greeting expressing shared appreciation for dogs. The video continues to represent a pure, funny, and uplifting online phenomenon that brings people together through adoring dogs.
Petting Etiquette
When it comes to petting dogs you aren’t familiar with, it’s important to always ask the owner for permission first. This shows respect for both the owner and the dog. According to The Farmer’s Dog, you should say something like “May I pet your dog?” before reaching your hand out. Wait for the owner’s response before attempting to touch the dog.
It’s generally recommended to let the dog sniff the back of your hand first before petting, so the dog can become familiar with your scent. Pet the dog gently under the chin, on the chest, or on the side of the face. Avoid petting on top of the head. Go slow and keep petting gentle, stopping if the dog seems uncomfortable. Pay attention to the dog’s body language for signs they don’t want to be petted.
As noted on Reddit, you should always ask first before petting, but owners should not assume strangers want to pet their dog either. It’s about mutual respect between dog owners and those interested in interacting with their pets.
Owner Perspectives
Many dog owners have mixed feelings when strangers ask to pet their dogs in public. In a Reddit thread, dog owners share their experiences and preferences (source).
Some owners welcome friendly interactions, as long as the stranger asks first and follows their instructions on how to approach the dog. They see it as a chance to socialize their pet in a positive way. However, other owners are more cautious, especially if their dog is shy, reactive, or in training. They may decline requests to avoid overstimulating or frightening their dog.
A common theme is owners wanting control over the interaction to ensure their dog’s safety and comfort. Most appreciate when strangers ask first rather than assuming they can pet the dog. Making a request shows respect for the owner’s role in managing their pet.
Overall, asking first and respecting the owner’s decision, whether allowing or declining petting, creates the best experience for all involved. It recognizes the owner’s responsibility while still giving friendly dogs a chance to socialize if the owner deems it appropriate.
Expert Tips
Dog trainers and behaviorists provide important advice for safely interacting with unfamiliar dogs to avoid situations like the “can I pet your dog?” viral video.
According to the AKC, when approaching an unknown dog, move slowly and avoid direct eye contact, as staring can be seen as rude or threatening. Hold your hand in a loose fist and let the dog sniff the back of your hand before attempting to pet it. This allows the dog to become familiar with your scent first. The AKC also recommends petting under the dog’s chin rather than over the head, as reaching over a dog can be intimidating.
WikiHow suggests avoiding hugging, restraint or other assertive gestures when greeting a new dog. Let the dog approach you rather than reaching for it. The article also notes the importance of watching the dog’s body language for signs of discomfort, such as lowered ears or a tucked tail. If the dog seems apprehensive, stop petting and give it space.
Daily Paws emphasizes asking the owner for permission before petting their dog. An owner can provide insight on where their dog enjoys being petted and any special needs. Experts agree starting with verbal introduction and letting the dog lead interactions can prevent misunderstandings.
Legal Considerations
Dog owners can be legally responsible if their dog bites or injures someone. Laws vary by state but generally the dog owner is liable for any injuries or damages their dog causes. Some key legal considerations around dog bites include:
Many states follow the “one bite rule”, meaning the owner is only liable if they know the dog has a history of aggression. But once the dog bites once, the owner is responsible for taking precautions to prevent further incidents (FindLaw).
Some states have “strict liability laws”, meaning the owner is liable for dog bites regardless of whether the dog has a history of biting. The only defenses may be if the injured person was trespassing or provoked the dog (Nolo).
If the bite occurs on the owner’s property, they may argue the injured person entered at their own risk. But the owner must have clear signage warning of dogs (Nolo).
If a dog has a history of aggression or biting, some states may require the owner to take precautions like muzzling the dog, extra containment/leashing, or euthanasia. An owner who fails to take reasonable precautions may face additional liability.
Viral Video Lessons
The Can I Pet Your Dog video provides some key takeaways about internet culture and what makes content go viral online:
Internet users love cute animal content. Videos and images of dogs get shared widely across social platforms because they appeal to our affection for animals. The Can I Pet Your Dog video was able to tap into this demand for cute dog footage.
Humor and awkwardness resonate. The amusing interaction between the woman enthusiastically asking to pet dogs and the dog owners’ reactions struck a chord with viewers. The somewhat awkward moments made the video relatable and funny.
Short, snackable content spreads rapidly. At just 31 seconds long, the Can I Pet Your Dog video was easy to watch and share quickly via social media. The brevity enabled it to be consumed and reposted rapidly.
Raw, real-world moments connect. Part of the appeal was the unscripted, spontaneous nature of the encounter. Viewers felt connected to a real moment in time, not something fabricated or produced.
Viral hits leverage social media engagement. The Can I Pet Your Dog video took off thanks to likes, comments, and shares spreading it across Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and other platforms. Tapping into social networks fuels viral distribution.
The Future of Petting
Experts emphasize that going forward, we should promote safe and positive petting experiences through education and advocacy. Pet owners should be empowered to set boundaries and feel comfortable communicating their preferences. Initiatives like the “Ask First” campaign by The Dodo [1] aim to normalize asking for consent before touching a dog. Many owners now use leashes/harnesses labeled “Ask to Pet” as a visual cue. There is also a push for better petting etiquette education for children, who may instinctively run towards dogs. With greater awareness, petting can be an enriching experience for dogs, owners, and the community.
[1] https://www.thedodo.com/ask-first-pet-safety-2273334340.html