An English Cream Golden Retriever named Zeus’s video from Instagram user @zeustheenglishcream shows that he has a very different idea of “chilling” than his dad. In the video, Zeus sits on a bed facing his dad, who looks ready for a relaxing night in. Everything looks calm until Zeus decides it isn’t. Text on the video reads, “POV: when daddy says we are ‘chilling,’” setting viewers up for the chaos that follows.
Golden Retriever does the exact opposite of ‘chilling’
At first in the video, the Golden Retriever actually seems to listen to his dad. He holds still and watches his dad, like he is trying to understand the assignment. But when his dad repeats, “We’re chilling,” Zeus snaps into what can best be described as zoomies. He launches into motion on the bed, pacing from side to side, then circling in place, putting on a whole show instead of chilling.
The post caption jokes, “Not sure what that is.” But dog owners recognized Zeus’s antics right away, with one viewer commenting, “That’s his way to chill.” While another added, “No, we’re not chilling, sorry.” A third commenter joked, “That’s necessary to get into a chilled state. It’s the law.” And one person labeled it what we all thought of, writing, “That, sir, is what scientists refer to as, ‘Zoomies.’”
There is a reason why dogs do this, and it does not mean Zeus ignored his dad just to be dramatic — even if it is hard not to laugh. Zoomies often show up when dogs feel excited or wound up, especially when something changes in the moment, which can include a new cue, attention from their human, a certain instruction, or even the idea that playtime might be on the table. For some dogs, that burst of movement may act like a reset before they can settle in.
So, in Zeus’ case, “chilling” may not translate to stillness. It might just mean circling the bed a few times first. Then, maybe, eventually, relaxing when he is ready to do so.
