A couple tried a fake doll to help ease their dog's separation anxiety and were left pleasantly surprised when it actually worked. The method, shared on the Dino and Luka dog Instagram account, which has nearly 100,000 followers, showed how the mannequin supposedly helped with their pet's anxiety.
Testing the Trick
Using Dino as an example, the clip read: "We bought this fake person to help with my dog's separation anxiety... We didn't think it would work... So we tested it out." In the video, Dino can be seen showering the mannequin with kisses before lying on top of it the entire time.
However, another clip, shared on Sunday evening, shows Dino initially jumping on the fake doll before the owner takes its hand and strokes the dog. Not liking the way it touched him, Dino begins barking at the doll for 30 minutes before eventually warming up to it.
Public Reaction
The original clip garnered 14,500 comments and nearly 50,000 retweets. One said: "This is lowkey terrifying." Another added: "Genius." While a third commented: "You know what, if it works, it works!" Someone else claimed it made them emotional.
Expert Advice on Treating Pet Separation Anxiety
Although the method appears to work for Dino, it's not always the case for every dog. While it can be a short-term fix, experts believe it's not always good for the dog as it can become confusing for them. The RSPCA doesn't officially endorse life-sized fake dolls, mannequins or inflatable props as a validated treatment to help with dog separation anxiety.
Animal welfare experts emphasise that to help ease a dog's separation anxiety, a structured method is best. This can be desensitising your dog to time home alone with a temporary absence. When it works, you can slowly build up the time you spend away from them. Certified behaviourists also claim dolls do not replace real humans, so using a fake doll can lead to confusion.
