You think you know your dog until you see how they acts with someone else in the house. Like kids who switch gears between parents, dogs adjust their energy depending on who’s in front of them. Whether it’s about who is stricter, softer, or more likely to hand over the last bite of toast, they know their audience. Benny, a dog with a strong sense of “who gets what version of me,” has become TikTok-famous for a video that shows just how dramatically different he is with his mom and dad.
TikTok video shows how a dog behaves dramatically differently with his mom and dad
In the TikTok video shared by his owners, Benny is seen lying in bed with his dad, full of energy and clearly in a playful mood. The pup starts roughhousing, biting at his dad’s arm in a silly, non-aggressive way, and keeps at it even when dad tries to pull away. The whole scene looks like a classic case of a dog who sees his owner as a wrestling buddy.
What makes the video go from funny to fascinating is what happens next. While dad and Benny continue their goofy back-and-forth, mom, who is filming, reaches her hand into the frame. Instantly, Benny’s whole vibe changes. Instead of biting or roughhousing like he did with the dad, he gently licks her hand, calm and sweet as ever. The contrast is so sharp it almost feels like a switch has been flipped.
However, the moment doesn’t last long. As soon as Benny turns back to his dad, he is back to his wild, energetic self. This stark contrast is both charming and hilarious, winning over viewers. Many fans joked that Benny clearly has a soft spot for his mom, while others laughed about dogs having an obvious “favorite parent.”
Experts say that dogs often adjust their behavior based on the relationship they have with each person, as well as the energy or mood that person brings. In Benny’s case, his playful, high-energy behavior with his dad might reflect a bond centered around active play and excitement.
With his mom, Benny’s gentler side comes out, possibly because he feels more relaxed or associates her presence with calmness and comfort. Dogs are very perceptive and can pick up on subtle cues from humans, responding differently depending on how each person interacts with them.
