Bernese Mountain Dog Tries To Learn New Skill Like Sibling, Fails Miserably

Newsweek

3 days ago

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Gus the Bernese mountain dog may not be the brightest bulb in the box, but he is quickly becoming one of Instagram's favorite canine underachievers.
A video shared to the platform on June 25 by his owner has delighted viewers with the hilarious contrast in skill between Gus and his brother while both learning to catch treats.
The viral clip, which has garnered more than 249,000 likes to date, shows the pair's owner throwing a treat to Walter, the elder dog, who snags it midair with ease. Gus, on the other hand, stares blankly as treats bounce off him or land on the ground untouched.
Their owner, Meghan McGarry, from Boston, Massachusetts, told Newsweek the video offers a glimpse into the real-life dynamic of her two very different dogs.
"Walt is the older brother, he is smart, adventurous and super sweet," McGarry, 30, said. "Gus on the other hand is the younger of the two and not quite as smart.
"He is the most lovable, cuddle bug though!"
From left: Bernese mountain dog Gus trying to catch a treat in an Instagram video; and with his brother Walter on a walk.
From left: Bernese mountain dog Gus trying to catch a treat in an Instagram video; and with his brother Walter on a walk.
@waltandgusthebernese
The post captioned, "there is truly no hope for him," features an on-screen text that reads: "Teaching my 2-year-old how to catch."
While Walter appears to be a quick study when it comes to treat-catching, Gus's charm lies in his complete inability—and apparent disinterest—in mastering the same skill.
What has made the clip resonate with so many viewers is not just the slapstick comedy of Gus's failed attempts—it is the innocence in his face, his sheer lack of awareness that anything is amiss. The video has left Instagram users in hysterics, many flooding the comment section with affection for Gus's sweet demeanor.
"Not a thought behind those gorgeous eyes," one viewer said.
"You don't have to be smart when you're pretty," another added.
"He's trying his best ma'am," a third viewer said.
"Bet Gus's has a great personality," another added.
"We have been working on his catching skills for a while, and he just cannot seem to get it—yet!" McGarry said. "This video is just a fun look into Walt and Gus's personalities as dog brothers—and a small segment of Gus's journey to learning some new tricks!"
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