Dog Owner Asks Why His Golden Retriever Randomly Plays Dead In The Middle Of Their Walks

Redditors investigate and come to the owner's & the pup's aid

Chelsi

• Published in Animal Stories
• August 4, 2022

Reddit has become the go-to place for everything concerning life, both on and offline. It's as if there is a Reddit forum for everything these days and that's actually pretty amazing.

You may know of the more popular subs like Am I The A**hole and AskReddit but there are literally thousands of other forums even for the most niche subject you can think of. If you want to ask women about their opinion on things, you can go on AskWomen.

If you want someone to explain difficult concepts in a simple manner, there's the Explain like I'm Five. In one of these forums is where we found a hilarious concern raised by a dog owner.

The pet owner shared their problem in a sub dedicated solely to Golden Retriever dog breeds. He said his dog named Riley, plays dead during his walks and OP has run out of ideas to stop him from doing it.

OP posted a photo of Riley who was caught on camera laying on the sidewalk while his "woof woof" leash was attached to him. Redditors answered OP's cry for help.

More than a hundred people ventured guesses why Riley seemed to find ways to befriend gravity. Some joked about Riley's walking habits but some actually offered really insightful ideas to explain his behavior.

All dog owners have at least one question concerning their furry pup's inexplicable behavior

Is Riley trying to steal some precious nap time in the middle of walks? It's odd since most dogs can't wait until they go outside.

In order to understand Riley, OP has to act like Riley. Maybe OP can try laying beside Riley to figure out why he loves the hot pavement so much?

Judging from the picture, OP and Riley are outside in the middle of the day. The high temperature could be too much for Riley's little toe beans.

OP is a young gentleman pup, so it's probably not about aches and pains

We second this request. It could stop Riley from playing dead every few steps. Also it would be adorable.

Riley looks at home down on the pavement, refusing to budge

Could Riley simply be asking for belly rubs in the middle of his afternoon walks?

OP can try sitting with Riley and see what's so appealing about the pavement that he prefers it over walks. Plus, if it's too hot for OP then it would mean it's too hot for Riley as well.

It will depend on how well-trained a puppy Riley is, otherwise, it would cause a new set of problems for OP

An advice from a fellow Golden Retriever owner whose dogs also laid down when they sensed their walk was almost over

If OP is up for it, he can try carrying Riley until they get home but that won't answer why it keeps happening

It could either be caused by the hot temperature or Riley wants to be carried like a baby

OP should explore both hypotheses. They can try walking when it's colder and the sun is not shining so brightly, buy Riley shoes, or just carry him all the way home.

Unfortunately, OP hasn't shared any updates about Riley's walking habits. I do think the people suggesting that it's too hot are onto something. Or Riley just really wants to be carried.

Chelsi