For a dog lover, there’s nothing more adorable than big, puppy dog eyes. You know the look— the sad, guilty expression your dog gives when it knows it’s done something bad.
The adorable expression is enough to melt even the coldest heart— and if this video doesn’t convince you, then I don’t know what will.
In this clip, you see a heartwarming interaction between Antonio Federica Granai and his dog, Ettore.
The man speaks Italian in the video, but someone at Rumble has translated for us. According to the translator, Antonio is scolding the dog for something that he’s done wrong. It’s unclear what the pup’s infraction was, but the expression of guilt on his face is evident.
As Antonio scolds Ettore, the sad canine burrows his head into the man’s chest.
“Are you asking me to forgive you? I don’t understand,” says Antonio.
In response, Ettore crawls into the man’s lap, making demure eye contact before nuzzling into him further.
But it looks like Antonio is a tough nut to crack as he continues letting Ettore know that what he’s done is not acceptable.
“You are wrong, Ettore. Ettore you are wrong,” he says gently.
“Do you understand where you made the mistake? Do you understand?”
Although Antonio may seem strict, by the end of the video he forgives his pup and the two come together in a big, bear (err.. dog?) hug.
You can’t help but feel bad for adorable Ettore and his desperate desire for forgiveness. But, can dogs really feel guilty when they’ve done something wrong, or are we just attributing complex, human emotions to animals?
Famous dog behaviorist Cesar Millan says that while there is a wealth of evidence that points towards animals experiencing primary emotions (e.g. fear or happiness), secondary emotions (such as jealousy, pride, and guilt) seem to require a mental capacity that is beyond most creatures.
According to the experts, what appears as doggy expressions of guilt are actually forms of submissiveness. “I don’t know what you’re saying, but you’re mad about something” Cesar explains. “I’m just going to look meek and let you know that you’re in charge.”
Other experts seem to agree. Ljerka Ostojic, a research associate at Cambridge University, told Daily Mail UK: “If that guilty look is really an expression of contrition, they would only show it when they have done something wrong. But that’s not the case.” Alright, so regardless of what these experts say, I still think it’s pretty clear that Ettore knows he’s done something bad and wants to make peace with his owner.
People are enamored by the way Ettore sucks up to Antonio— and some female viewers even expressed praised the handsome owner, himself.
“And that’s how dogs can get away with anything”
“Can I adopt you both?”
“Even the animals in Italy are romantic.”
“Adorable! I’d forgive him even if he chewed my shoes.”
See Ettore’s adorable apology below!
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