Video: Golden Retriever Shows How an ‘Effective Non-Verbal Communication' Looks Like

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4 days ago

Anyone who's lived with a dog knows they are excellent at passive-aggressively staring at you until you do what they want. However, some pups skip the drama and go straight for nuance. One video making waves on Instagram proves that with just a flick of the brow, a Golden Retriever can speak volumes, and it's honestly kind of impressive.
In a recent video, Stevie, a young Golden Retriever, has gone viral for her surprisingly 'effective non-verbal communication.' In a video uploaded to Instagram, Stevie demonstrates a hilarious and surprisingly clear way of asking for what she wants using only her eyebrows.
The video opens with Stevie standing still, focused on something off-camera. As the camera pans, it becomes clear that her attention is fixed on a ball lying nearby. Instead of barking, whining, or pawing at it, Stevie looks at the ball, then at her owner, then back again, each time raising and lowering her eyebrows as if to say, 'You see what I'm seeing, right?' It's subtle, but unmistakable: she wants the ball, and she is asking for it with perfect eyebrow movement.
Viewers couldn't stop pointing out how spot-on the Golden Retriever's body language was in the video. One user nailed the moment, commenting, 'The good old 'It's not gonna throw itself!' eyebrow look.' Someone else added, 'Her eyebrow game is stronger than most people's communication skills,' turning the video into a lighthearted commentary on human behavior too. Perhaps the most accurate take came from a fan who wrote, 'She's not demanding but very demanding at the same time.'
Understanding and responding to non-verbal cues is a big part of having a strong bond with your pet. Dogs use eye contact, tail movement, and facial expressions to let us know what they need. As such, learning to read those cues can improve communication and reduce frustration for both pet and owner. Whether it's a subtle stare, a tilt of the head, or in Stevie's case, some well-timed eyebrow movement, dogs have more to say than we might think if we're paying attention.
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