Any dog owner can relate to the fact that no matter how many high-tech or interactive toys you buy for your pup, they’ll often find the most entertainment in the least expected items around the house. This is exactly what happened to Kate Smith, a proud owner of a Belgian Malinois named Mace, who recently discovered that her robotic vacuum cleaner had become Mace’s favorite “toy.” What started as a simple cleaning device soon turned into the ultimate source of amusement for her energetic dog, leading to a series of hilarious and heartwarming moments.
Kate had no idea that when she purchased her vacuum, it would soon become Mace’s favorite source of entertainment. But as she shared in the now-viral video, this high-energy pup found an unexpected fascination with the cleaning device, transforming their everyday routine into a playful adventure.
In the video, Mace is seen eagerly watching the vacuum as it whirs to life, bouncing in excitement as it starts its automated journey across the floor. True to the energetic nature of Belgian Malinois dogs, Mace instantly begins darting around the vacuum, circling it in delight and chasing after it with every turn. It’s clear that this robotic helper has become his very own version of the best “interactive toy” his mom could have ever bought—without even trying!
Every time the vacuum pauses for a break or encounters an obstacle, Mace’s enthusiasm doesn’t fade. In fact, it heightens. The moment the vacuum stops, Mace immediately starts whining and pacing around it, nudging his mom to get the machine moving again. His insistence shows just how much fun he’s having with what was supposed to be just a cleaning tool!
Kate’s commentary throughout the video adds even more humor to the situation. “People always ask me, ‘How do you manage to keep your Belgian Malinois exercised?’” she says with a laugh. “Well, it turns out, he’s taken it upon himself to be the supervisor of our cleaning staff—our staff being me and this little robot vacuum.”
Her description of Mace as the vacuum’s personal hype man makes the moment even funnier. “He’s always there, cheering it on, making sure it’s doing its job. I’ve never seen him so focused on something that wasn’t specifically for him.”
Belgian Malinois are known for their intelligence, agility, and high energy, often requiring lots of exercise and mental stimulation. They thrive in environments where they can be active and engaged, and Mace clearly found a creative way to get both mental and physical exercise—chasing and managing his new “robot assistant.”
As the playful session progresses, it becomes clear that Mace is in love with his vacuum companion. Even when the vacuum finishes its task and comes to a halt, Mace isn’t quite ready to call it quits. He continues to stare at the machine longingly, pacing back and forth in front of it as if waiting for his favorite game to resume. His expressive face tells the whole story—Mace just isn’t ready for the fun to end.
However, as much as Mace wanted to keep the game going, Kate knew it was time for a break. “You need a rest, buddy,” she gently tells him in the video, smiling at her stubborn pup. “We both need a little water. You’ll get to play with it again later.”
Mace, however, wasn’t convinced. His pacing and panting in front of the vacuum continued, clearly indicating that he wasn’t quite done yet. But as any good pet parent knows, sometimes the most energetic dogs need a forced break to prevent them from overexerting themselves. And with the high-energy nature of Belgian Malinois, a break was definitely in order!
Despite his initial disappointment, Mace eventually settled down, though it’s likely he eagerly awaited the next cleaning session when he could once again chase his “interactive toy.” For Kate, it’s clear that the robotic vacuum, which was supposed to make cleaning a bit easier, has brought unexpected joy to her household, serving both as a cleaning tool and as an entertainment source for her beloved dog.
The story of Mace and his robotic vacuum buddy serves as a reminder of the boundless creativity and energy that dogs, especially breeds like the Belgian Malinois, bring into our lives. These highly intelligent and athletic dogs are known for their working roles in police and military forces, as well as their deep loyalty and devotion to their families. It’s no surprise that a dog like Mace, with his incredible drive and focus, would find a way to turn even a household appliance into a fun, stimulating game.
For many dog owners, keeping an active dog entertained can be a challenge. Belgian Malinois, in particular, need plenty of physical and mental exercise to stay happy and healthy. While traditional dog toys, fetch games, and outdoor activities are often part of their daily routine, Mace’s creative use of the vacuum shows that sometimes, the best forms of entertainment can come from the most unexpected places.
Kate has embraced this newfound “toy” for Mace, knowing it offers him a unique way to burn off energy while keeping him engaged. “It’s funny because I never would have thought a vacuum would be his new favorite toy, but here we are!” she jokes. “I guess I can thank the vacuum for giving me a little break while Mace keeps himself entertained.”
Rescuers swooped in, but when they got the pup into their care, she had lost the use of her back legs, was struggling to breathe, and weighed just around 20 pounds.
The playful relationship between Mace and the vacuum has resonated with viewers across social media, with many dog owners sharing similar stories of their pets becoming obsessed with random household items. Whether it’s a mop, a broom, or in Mace’s case, a robotic vacuum, it seems that our pets never cease to surprise us with their creativity.
This adorable and hilarious story highlights the joy that comes with owning a dog—particularly a breed as intelligent and energetic as the Belgian Malinois. With their natural curiosity and love for play, these dogs always find new ways to keep themselves (and their owners) entertained. And in Mace’s case, it looks like the vacuum has earned a permanent spot in his toy rotation!
Please ‘SHARE’ to pass on this story to a friend or family member
@katelivingoutloud 10/10 best interactive dog toy i have ever bought. he also follows me around while i clean but with less enthusiasm #belgianmalinois #dogsoftiktok #dogsofttiktok #dogmom ♬ original sound – Kate Smith
Toledo, United States.
