SerpApi.Org
There are friendly dogs, and then there's Joey. The outgoing golden retriever has a habit that many pet parents will recognize, even if they'd rather not admit it. Every time he and his owner head out in public, Joey seems determined to make as many new friends as possible, happily wandering over to complete strangers for pets, attention and plenty of charm. The running joke, as his human puts it, is that he's "cheating" on her in broad daylight.
Of course, Joey isn't actually betraying anyone. What makes the video so entertaining is the way he repeatedly checks back to make eye contact with his mom after winning over another group of admirers. It's almost as if he's saying, "Yep, they love me too." The combination of his confident personality and those perfectly timed glances had viewers laughing, with many debating whether Joey was flirting, networking or simply doing what Golden Retrievers do best: making everyone feel like an old friend.
🐶🐱🐶 SIGN UP to get "pawsitivity" delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾
Joey the Golden Retriever Wins Over Every Stranger He Meets
https://youtube.com/shorts/r5AZ1y_0q1I
The short video posted by @Joeyhowudoinn follows Joey through several outings, including at the beach, in outdoor cafés and on busy sidewalks. In each scene, he casually leaves his mom's side to soak up attention from nearby women, happily accepting pets while flashing an unmistakably smug expression back toward the camera.
The funniest moments aren't the interactions themselves. They're Joey's repeated check-ins with his mom, making sure she notices exactly how popular he's become. It's a running gag that never gets old because his timing is so perfect.
Viewers immediately jumped into the joke. "The disrespectful look Joey gives kills me every time. Like 'Yeah I got it and you know it. They all know it,'" one person wrote. Another joked, "Joey has options, and don't you forget it!"
Related: This Orange Cat Thinks Her Mischievous Brother Is the Smart One
Others defended the lovable golden retriever. "Animal behaviorist here: He still loves you! His eyes are always on you. I'm sure if you walked away he would follow." One commenter even suggested Joey was simply trying to introduce his mom to new people, writing, "I think he might be trying to make friends for you."
If Joey's outgoing personality made you smile, you might also enjoy reading about the little girl who instantly fell in love with a black cat or these fluffy cats showing off their favorite ways to stay cool during the summer.
Why Golden Retrievers Seem to Make Friends Wherever They Go
Golden retrievers consistently rank among the friendliest dog breeds. According to the American Kennel Club's breed profile, they're known for their outgoing, trustworthy and eager-to-please personalities, which makes them naturally social with both people and other animals.
Dogs like Joey also tend to seek positive social interactions because humans have become a source of rewarding experiences throughout their lives. Friendly greetings often lead to petting, praise or treats, reinforcing the behavior over time. While every dog has a unique personality, well-socialized golden retrievers are especially likely to approach strangers with confidence.
Joey's constant glances back at his owner are also telling. Rather than ignoring her, he's checking in as he explores his surroundings, a behavior many dogs display when they have a secure bond with their person.
That's what makes the video resonate with so many dog lovers. Joey may be collecting admirers everywhere he goes, but every playful "cheating" moment ends the same way: making sure Mom is watching the show.
Related: This Brave Gorilla Just Made History in the Most Extraordinary Way at San Diego Zoo
