No matter how much we love our pets, they will find a way to humiliate us at the worst possible moment. From bathroom emergencies in the least ideal spots to dramatic tantrums that turn heads, these moments remind us that pets have no shame—only we do.
Here are 10 times your pet has absolutely embarrassed you in public.
1. Pooping in the Worst Possible Place
Your dog could go anywhere, but instead, they choose the most inconvenient spot—like right in front of a restaurant patio, in the middle of a crosswalk, or at the entrance of a wedding venue. Bonus embarrassment if you forgot a poop bag.
2. Barking at an Innocent Stranger
You know your dog is friendly, but does the random delivery driver trying to drop off a package? Probably not. There’s nothing like an intense barking fit at someone just existing to make you look like the person who doesn’t train their dog.
3. Refusing to Walk in Front of a Crowd
Your pet was walking just fine—until they realized people were watching. Suddenly, they go completely limp, refusing to move. Whether it’s a full-on tantrum or an exaggerated “dead weight” act, you’re left awkwardly dragging them like an unwilling toddler.
4. Jumping on Someone Who Definitely Did Not Want It
Not everyone loves dogs, and your overly friendly pup always seems to pick those people to jump on. Extra points for muddy paws, expensive clothing, or choosing a very grumpy-looking stranger.
5. Rolling in Something Disgusting Right Before a Social Event
You were on a nice walk, headed to a pet-friendly café, when suddenly—BAM. Your dog finds the absolute worst-smelling thing to roll in. Now, instead of socializing, you’re Googling emergency dog baths.
6. Humping Another Dog (or Worse, a Person)
Nothing sends you into panic mode faster than your dog deciding to get extra friendly in public. Whether it’s another dog, someone’s leg, or even worse—a kid’s stuffed animal—you’re left stammering apologies while desperately trying to separate them.
7. Loudly Passing Gas in a Quiet Place
Dogs have no shame about bodily functions. They will unleash the most unholy fart in an elevator, a waiting room, or a quiet café—and everyone will assume it was you.
8. Stealing Food from a Stranger
You thought you trained them better, but nope—one second of inattention and your pet has swiped a sandwich from someone’s hand or stolen a fry from a nearby table. The worst part? Some people find it cute. Others? Not so much.
9. Escaping at the Worst Time
One second, you’re holding the leash. The next, your pet is sprinting across a public park while you frantically chase them, yelling their name. Bonus embarrassment if they run directly into a restricted area, a busy road, or someone’s picnic.
Related: 10 Celebrity Pet Lovers Who Can’t Stop Talking About Their Furry Friends
10. Interrupting a Serious Moment
Maybe it’s a dog loudly howling during a wedding ceremony. Maybe it’s a cat crashing a Zoom meeting. Whatever the case, your pet has no respect for serious moments and will make their presence known loudly.
Pets don’t care about public embarrassment. They just exist in the moment—pooping, barking, stealing food, or flopping mid-walk without a care in the world. And while we’re left red-faced, trying to salvage the situation, they’re just happy to be along for the ride.
So, what’s the most embarrassing thing your pet has done in public?
Related: These 10 Hilarious Dog Breeds Will Keep You Laughing
