Life with a puppy is a constant mix of surprises and laughter. One moment they’re snoozing in a sunbeam, the next they’re convinced the refrigerator, a plastic bag, or even their own reflection is plotting against them. That’s exactly what happened in a video where one Labrador puppy stumbled across a mirror and decided it was time for a showdown.
Instagram video shows Labrador going at his mirror reflection
A puppy named Gus has captured hearts after an Instagram clip showed him locked in a “battle” with his own reflection. The video begins with Gus standing in front of a tall mirror as if he’s sizing up a stranger in his home. His stance suggests he’s not entirely sure if the dog in the glass is friend or foe, but he’s ready for whatever comes next.
For several moments, Gus stares down at the reflection, almost like a standoff. Then, in a burst of puppy energy, he leaps to the side while keeping his eyes on the “other dog.” Each movement is met with equal precision from his mirror opponent, only adding to Gus’s confusion.
At one point, the puppy inches closer, pressing his face near the surface. His movement seemed like he was trying to get around the glass to reach the playmate on the other side. After several attempts to “outsmart” the reflection, Gus realizes he can’t get past the mirror’s barrier. His owner captioned the post with a fitting description: “a standoff with thyself.” The whole interaction feels like something out of a slapstick comedy. In it, Gus was the confused lead and the rival he can’t quite defeat.
A common method scientists use to measure self-awareness in animals is the “mirror test.” This involves placing a mark on a part of an animal’s body only visible in a reflection. Species like great apes, dolphins, and elephants have passed this test, suggesting they possess some level of self-recognition. Dogs, however, typically do not. Instead, they rely heavily on scent rather than sight to identify themselves and others. Hence, it is more likely for a dog to see a reflection as another dog than a mirrored visual of themselves.
