Dog Owner Accidentally Pavloved Her Dog to Start His Day the Moment He Smells Coffee Being Made
One dog owner accidentally taught her pup to start the day the second he smelled coffee brewing, and now the routine is doing all the work.
OP has followed the same early-morning schedule for seven years, waking up at 5 a.m., making coffee, brushing her teeth, and taking Ollie out before the day really begins. But one morning, when she got up earlier than usual, Ollie picked up on the coffee smell and immediately acted like it was time to get moving.
That tiny change turned into a very funny example of how quickly dogs connect habits to what comes next.
Well, one morning, OP woke up earlier than usual and decided she wouldn't be able to go back to sleep.
Ollie was peacefully asleep in the living room while OP went back and forth between the kitchen and her bedroom.
As soon as the smell of coffee wafted through the kitchen, the dog stood up and walked to the door while staring at OP with bleary eyes.
That is one very alert coffee detector.
And that is how a morning routine turned into a full-on cue.
And that's how OP accidentally conditioned her dog to eliminate his bladder as soon as he smells coffee.
And that's how OP accidentally conditioned her dog to eliminate his bladder as soon as he smells coffee.
Here's a photo of Ollie provided by OP.
He hits a deep stretch as soon as the smell of caffeine hits.
Ollie clearly knows the schedule better than most people do.
It also explains why the smell of coffee has become such a big deal in this house.
This is probably how he looked at OP during that earlier-than-usual day.
If you wake up that early, Ollie highly recommends sneaking in a nap when possible.
A majority of the commenters said they don't see how OP messed up, aside from owning a Keurig, that is.
Some commenters were quick to side with OP, while others focused on the coffee maker itself.
This is also like the woman dealing with her ex’s dog, especially when he keeps trying to “borrow” Bruno.
That is where the thread started to split a little.
That's how you can tell that the coffee is good.
It looks like OP is not the only dog owner who has accidentally conditioned their dog to wake to the smell of coffee.
Dogs have been picking up on things humans do for thousands of years... they have been our most loyal companions since.
It turns out Ollie is not the only pet with strong opinions about household routines.
Dogs notice the tiniest details and associate them with our habits. That's how amazing they are!
See? Even cats do it!
So can guinea pigs, apparently.
One commenter pushed back on the idea that this was harmless.
A commenter opposed those who said that OP didn't mess up because a habit this learned can become disruptive.
If you miss a minute from your dog's usual time to go potty, you will be cleaning your floors (or carpet!) first thing in the morning, and nobody wants that.
Another reader thought the whole thing was funny, but still a little too familiar.
I wonder if Ollie could tell the different flavors of coffee OP tried during their early mornings. OP shouldn't feel bad about this; at least she and Ollie had a few extra hours to spend with each other ahead of their busy days.
That kind of routine can get a little too powerful if it ever changes.
Want more chaos? See how a man dropped his dog at his son’s school by accident.
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