There’s not a single pet in the world that is going to be perfectly well-behaved all the time. At some point, they’re going to do something hilariously naughty. Some situations are so bizarre that pet owners hop on the ‘pet shaming’ trend. They post a photo of their pet, usually alongside a short note explaining what they did wrong.
Our team at Bored Panda has collected some of the wittiest recent photos of dogs, cats, and other pets being gently ‘shamed’ and disciplined to bring a bit of sunshine into your life. They’re wholesome. They’re funny. They’re incredibly relatable. And they’re something you might want to show your best pals so they know what (not) to do.
#1 That Dog Probably Thinks He Did A Good Thing Due To All The Attention He Got Afterwards
Image credits: TryHardDolphin
#2 He Did His Best
Image credits: LilacPenny
#3 And He’ll Do It Again
Image credits: Ehmimee
As per the American Kennel Club, positive, reward-based training is key to solving behavioral problems. Not only does it strengthen the bond between the owner and the animal, but it also provides mental stimulation and helps tire them out. For starters, you should consider introducing one new command every week, as you continue to practice old ones.
And consistency is key, too. You have to stick to the rules you set at home and outside.
#4 I Just Love The Vacant Look On His Face
Image credits: 500thingsmycatt
#5 Oh, Rudy
Image credits: reddit.com
#6 He Has No Regrets
Image credits: DreadRabbit
Ensuring that your pet gets plenty of exercise is incredibly important, too. “A tired dog is a good dog. If you’re gone 12 hours a day, and your dog’s walk consists of a quick dash into the backyard, your dog might not be getting enough exercise. They may channel extra energy into bad behavior for dogs, like chewing shoes or dragging you on the leash,” the American Kennel Club explains.
#7 Great Penmenship For A Rabbit
Image credits: hudsonfluffybutt
#8 Haven't Had A Meal In Peace In 6 Years
Image credits: Mycatissnootsy
#9 This Kitten Ate All Of His Scaly Sibling's Food
Image credits: katem2u
Meanwhile, it’s vital to focus on reinforcing positive behaviors.
“If your dog is lying quietly instead of jumping or barking, praise and pet them. If your dog walks on a leash beside you, tell them what a good dog they are. If you tell your dog what you want them to do instead of what you don’t want them to do, they’ll understand better (for example, saying ‘sit’ rather than ‘don’t jump,’ or ‘heel’ rather than ‘don’t pull’).”
#10 Oh, Were You Trying To Put This In An Evidence Bag? Too Bad, I Stand On It
Image credits: WhinyTentCoyote
#11 Nothing Like A Little Public Humiliation
Image credits: opal_lovebird
#12 My Cat Brought All Of This Upstairs From The Laundry Last Night
Image credits: linsane_asylum
Even though it’s impossible for any pet to be on its best behavior 100% of the time, it doesn’t mean that training doesn’t matter. Quite the opposite. A well-trained pet means less of a mess at home, as well as fewer behavior problems when you take it outside or when guests visit. Training is fundamental and helps you avoid major headaches in the future. And your dog won’t train itself.
It’s likely that you know some neighbors, friends, relatives, or colleagues who haven’t trained their pets well (read: at all), and how much of a nightmare it can be. For instance, if you have a small phobia of dogs, you probably know how anxious you get around animals who haven’t received adequate training. Erratic behavior isn’t something you want to be around, even if the doggo (probably) has good intentions.
#13 What Even Are Cats
Image credits: messyqueen66
#14 The Face Of No Regrets
Image credits: demoninthestacks
#15 I'm Surprised The Toads Allow This
Image credits: tunafehy
During an earlier interview with Bored Panda, Bill Lambert, Head of Health and Welfare at The Kennel Club, shared his thoughts about pet-shaming, discipline, and positive reinforcement.
“We all love seeing dog pictures and videos on the internet, especially ones that show off their unique characters, but we must remember that most behavior problems can often be a sign of something else, such as separation anxiety, fear, or simply being unsure of how to deal with a situation,” he shared with us.
#16 I Had To Buy A Child Lock For The Towel Cabinet Because Charlie Kept Opening It And Chewing Holes In Them. This Is His Cape Of Shame
Image credits: WheelyMcFeely
#17 Butter Thief
Image credits: monstaface
#18 This Unscrupulous Rascal Knocked My Jambalaya Off The Stove While Trying To Steal Shrimps
Image credits: 350N_bonk
According to Lambert, the science isn’t clear on whether dogs feel shame or embarrassment the same way that human beings do.
“The way that a dog acts will often reflect the tone of voice that’s being used to talk to it, and it’s highly unlikely that it will associate past behaviors with what is happening right now. It’s very easy for us humans to misinterpret a dog’s emotions and behaviors.”
The key to avoiding problems with your pet in the future is to give it plenty of positive new experiences as early on in its life as possible. That’s not to say that old(er) dogs can’t learn new tricks, though. However, it is harder to teach them to adjust their behavior, so you may need the services of a specialist trainer or instructor to lend you a hand.
#19 And He’s Yet To Show Any Remorse
Image credits: reddit.com
#20 Sibling Rivalry
Image credits: WeekendIllustrious87
#21 Forgot To Press The Lock Button On My Touch Hob And Didn't Think My Cat Would Be That Nosey To Want To Check Out Laundry Detergent
"My name is Oscar and I felt like roaming the kitchen whilst mum was asleep, knocked over some laundry detergent and turned on the stove. She woke up and had to crawl through the living room on her hands and knees because of the smoke and burning. I turned on 3 of the 4 hobs by myself."
Image credits: misssaladfingers
As per Lambert, owners should take every opportunity to praise their dogs for good manners. They should avoid punishing the animals. Instead, they should focus on diverting them away from undesirable behavior.
“It is unfair and also counterproductive to punish them for something after the incident has taken place, as they don’t know what they are being punished for,” he explained to Bored Panda earlier.
#22 Dog Shaming
Image credits: chefrecipes
#23 I Decided My Cat Deserved Some Shaming
Image credits: CheeseYogieFiend
#24 This Fat Bastard Ate A Whole Family-Sized Lasagna And Then Wouldn’t Even Look At The Tray
Image credits: Dandelion_Bodies
“If you do catch your dog doing something that it shouldn’t, interrupt them and then distract them with a toy or a game, and then praise them once they have stopped and are settled,” he said.
Lambert added that trained dogs are happy dogs. According to him, owners who struggle with their pets’ behavior should definitely reach out to a trainer for help.
#25 Obviously He Is More Important
Image credits: juno_skybird
#26 Husky Shaming
Image credits: geojenly
#27 Cat Shaming
Image credits: SnowStar35
“Anxious dogs tend to pant more and appear more thirsty than usual or be uninterested in their food. Other signs can include excessive yawning, licking, or curling its lips, an inability to settle, and other noticeable behavior changes,” he told us earlier.
“Prevention is always better than a cure. However, if your dog is displaying anxious or frightened behavior, try to act and behave as normal, keeping calm, happy, and cheerful, and if they come to you for comfort, make sure you give it to them. However, if they do retreat, make sure to allow them their space.”
#28 "So What? I’m Cute"
Image credits: juniper_e_morena
#29 No Regrets
Image credits: copper.and.tin
#30 Cat Shaming
Image credits: bella_4041
We can’t wait to hear what you think, Pandas. Which of these pics did you resonate with the most? Which ones did you find to be the most witty and adorable? To all the animal owners reading this right now: how do you discipline your beloved pets when they step out of line?
What advice would you give new pet owners who are completely overwhelmed with training? Let us know in the comments at the bottom of this list.
#31 He Has No Shame
Image credits: pennytheperfectpuppy
#32 Shame Him
Image credits: bluehairedgirl666
#33 The Bag Was Full, Unopened, And On The Top Shelf Of A Closed Kitchen Cabinet Before I Went To Bed
Image credits: comeoffeileen
#34 Stick Of Shame. Little Bit Of Pvc To Stop Chip From Sticking His Head In The Cattle Panel
Image credits: Far_Award_7495
#35 Thanks, Meg
Image credits: ericas_ducks
#36 She’s Not Sorry
Image credits: Melliegrrl
#37 Treasure Hunt For Mom & Dad
Image credits: mgnjhnns
#38 Left A Bag Of Potting Soil Unattended. They Were Not Sorry
Image credits: LCCyncity
#39 Reminder To Put Away Your Groceries Immediately Upon Arrival
Image credits: StillJustLyoka
#40 Shame The Remote Thrower. Here She Is Moments After Chucking The Remote Off The Couch. Second Picture Is A Dramatic Recreation Of The Victim
Image credits: Present-Secretary722
#41 This Woman Shamed Her Dog From A Distance
Image credits: OfficialDCShepard
#42 I Wonder Who Put The Muddy Paw Prints Everywhere
Image credits: katie1203
#43 Dune Knocked The Grain Bucket Out Of My Hands (That Was Not For Her), But She Shows Absolutely No Remorse Or Shame
Image credits: ApplebeeAcres
#44 I’m Peanut And I Like To Steal Mom’s Shoes While She’s At Work
Image credits: reddit.com
#45 He Had The Audacity To Lay On The Vegetable Tray While Guests Were Still Grazing. I Am So Glad They Are Cat People And Found This As Funny As I Did
Image credits: RiskReasonable
#46 Roast Him (Not Too Hard He Is A Baby). He Has Knocked Two Rolls Of Toilet Paper Into The Toilet In The Past Two Days
Image credits: socratesandorion
#47 She Got Through The Bag And Took A Big Bite. No Shame
Image credits: Samw89
#48 Cat vs. Box
Image credits: MiniMD20
#49 Yum
Image credits: meikasbirdhouse
#50 Yuck
Image credits: DangerousDave303
