Patient Golden Retriever Gives Baby a 'Lesson' in the Art of Fetch
Dogs are some of the smartest animals on the planet, which makes them really great at teaching all humans a thing or two. A game of fetch doesn't just happen by accident. They use the power of suggestion to show how it's done, and the earlier, the better.
Toffee, the Golden Retriever, is an elite "doggy "fetch professor," currently teaching her human sibling Phoebe the art of the game, and you won't believe how this plays out!
@talesoftoffee Replying to @Kim Marie Foot Phoebe is learning to throw. Toffee has appointed herself fetch coach. Nobody asked her to do this. She has done it anyway. The Supaw Nanny has added ball sports to her list of responsibilities and she will not be taking questions about it. #dogandbaby#familydog#goldenretriever#dogmumsoftiktok#dogmumsoftiktok
Matilda Soundtrack by David Newman - Miscellaneous Nostalgia
The toddler stage is a fun one, and Toffee wastes no time getting in on the action, as she brings the baby a ball and waits for the big toss so she can retrieve and repeat.
Phoebe may not fully understand what's happening here, but Toffee, in her loving, patient way, highlights the subtle manner in which dogs train us to do what they want (and it's pretty incredible, TBH), even for a sweet playtime sesh.
As Phoebe learns to throw, Toffee "has appointed herself fetch coach," the caption says. Though no one asked her to do this, "The Supaw Nanny has added ball sports to her list of responsibilities, and she will not be taking questions about it!"
That's not even the best part.
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Teaching *her* toddler fetch isn't the only thing on Toffee's list. The doting Golden Retriever takes great pride in watching over her human sister, and she has no issue letting Mom know when she disapproves.
Even her bio jokes, "She judges. We parent. She disapproves," proving Toffee is in charge around these parts. If Phoebe gets into something Toffee doesn't like-such as maneuvering a walker-the opinionated pup will intervene (and it's the cutest thing ever)!
@talesoftoffee Replying to @Petxines The baby got a walker. The walker lasted approximately four seconds before the Supaw Nanny intervened and she has not moved since. This is what happens when an unstoppable force meets a very stubborn golden retriever. #goldenretriever#dogandbaby#familydog#dogjudgesparenting#dogmumsoftiktok
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64, Act 1: Dance of the Knights - André Previn
Why Golden Retrievers Are Great Dogs for Babies
When it comes to an "ideal" family pet, Golden Retrievers are it because what you see is what you get. The breed is beloved because of their patient, gentle, and affectionate disposition, particularly with children, and it shows in these precious moments, like that between Toffee and Phoebe.
Pups like Toffee are emotionally intelligent and can handle the unpredictable nature of young kids, serving as protectors, nurturers, and the ultimate family companions. Once the little humans are properly trained in the art of playing fetch, all is right in the world-just ask Toffee!
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This story was originally published May 12, 2026 at 4:55 PM.