My Dog Did Not Enjoy My Post-It Note Prank!
I thought I had the perfect prank. I mean, what could go wrong? It was harmless—just a few dozen pastel post-it notes stuck all over my living room: on the couch, the windows, the TV remote, the coffee table—everywhere. Especially on Max, my golden retriever. “It’ll be funny,” I told myself. “He’ll just look at them and sniff them, maybe even try to lick the sticky side.” I totally underestimated how wrong I’d be.
Phase 1: The Set-Up
I spent thirty minutes carefully placing the post-its: one on Max’s favorite cushion, another lightly adhered to his collar, a cluster on his water bowl’s rim (just a little so it wouldn’t fall in). Then I hid behind the doorframe with my phone, ready to record.
Phase 2: The Fallout
Max came into the room, tail wagging, like always, ready for whatever human drama I’d cooked up this time. His happy face turned to confusion when he noticed the first post-it on the armrest. He sniffed at it, pawed at it. The sticky paper rustled under his nose. Then he turned to the post-it on his collar. His ears went back. A low whine. Then: he tried to shake it off. Scratch scratch. Nothing helped. He stared at me. I tried to grin. He then backed away slowly, like I’d crossed a line.
When he got to his water bowl and saw the one sticking out, a flick of a tongue. Then a deliberate nose push to knock it off. He looked at me again—venting in that “I trusted you” look. It was as though he was saying, Seriously? That’s when I realized: my prank wasn’t funny for him.
Phase 3: Regret & Apology
I dropped the prank posture, dropped to my knees, and gently peeled the post-its off Max’s fur. His coat stuck a bit, I felt awful. I whispered “I’m sorry buddy,” scratched behind his ears, and offered his favorite treat—peanut butter spread thin on a lickable toy. He accepted, cautious at first, then the tail wags returned.
Phase 4: What I Learned
Dogs don’t see pranks as “funny” the same way humans do. Sticky paper means weird textures, odd smells, and unfamiliar things on their bodies.
Respect boundaries. Max needs comfort, routine, and predictability. Surprise sticky notes violated both.
An apology means more than words: a soothing tone, physical reassurance (scratches, treats), restoring what you disturbed.
