A dog who flunked service school training has carried over the skills he learned into everyday life.
Leo the English Lab learned how to “nudge” during his time at service school training. Service dogs will nudge their handlers to get their attention. But since Leo “flunked” and is no longer training to become a service dog, he has learned to use the nudge for his own benefit.
The February 26 TikTok video shows the owner’s point of view as she looks down and sees Leo pressing his snoot against her leg. He never fully understood what the nudge was supposed to do during his training, the owner says. But now, it’s his way of getting attention and treats, to keep moving, or to benefit from pets.
“But mostly treats,” the text on the video said.
@sam_welborn/TikTok
One look at his ever-so-hopeful eyes would have been enough for people to cave in and get this good boy his treat. But if it wasn’t, his precious little nudge would have sent it over the edge.
The adorable video quickly went viral, reaching over 10.5 million views, 1.8 million likes, and 4,040 comments within the first two days of being posted.
“He’s pushing the button on the treat dispenser!” said one viewer. Once he figured out that treats come from a simple nudge, he doesn’t stop.
Another pointed out: “The way his nose squishes when he nudges you.”
Others were sharing their experiences with flunked service dogs: “I too have a service school dropout… no one is allowed to be sad in my house. He will make you sit and then slap those tears out of your eyes.”
The owner responded: “Yes, Leo is the same way. If someone is sad he definitely thinks it’s his job to fix it.”
Leo may not be in service school training anymore, but he hasn’t forgotten the core meaning behind being a service dog—helping people. Besides wanting to cheer up someone sad, he also lends a helping paw.
The owner shared in other TikTok videos that Leo will gather things that he thinks she will need before going on a walk. He’ll bring over hats, gloves, and socks, which are not always needed, but it’s the thought that counts.
Newsweek reached out via email for additional comment.
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
