Dogs have a way of surprising us with their unwavering loyalty and deep emotional intelligence. My dog, Caduh, had always been affectionate and attached to me, but my brother Josué and I started noticing something else—jealousy. Whenever I gave attention to someone else, Caduh would try to squeeze in between us, demanding to be the center of my world.
Curious to see just how deep his feelings ran, we decided to test his reaction with a playful experiment. Inside my house, we staged a fake attack, with Josué pretending to come at me aggressively. The goal? To see how Caduh would respond.
The moment Josué lunged at me, Caduh’s demeanor changed in an instant. His ears perked, his body tensed, and within seconds, he sprang into action. Barking loudly, he positioned himself between me and Josué, ready to defend. His usual playful nature was replaced with fierce protectiveness, his instincts kicking in without hesitation.
Josué and I couldn’t help but laugh at how seriously Caduh took the situation. It was adorable yet impressive—his love for me wasn’t just about seeking affection. He was ready to stand guard, ensuring I was safe from any perceived threat. We reassured him afterward with pets and treats, letting him know it was all in good fun.
The experiment proved something undeniable: dogs are not just our pets; they are our protectors, our family, our most loyal companions. Their love is unconditional, their instincts sharp, and their devotion unmatched.
However, after sharing our little test online, one thoughtful comment caught my attention:
“The exercise proved the protectiveness of Caduh, which is a good thing. But I’d admonish not to make this a habitual exercise … it could turn Caduh into a more vicious four-legged. Even cajoling this sort of response in a playful manner could readily give Caduh the idea to react aggressively in a real situation, even when unneeded. I see the decency in this video, just don’t spoil Caduh’s innocence in the process.”
That comment stuck with me. While it was heartwarming to see Caduh’s loyalty, it also made me think about the fine line between protection and unnecessary aggression. Dogs learn through repetition, and encouraging protective behaviors too often—even in a playful way—could lead to confusion about when to react.
At the end of the day, I’m proud to have a dog who cares so deeply for me. But I also want to make sure he stays balanced, happy, and calm in all situations. His protectiveness is a beautiful thing, and with the right guidance, it will always be an asset rather than a concern.
