By Liz O'ConnellShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberAn Australian shepherd's eagerness to help her owner with the laundry delighted Instagram viewers and left some wishing their own households could be as efficient.
In an August 8 Instagram video posted by @nalatheshopdog, owner Kasey started filming as she pulled out the laundry basket. The small movement instantly signaled to her dog, Nala, that it was time for her job—assisting with the laundry—and she sprinted from the other room. As a working breed, Australian shepherds thrive on completing tasks and laundry just so happens to be Nala's favorite.
Kasey told Newsweek via Instagram that the job usually takes her about two minutes, but she can't ignore the help from Nala, especially seeing how bright-eyed and excited she gets for the chance to work. The quick chore then turns to a 10-minute task as Kasey hands Nala clothing one by one. Nala then tosses each item into the washer, nudges the door closed with her nose, and even presses the detergent drawer shut when Kasey adds the soap.
And just as chores frustrate us, the last task became a bit too much for Nala in the video. She tried pushing the laundry basket back into the corner. With trial, error and letting out a few frustrated grunts, she finally managed to place it in the correct spot. She turned back to Kasey with a giant smile, proud of herself for a job well done.
...Kasey credits the Instagram account @marys_promise, a pet influencer, for the idea of teaching Nala to do the laundry. She first started teaching the command "hold" for Nala to pick up her dog toys and place them in the bin. Kasey doesn't remember exactly how the laundry started, but she believes she asked Nala to hold a shirt, and she guided her to drop it into the washer.
"To anyone trying to teach their kid or dog laundry, I would tell them to be patient," she said. "Dogs get frustrated, too, when they can’t do something. The difference between two minutes and 10 minutes isn’t as vast as it seems; slow down."
Giving Australian shepherds tasks or jobs like this is important for their mental and physical health. As an energetic dog breed, they require anywhere between 1.5 and two hours of daily vigorous exercise, more than a casual walk can provide. The reason for this comes down to their genetics.
The breeding of Australian shepherds resulted in these dogs having extraordinary cardiovascular capacity, high metabolic rate and a unique mix of muscle fibers, which allowed them to herd animals over long distances, an article from Hero Pet Health reported. As herding dogs, they were required to make independent decisions, which makes mental exercise just as important.
Owners can provide training sessions, puzzle toys or give structured jobs, such as laundry, to keep their Australian shepherds mentally and physically stimulated, preventing boredom or destructive behavior. Not only does giving them a "job" give them something to do, but it also helps fulfill their genetic purpose and supports mental well-being.
Viewer Reactions
The Instagram video reached over 10.6 million views, 1.2 million likes and 5,400 comments as of Monday, with fans marveling at Nala's enthusiasm over the dreaded chore.
"I love her! They just live to help and serve us. We don't deserve them," commented a viewer.
Another user joked: "How much does she charge. I have a pile."
A third person pointed out: "The dog being a perfectionist on how she wanted the hamper to fit perfectly in the corner is the greatest thing I ever seen."
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to [email protected] with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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