A dog owner was left astonished after discovering their pet's complete lack of suspicion towards a stranger entering their home, perfectly illustrating that not all dogs are cut out for security duties.
The Friendly Intruder Welcome
While a barking dog is a well-known deterrent for most potential burglars, one golden retriever proved to be the exception. The owner shared a video on Reddit showing the exact moment a maintenance worker entered their flat. The clip, filmed from the handyman's perspective, begins with him announcing, "Hello, maintenance."
Instead of a defensive bark or growl, the golden retriever is seen stretching, wagging its tail, and happily approaching the newcomer. According to experts at petmd.com, a dog stretching can be a sign of affection or a way to show they are not a threat. The maintenance worker responded with, "hey buddy! How you doing buddy?" and gave the dog a head stroke.
From Toys to Belly Rubs
The dog's welcoming ceremony didn't stop there. The retriever promptly fetched a toy from its bed and then submissively rolled onto its back, inviting the stranger to scratch its belly and face. The worker ended the video by declaring, "You are such an excellent dog!"
The video was titled, "Golden retrievers don't believe in stranger danger they see everything as friends," with the owner explaining they had specifically asked the maintenance man to record the interaction to see how the dog would react.
Reddit Reactions and a Tale of Two Dogs
The Reddit community was quick to delight in the clip. One user joked, "Hello random stranger in my house! Welcome!! Here’s where we keep the cash and jewellery and if you rub my belly, I’ll help you carry the TV out." Another pointed out the immediate trust, noting, "This dog even shared his favourite toy with the guy within seconds."
This story prompted another user to share an incredible anecdote about a relative's golden retriever. During a burglary caught on surveillance, the dog was seen following the thief around, trying to get him to play with one of her toys. The family didn't initially realise anything was wrong because the dog was acting normally.
The same burglar was later caught when he targeted another house in the area, this one with a Rottweiler. Unlike the golden retriever, the Rottweiler allowed the man to enter and take items but refused to let him leave the premises or put down the stolen goods. The trapped thief eventually had to call for help, leading to his arrest after a neighbour alerted the police.
Why Golden Retrievers Aren't Guard Dogs
According to petscare.com, golden retrievers possess strong protective instincts and are skilled at barking to alert their owners to unusual activity. However, they are not ideal guard dogs due to their lack of natural aggression and their characteristic, often excessive, friendliness towards strangers. Another Reddit user confirmed this trait, sharing that their family golden retriever only ever showed aggression towards one person: their uncle dressed as Santa.
