Puppies spend their early months trying to figure out what everything around them is, including themselves. From barking at vacuums to chasing their own tails, the learning curve is steep and often hilarious. However, nothing quite compares to that first unforgettable moment when a puppy meets… herself. That’s exactly what is shown in an Instagram video featuring Nellie, a Golden Retriever puppy whose first encounter with a mirror sparked a full-on identity crisis in the cutest way possible.
Owner reveals Golden Retriever puppy’s reaction to first time seeing herself in the mirror
While exploring her owner’s bedroom, Nellie came face-to-face with her own reflection in a full-length mirror. At first, she stared intensely at the mirror, seemingly trying to figure out who this other puppy was. Was it a twin? A new friend? Or something else entirely? She then begins to test the situation, making small movements and watching carefully to see if the “other pup” copies her. As expected, her reflection matches every move.
This led to a dramatic pause, followed by a sideways turn as if she were trying to get a better look at the mysterious creature in front of her. The exaggerated body language and curious tilt of her head made it clear Nellie was deep in thought.
The internet was quick to fall for Nellie’s puzzled expression and dramatic poses. One user quipped, “If ‘wait, is that me?’ was a puppy.” Another joked, “Checking out the figure for summer,” after Nellie turned to view herself from the side, as if giving herself a little once-over. “The sideways turn got me,” someone else wrote, amused by her attempt to investigate from every angle. Others simply couldn’t handle the cuteness overload, calling her expression “priceless” and her behavior “innocent.”
According to animal behavior experts, most dogs don’t have the self-awareness to understand that a mirror reflects their own image. Instead, they may view the reflection as another animal or simply be confused by the motion without a scent. Some dogs learn to ignore mirrors altogether over time, while others stay curious for longer. Reactions can vary widely, but one thing is certain: first-time mirror encounters, like Nellie’s, always make for a charming glimpse into the mind of a growing pup.
