Cartoons like “Courage the Cowardly Dog” exaggerated the silliness of a pup scared by everyday things. However, Cowboy the Doberman is bringing that energy to life. His owner recently shared a video showing just how “brave” he really is — which is to say, not very. Cowboy’s version of courage is barking from a safe distance, side-eyeing balloons, and stiffly maneuvering around inflatable Santas. While he may look like he was built to guard the front door, the truth is that Cowboy would rather run from decorations than fight them.
Doberman is too scared to approach new things in Instagram video
In a video uploaded to Instagram, Cowboy’s owner jokingly introduces him with the caption, “My dog is so brave he’s not afraid of anything.” Just as viewers are ready to believe it, another caption pops up: “Except for every single thing he’s never seen before.”
Set to the upbeat tune “Stayin’ Alive,” the video documents Cowboy’s exaggerated reactions to everyday objects. In one scene, he encounters bright pink streamers hanging across the living room, likely leftover from a celebration. Instead of ignoring them, Cowboy backs away cautiously, barking as though they were a real threat. A follow-up clip shows him approaching balloons with fear. He lowers his head and sniffs them gingerly before hopping back as if they might burst at any moment.
The compilation continues outdoors, where Cowboy stumbles upon inflatable Christmas decorations, including a Santa Claus and a tree. His body stiffens, ears alert, as he tries to sidestep the display without getting too close. Other clips reveal similar scenes, where the Doberman hesitates, stops, and reacts nervously to ordinary sights. It’s a pattern that has earned him comparisons to “Courage the Cowardly Dog.” Moreover, viewers joked that he might be the real-life version of the pink pup.
One person reassured him, writing, “Oh darling Cowboy, you’re braver than you think.” Another defended his caution, saying, “Hey, Santa looked sinister, so Cowboy was just doing his job protecting you.” But perhaps the most thoughtful comment read: “Being brave is being scared and doing the thing anyway.”
