A viral video of a Shiba Inu praying before a meal has people arguing about whether or not dogs can be “spiritual.”
And it looks like we’ve officially run out of important things to argue about on the Internet.
You can train a dog to do just about anything
Plenty of people have trained their dogs to wait for a command before they start eating. So the fact that someone simply prayed out loud before telling their pup it was time to eat doesn’t mean the dog is joining him in worship.
Of course, he does look like he means it. We can’t deny it’s adorable.
But that posture can be trained as well.
And dogs will do just about anything for food – they just want their dinner. This pup even gets to look at what’s waiting for him first.
That likely makes him much more willing to pretend to take up religion if it means getting his tasty dinner.
All dogs go to Heaven
There are two camps in this silly “debate” – the “why shouldn’t a dog know its Creator?” camp of believers and the people who realize it’s all just training.
“Why would a dog not know his creator? Even the winds and waves obey Him. Our heavenly Father and His Son created all things including you, me and canines. A dog’s brain is smaller but have all the same basic structures as humans…” said one commenter on Cesar Milian’s Facebook post showing the video.
Frankly, most people wouldn’t argue with the fact that all dogs go to Heaven since they’re pretty great – and it doesn’t require them to pray for forgiveness, salvation, or even guidance. If you believe in God, you may very well think it/he/she made them to be perfect.
Of course, they will pray for food – if you use the term “pray” very loosely. They’re certainly willing to look the part until it’s time to chow down.
At least most people could be nice when trying to set the record straight:
“OMG people of course the dog was trained to do this!! Seriously? It is a beautiful gesture that the dog parents trained this beautiful dog to do!”
More doggie prayers
And the Shiba Inu isn’t the first dog to “pray” for food. A video of a Jack Russell Terrier went viral on America’s Funniest Home Videos when he jumped up at the family table to “pray.”
It’s really cute, but there’s no food in front of him. So in that case we have to assume he was promised a treat.
These hilarious dogs from China also look like they’re giving thanks before they’re handed their meals each day.
An adorable Golden Retriever was also caught going through the motions for its meal.
It appears that teaching a dog to look like it’s praying is pretty common.
The debate goes viral
Perhaps it’s because we love our pets so much that we want them to do everything with us.
And it’s certainly not hurting anyone if you really think your dog is praying. We just wouldn’t recommend arguing with people online about it. You’re better off spending time with your beloved pooch.
All of these videos have been watched by tens of thousands – or even millions – of people. That means we must see something cute in this behavior if we want to witness it.
Be sure to scroll down below to see the Shiba Inu’s “prayer” for yourself and see if you think it’s authentic.
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