It doesn’t matter how long you’ve had a dog — at some point, you realize it’s not you training them, it’s the other way around. They’ve perfected the sad eyes that score an extra treat, the whine that gets you reaching for the leash, and the little tricks that guarantee instant attention.
Bodhi the Golden Retriever has his signature move to demand belly rubs down to perfection, as shown in an Instagram video. His dramatic belly-flop isn’t so much a request as it is a command.
Instagram video shows what Golden Retriever does when he wants belly rubs
Bodhi, a Golden Retriever who lives with his owner Rachel, has melted hearts with his unmistakable way of asking for affection. In a video shared earlier this year on Instagram, Rachel films herself walking toward her pup as he lounges on the couch.
The instant he notices her approaching, he flips onto his back and stares at her with hopeful eyes. The caption humorously voices what the furbaby must be thinking: “belly rubs.. please?”
Shared on Bodhi’s Instagram page, @bodhi__boy, the clip has already racked up more than 319K views and 45K likes, with the numbers continuing to climb. However, it’s not his only viral moment.
The account, which boasts over 19.7K followers at the time of writing, features plenty of day-to-day clips, from Bodhi’s playful antics to his quieter, cuddly moments. Some of his Reels have even reached audiences in the millions, with one video pulling in nearly six million views.
Fans took to the comments to share their love for Bodhi’s delightful moves. One person wrote, “I believe Golden Retrievers are actually angels in doggie form.” Another admitted what many were thinking: “How can you say no to that face.” A third viewer chimed in with, “Immediate transition to the prime belly rub position,” while another teased, “I know a cheeky look when I see one.”
When a dog rolls onto their back and exposes their belly, it’s often a sign of trust and comfort. While sometimes it can be a submissive gesture, in friendly contexts (like Bodhi’s playful belly-flop), it’s usually an invitation for affection. For many pups, belly rubs are soothing and enjoyable. So, when they roll over willingly, it means they feel safe and bonded with their human.
