Communication with pets is rarely one-sided. Ask any dog parent, and they’ll tell you their pup has an entire vocabulary made up of whines, huffs, growls, and carefully timed stares. It’s their way of negotiating for treats, attention, or another walk. Some pups, though, go beyond subtle hints and sound as if they’re arguing back. That’s certainly true for a dog named Axel, whose recent video captures his unique talent for “talking smack” to his human.
Instagram video shows Doberman ‘talking smack’ to owner
Axel, a Doberman with an impressive 163K Instagram followers, has built a reputation for his personality-filled posts. His latest video might be the best example yet of just how much character he brings to everyday life. The clip begins with a humorous text overlay that reads, “#1 reason I would NOT recommend a Doberman.”
It then cuts to Axel repeatedly clacking his teeth, creating a comical chomping sound. The text overlay continues, “They talk smack,” and sure enough, Axel starts barking and vocalizing in a way that seems directed entirely at his owner. It’s almost like an argument, with Axel “responding” each time his owner tries to speak. His owner doubled down on the joke in the caption, writing, “My dog talks smack to me all day.”
The video quickly drew amused comments from followers who recognized the behavior in their own pups. One person wrote, “Absolutely, but life would be so boring without them,” pointing out that a little attitude is part of the fun of living with a Doberman. Another added, “Not to mention sooo demanding!! They rule the roost!!” Someone else chimed in with their own experience, saying, “Mine knocks me over to remind me to fill her water bowl.”
While not every Doberman is quite as chatty as Axel, the breed is known for being expressive and intelligent. This behavior often stems from their strong bond with family and their need for interaction. Owners who enjoy an active, communicative dog usually find this trait endearing. Nonetheless, training and consistency are essential to ensure it doesn’t become overwhelming.
