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Golden Retriever 'Understands English' and Proves It in the Sweetest Way

By Kate McDaniel Parade Pets

Updated April 27, 2026 10:03 PM

There are smart dogs.

There are really smart dogs.

And then there's Wally, a Golden Retriever who sits there looking adorable and then casually makes you question whether he might, in fact, understand way more English than the rest of us are comfortable admitting.

@lavelle_maslow
I have a love/hate relationship with my dog cam If I check my cameras and see my bulldog crying like this, I'm immediately going home #animals #lavellemaslow #dogmom #pets #fyp #fypシ #viral #englishbulldog #dogs #doglover #bulldogs #bulldog #sad
original sound - Lavelle & His Mama

There's never been a more @lavelle_maslow clip than this, because it's just like the throwback to what garnered him internet fame in the first place.

The only thing he started adding over recent months is the emotionally-charged, sad cries, which are enough to convince anyone to give him all their cash.

Talk about a master manipulator! He's just so precious, I'd get in my car so fast!

For a long time now, the English Bulldog has been "making calls" to try to get Mom to come home. Technically, he's just figured out how to trigger the video alert, but since he gets a response, he now knows to do it every time he wants attention and it's *chef's kiss*.

@lavelle_maslow
My bulldog keeps calling us through the 2-way camera & I can't stop laughing #bulldogs #lavellemaslow #pets #funny #viral #englishbulldog #dog
Lonely - Akon

Since Lavelle's been at the video game, he's captivated nearly 100k TikTok followers with each and every new video.

The sassy boy isn't trying to be anyone other than himself, even when it means giving attitude, or ignoring Mom whenever he feels like it.

Even with his dramatic meltdowns, he's a cutie.

The boy's had the power of suggestion down as long as he's been alive. One look into those sad-looking puppy dog eyes and you'd be running home to give him everything he wants, guaranteed.

It's a real talent to be this adorable. Or is it a crime? Either way, how could anyone not do as he suggests?

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A post shared by Lavelle & His Mama (@lavelle_maslow)

Do Dogs Really Understand Human Language?

Wally's dinner blinks are adorable, but pups really can understand more than people sometimes think. The AKC notes that dogs can recognize familiar words and phrases, and newer research suggests pups can even distinguish human language from nonsense sounds and may process speech in more complex ways than we once assumed.

That doesn't mean your dog is reading novels in the den, but it does mean consistent words, tone, and routine matter. And if your Golden Retriever ever starts blinking on cue about dinner, you are legally allowed to act impressed.

Honestly, Wally blinked like he was filing a polite but urgent meal request with management.

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This story was originally published April 27, 2026 at 9:55 PM.

Do Dogs Really Understand Human Language?

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