Teddy tricked Roo AND taught her.

Teddy Tricked Roo AND Taught Her! 🐶🧠🎓

In our house, there are two Golden Retrievers running the show—Teddy, the older, wiser “big brother,” and Roo, the younger, energetic ball of fluff still learning how the world works.

Now, Teddy is no ordinary dog. He’s clever. Too clever, actually. And lately, he’s taken on a new role: Roo’s unofficial life coach… and occasional prankster. One afternoon, I watched something unfold that was part genius, part sibling betrayal. I had given them both treat-stuffed puzzle toys—simple enough, right? Roo was immediately pawing at hers, spinning it around with the subtlety of a tornado. Teddy, on the other hand, calmly observed… then made his move.

He casually walked over to Roo, barked once—short and sharp—then bolted to the back door like someone was outside.  Roo, curious and easily distracted, dropped her toy and followed him. She barked at the door, tail wagging, expecting visitors, squirrels, or a world-ending emergency.

Spoiler: there was nothing there. While Roo was focused on the imaginary backyard drama, Teddy trotted right back… and finished her treat puzzle. Every. Last. Bite.

By the time Roo returned, confused and sniffing around, Teddy had plopped down in his usual corner like an innocent angel. The look on Roo’s face? Utter betrayal.

But here’s the twist. Later that week, I watched Roo face the same puzzle again. This time? She paused, studied it, and used her paw to open one of the trickier compartments—exactly the way Teddy had done it before.

He may have tricked her, sure—but in doing so, he taught her. Now, they’re both puzzle masters… but Roo’s a little less trusting when Teddy randomly barks at the door.