Early puppyhood is always the season of chaos. It’s the age where curiosity trumps obedience, even for the brightest dog breeds. And honestly, it’s impossible not to find it adorable.
From tiny teeth tugging at your hand, to refusing to come inside after playtime, to endless bursts of zoomies circling the living room — puppy antics always keep owners on their toes.
But sometimes those playful quirks cross the line into nerve-wracking moments. That’s exactly what happened when Zoro, a fourteen-week-old Australian Shepherd from New Jersey, suddenly bolted across the yard and launched himself into the pool.
His dad, Matthew Santiago, froze in shock. Rushing forward, he feared the worst, until a few seconds later, when Zoro revealed something extraordinary.
A Startling Leap Turns Into A Proud Moment
Matthew and his friends could hardly believe what they had just witnessed. Zoro had never been in the water before, which made his confident jump even more puzzling.
Instead of flailing, this determined little pup looked like he had been practicing all along.
Terrified, Matthew sprinted to the pool’s edge, ready to dive in if needed. But just then, the most surprising twist occurred. Despite being only a baby, Zoro instinctively knew how to swim.
A friend’s security camera captured the moment perfectly, showing the young Aussie paddling calmly across the pool as if it was second nature.
In an instant, Matthew’s panic shifted into pride. He posted the footage on Instagram, unaware that his “surprise splash” would quickly spread.
“Apparently he comes from a Michael Phelps bloodline,” the video description reads.
Within days, the clip racked up thousands of views and reactions. Commenters flooded in with hilarious takes.
“He been in that pool before, y’all just didn’t know it,” one person joked.
“He’s just showing you what he learnt when you were asleep,” another added.
One user emphasized the importance of Zoro’s owners being near him just as a precaution: “It’s cool how owners were actually around and caring.”
A Puppy Already Winning Hearts
Matthew and Zoro may have only shared a few months together, but their bond is already unshakable.
This lively pup adores making new friends, whether canine or human. His love for socializing is one of the many things Matthew admires most.
And while Zoro might have scared his dad with that daring pool stunt, obedience isn’t one of his weak spots.
In the video posted by Matthew on Instagram, the young Australian Shepherd shows off his progress in obedience class.
He’s already mastered sitting, standing, jumping, and even giving high fives, all at just fourteen weeks old. And he’s not stopping anytime soon.
Sure, Zoro has plenty left to learn and countless adventures ahead. But it’s already clear that he’s on the path to becoming the ultimate, well-mannered companion.
Happy swimming, Zoro. The future looks bright for you!