An 11-month-old [1] puppy named Potato demonstrated an intense version of the "shake" command during a recent appearance on the Hatori Shinichi Morning Show.
The footage highlights how young dogs express affection and excitement, providing a public example of common canine behavioral traits during puppyhood.
During the broadcast on April 30, Potato reacted to his owner's hand by lifting both front paws high in the air. The puppy balanced on his hind legs to deliver a high-energy handshake, an action that appeared more like a celebratory leap than a standard trick.
Dog trainer Masaaki Kano appeared on the program to explain the behavior. Kano said the puppy's emotions exploded because he wanted attention from his owner and could no longer suppress his excitement. He said that this is a common behavior for puppies across all breeds.
Public interest in the puppy's enthusiasm has been significant. A related video of the dog's behavior has reached 1.27 million views [3]. The intensity of the interaction suggests a strong bond between the pet and the owner, though it is driven by the puppy's lack of impulse control.
Kano noted that such high-energy responses are typical for dogs of this age. He said the behavior is a result of the animal's desire for interaction, which often manifests as physical over-excitement in younger dogs. In some cases, these behavioral patterns can persist for six months [2] after the initial observation.
The segment served as both entertainment and an educational moment regarding canine psychology, illustrating how physical cues can signal a dog's internal emotional state.
“"His emotions exploded because he wanted attention from his owner," said Masaaki Kano.”
This incident underscores the typical developmental stage of canine adolescence, where a lack of emotional regulation leads to exaggerated physical responses. By framing the behavior as a breed-neutral puppy trait, the segment clarifies that high-energy 'over-excitement' is a physiological response to social bonding rather than a lack of training.
