ADVERTISEMENT

We all behave totally derpy from time to time, usually completely by accident. And though it can be slightly embarrassing to be seen as a total goofball, it helps to know that it isn’t just a human quality—animals aren’t immune to silliness either.

The r/AnimalsBeingDerps online community is a wonderful niche on the internet that never fails to improve our mood. Members of the subreddit share photos and videos of animals behaving like total derps, and we’ve collected some of their top pics to make you smile, dear Pandas. Scroll down, and upvote your fave pics, but be warned—you might have the sudden urge to adopt a(nother) pet!

Bored Panda was interested to learn more about helping pets enjoy themselves during photo sessions, so we reached out to Toronto pet photographer Karen Weiler. She shed some light on this and revealed what amateur photographers can do to stay motivated if they feel like they've missed the 'perfect' shot. Read on for our full interview with her.

#1

Honestly It's A Big Mood

Honestly It's A Big Mood

First of all, she's fine. Just dumb.
I was standing in the barn Friday afternoon and Kricket was making laps around the pasture when her sliding stop didn't go to plan. I watched it happen y'all- she busted her butt and slid under the fence with one foot resting on the wire. Literally all that was off kilter- but when she pulled her foot her shoe caught on the wire and she thought she was trapped.
So she died. Right then and there. Just gave up on life completely and said "may as well get a backhoe". This heifer refused to stand up, eyes closed, "NO MOM I IS DED". Probably from embarrassment. When I finally convinced her to roll her big ass over and get up she got up holding her leg off the ground like it was broke. You know - the trapped leg. I made her walk and she hobbled 4 strides before she set her leg down like "oh I still have a leg there" and then trotted around in circles blowing and snorting from her near death experience.
And the award for best drama goes to....... Kricket.

xbluewolfiex Report

ADVERTISEMENT

Toronto photographer Weiler explained to Bored Panda that new environments can cause pets stress. "Give a pet a chance to get used to the space they are in, be it outside or in the studio. Let them walk about. Sniff. Let them explore your equipment (safely) and you. All without asking them to perform," she shared with us.

"Slowly introduce any new experiences like flashing lights or strange sounds. Use a calm voice when speaking. Make sure mum or dad are close by if it is obvious that that gives them confidence. Be sure not to ask them to do anything that they normally are disciplined for," the photographer said.

"And above all, have their favorite treats and dole them out generously!" Weiler said, adding that you should always speak to the pet parent about what the animal can and cannot have. 

#2

At Least He's Trying!

At Least He's Trying!

ThatPaddyHaugen Report

Add photo comments
POST
Phobrek
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

His napping buddy: "Carl, do you realize how offensive you're being right now?"

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#3

This Guy Sure Knows How To Take A Photo!

This Guy Sure Knows How To Take A Photo!

diverareyouok Report

Meanwhile, the professional pet photographer was kind enough to share some tips and tricks that can help amateurs move past failure if their photo sessions simply don't seem to work out like they'd like them to.

ADVERTISEMENT

"There’s a saying: Fail fast. In other words, the faster you make a mistake, the closer you are to success," Weiler told Bored Panda.

"So, when a shot doesn’t turn out quite the way you would like, take a moment to analyze it. What went well? What didn’t go well? What can you change for next time? Then go out and practice, practice, practice. And remember, it is only a true failure if it stops you."

#4

Is Beauty. Is Grace. Is Fell On The Face

Is Beauty. Is Grace. Is Fell On The Face

aarspar Report

Add photo comments
POST
Loverboy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

haha their face at the end, doesn't even look hurt or surprised, it just looks confused

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#5

How To Catch A Mountain Lion (Or Any Cat). Place Cardboard Box In The Open Where Said Cat May See It. Sit Back And Wait. A Cat Is A Cat Is A Cat

How To Catch A Mountain Lion (Or Any Cat). Place Cardboard Box In The Open Where Said Cat May See It. Sit Back And Wait. A Cat Is A Cat Is A Cat

Jeremybearemy Report

Add photo comments
POST
Shyla Bouche
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Soft can-openers are so thick! Over and over we sit in boxes. We sit in boxes until our sitters are practically made of cardboard. Yes! Give us a box, and we will sit in it! Write it down on your fancy glowing rectangle or something.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#6

The Committee Against Vaccuum Cleaners

The Committee Against Vaccuum Cleaners

9999monkeys Report

We all want our beloved floofs, feathery-friends, and scalies to live their best lives. But sometimes, we do run out of ideas on how to keep them entertained. And nobody wants to see their pet bored and mopey! According to RSPCA Queensland, something that you could try out is playing hide and seek or tug of war with your dog.

ADVERTISEMENT

Meanwhile, even something as ‘simple’ as playing with a ball can mean a great time for your pet (and, let’s be honest, us, too). You could play catch with your doggo or use a bouncy ball to keep your cat entertained as well.

Something else that your pets might find fun is looking for treats that you’ve hidden around your home. Or you could try teaching them a new trick that you recently saw on the internet. If in doubt, even something like grooming your pet can be an enjoyable bonding experience for both of you. And if you happen to have some non-toxic bubbles, you could blow them for your pets to chase.

The ‘Animals Being Derps’ subreddit started out as a run-of-the-mill subreddit all the way back in 2013. However, in the decade since, it has grown into one of the most popular communities on the entire site.

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

Annie Loves Her Leaves!

Annie Loves Her Leaves!

Viacra Report

At the time of writing, the sub boasted nearly 7.5 million members. And, this May, the group will be celebrating its 10th founding anniversary. If it’s one thing that the internet loves, it’s silly animal pics. And r/AnimalsBeingDerps gives the people what they want!

It only makes sense that r/AnimalsBeingDerps is dedicated to [drumroll followed by dramatic gasp] derpy animals. Despite that being made very clear, some internet users do have a tough time figuring out whether the photo they want to share is actually derpy or not.

#11

Squirrel Not Enjoying That Wind

Squirrel Not Enjoying That Wind

argetlam5 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Phobrek
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Animal meteorologist forced to report from the field during a hurricane

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#12

My Dog Really Loves Bubbles

My Dog Really Loves Bubbles

MarvelousFizz Report

The moderator team running the subreddit explains that derpy pics can be cute, but not all cute pics will be derpy. Cute pet pics are a fabulous thing to look at and they will undoubtedly improve your day, but there are other online communities dedicated to that. Meanwhile, r/AnimalsBeingDerps is all about turning up that goofiness to the max.

ADVERTISEMENT
#13

Pickles Likes Tuna More Than The Raccoons Apparently

Pickles Likes Tuna More Than The Raccoons Apparently

xPlatypusVenom Report

#14

Gave Her A Tp Tube To Play With, And She Proceeded To Breathe Through It Like This For Over A Minute

Gave Her A Tp Tube To Play With, And She Proceeded To Breathe Through It Like This For Over A Minute

livin4advntr Report

“Animals just existing, or not doing anything, or otherwise engaging in normal animal behavior will be removed. Do not post images with superimposed text adding context for the ‘derp’ to be understood. Your post should be able to stand on its own without help from the title or additional text,” the team running the subreddit explains that the content that members share ought to be high quality and full to the brim with derpiness.

#16

This Last Second Photo I Just Took Of My Cat Stretching Her Arms And Sneezing. I’ve Been Uncontrollably Laughing For The Past 5 Minutes Now

This Last Second Photo I Just Took Of My Cat Stretching Her Arms And Sneezing. I’ve Been Uncontrollably Laughing For The Past 5 Minutes Now

Saint__Bartholomew Report

#17

Today I Learned That Goats Who Won't Stop Head Butting Have To Wear Pool Noodles

Today I Learned That Goats Who Won't Stop Head Butting Have To Wear Pool Noodles

Finngiant1 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#18

Got My Cat A Tent, I Think He Likes It

Got My Cat A Tent, I Think He Likes It

YeetLePotato Report

Meanwhile, members are also encouraged to be original with their pics and videos. Reposts can be removed “at mod discretion,” and the subreddit discourages people from “repost farming” for the sake of racking up karma. Yes, it feels nice to get upvotes and positive comments on posts, but don’t lose sight of the end goal—celebrating silliness and making people’s day better, one goofy post at a time.

#19

My Derps

My Derps

_FONTINA_ Report

#20

Your Package Of Derp Will Arrive On Caturday

Your Package Of Derp Will Arrive On Caturday

JohnNova85 Report

#21

The World's Most Interesting Lamp

The World's Most Interesting Lamp

Azrayle Report

What’s more, if you plan on being an active and respectful member of the online community, you should also avoid sharing any compilations or memes. Keep it simple.

Staged submissions also have no place here. The mod team puts it simply that there should be “no provoking animals to do something derpy or setting up a scene for an animal to do something cute or quirky.”

ADVERTISEMENT
#22

My Boy Got Neutered Yesterday. The Vet Office Took A Photo For Me After He Woke Up.

My Boy Got Neutered Yesterday. The Vet Office Took A Photo For Me After He Woke Up.

IDontBeleiveImOnFIre Report

According to the mods, photoshopped or manipulated videos are also a no-go. As are TikTok trends or challenges. Moreover, “a human playing with their pet is considered staged and not derp.” And finally, members are encouraged to focus on positivity and avoid sharing sad content. Again, there are other online communities dedicated to those things, but r/AnimalsBeingDerps is not one of them.

#25

The Way Our Cat, Millie, Lets Us Know Someone Is Here

The Way Our Cat, Millie, Lets Us Know Someone Is Here

Barfsack Report

#26

My Dad Bought A Cactus To Discourage Mingus From Getting On The Counter. Here's Mingus With The Cactus

My Dad Bought A Cactus To Discourage Mingus From Getting On The Counter. Here's Mingus With The Cactus

mristre Report

Add photo comments
POST
Loverboy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can't stop cats, he should know this. You could put literal spikes up there and Mingus would find a way.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#27

Dog Accidentally Runs Half-Marathon After Being Let Out For Pee, Finishes 7th

Dog Accidentally Runs Half-Marathon After Being Let Out For Pee, Finishes 7th

T_H_0_M_A_S Report

Add photo comments
POST
Loverboy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would've kept going just to stay next to the dog, I hope they got a medal.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Which of these animal pics did you think were the derpiest, dear Pandas? Who’s goofier: the animals here or your own pet at home? Share your thoughts in the comments. Meanwhile, if you’d like some more derpy goodness, take a peek at Bored Panda’s earlier features about the r/AnimalsBeingDerps community right over here, here, and here.

#29

So I Bought This Vase Specifically For Her Yesterday And She Approved

So I Bought This Vase Specifically For Her Yesterday And She Approved

derpinu- Report

#31

I Had No Idea This Sub Existed, But I'm So Glad Someone Let Me Know About It Because This Photo Of Sophie Fits Here Perfectly

I Had No Idea This Sub Existed, But I'm So Glad Someone Let Me Know About It Because This Photo Of Sophie Fits Here Perfectly

Jackied96 Report

#32

Saw The Labradors Breaching Today. Just Spectacular

Saw The Labradors Breaching Today. Just Spectacular

Lizalfos13 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#33

Proof That Cats Not Only Give Emotional Support, But Physical Too

Proof That Cats Not Only Give Emotional Support, But Physical Too

Smallblue22 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Shyla Bouche
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The chair belongs to the cat. The soft can-opener belongs to the cat. The cat is merely reminding his soft can-opener just who is in charge.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#35

"I Promise You It Wasn't Me"

"I Promise You It Wasn't Me"

reddit.com Report

#36

This Cow Looks A Bit Guilty

This Cow Looks A Bit Guilty

thedelightfuldill Report

#37

Hello, Clarice

Hello, Clarice

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
Kim Landfather
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

“I want liver with some farva beans and a nice Chianti. Nix that, just gimme the liver. “

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#40

Update: We Moved, He's Lost Some Chonk, But Its Still His Favorite Sitting Position

Update: We Moved, He's Lost Some Chonk, But Its Still His Favorite Sitting Position

abigailfrillywho Report

Add photo comments
POST
Loverboy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good job for making him lose chonk, he looks like a very good boi

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#41

He’s Shedding But It Looks Like He Has A Gecko Onesie

He’s Shedding But It Looks Like He Has A Gecko Onesie

imma_doggo_ Report

#43

The Kitten Will Only Stop Crying If I Hold Him Upside Down

The Kitten Will Only Stop Crying If I Hold Him Upside Down

violinfiddleman Report

#44

My Cousin's Hamster After Eating A Ton Of Popcorn

My Cousin's Hamster After Eating A Ton Of Popcorn

reddit.com Report

#45

Taken From My Parents’ Kitchen Window. They Don’t Have Any Cats

Taken From My Parents’ Kitchen Window. They Don’t Have Any Cats

AllHanceOnDeck Report

Add photo comments
POST
Loverboy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I suggest you keep your doors and windows locked, I think a murder is being planned

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#46

Didn't See Him At Lunchtime, So Looked Around And Found Him Sleeping In The Front Yard

Didn't See Him At Lunchtime, So Looked Around And Found Him Sleeping In The Front Yard

meme_stealing_bandit Report

#47

Majestically Derpy Deer That Goes - >: D

Majestically Derpy Deer That Goes - >: D

gabi_llama Report

#48

Bobo (17 Yr Old) After Getting Some Head Rubs

Bobo (17 Yr Old) After Getting Some Head Rubs

GutterLoveMusic Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#50

My Goat Broke His Trampoline And He's Very Upset. Anyone Have A Small One For Cheap?

My Goat Broke His Trampoline And He's Very Upset. Anyone Have A Small One For Cheap?

harboringgrace Report

Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium
Unlimited content
Ad-free browsing
Dark mode
#53

She’s 7 Months Old And Loves Being Held Like She Isn’t Huge

She’s 7 Months Old And Loves Being Held Like She Isn’t Huge

darkpour Report

#54

When You Don't Know What You're Doing But You Want To Help

When You Don't Know What You're Doing But You Want To Help

reddit.com Report

#55

And Somehow They Survive The Attrition Rate

And Somehow They Survive The Attrition Rate

daemon3642 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Kira Okah
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aren't they descended from rock doves, who are cliff nesters? Don't need a fancy nest, as long as it means the egg doesn't roll off the cliff. Some cliff nesters don't even make nests, just lay an egg shaped in a way that it can only roll in a circle.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#56

If I Lick It, No One Else Can Have It

If I Lick It, No One Else Can Have It

BoopBoop20 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#57

Goat Stole My Spotlight

Goat Stole My Spotlight

SlurmCan69 Report

#59

Teenage Peregrine Falcons Going Through Their Awkward Phase

Teenage Peregrine Falcons Going Through Their Awkward Phase

hansko1o Report

Add photo comments
POST
Seamus Crumley
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

'Why am I in such a bad mood? You actually expect me to go out wearing this? Catch mice? They would be pissing themselves laughing.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#61

He Was Exhausted After Doing Nothing On Our 15hr Road Trip

He Was Exhausted After Doing Nothing On Our 15hr Road Trip

llihpleumas Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#64

@eriszoi On Instagram Caught Their Dog Forgetting To Act Like A Dog

@eriszoi On Instagram Caught Their Dog Forgetting To Act Like A Dog

getting_through Report

#65

Nola On Our Morning Walk. I Thought I’d Take One Of Those Cute Pics Of A Happy Dog Run But I Got This Instead

Nola On Our Morning Walk. I Thought I’d Take One Of Those Cute Pics Of A Happy Dog Run But I Got This Instead

emlo4 Report

#68

Has Anyone Seen My Son?

Has Anyone Seen My Son?

hconfiance Report

Add photo comments
POST
Susan Green
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No ma’am I haven’t, but it appears you have a large snowball on your butt.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#69

Truly Majestic

Truly Majestic

BakedKimber-Lays Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#71

Lord Herald’s Description 😂

Lord Herald’s Description 😂

Lulu11709 Report

#75

Adopted This Old Girl A Month Ago. I Will Never Have To Pick Out Socks Ever Again. I Wake Up To Dozens Of Them On My Head In The Morning. Every. Day

Adopted This Old Girl A Month Ago. I Will Never Have To Pick Out Socks Ever Again. I Wake Up To Dozens Of Them On My Head In The Morning. Every. Day

spookynoodle_em Report

#77

I Turned On The Lights To My Vanity, Then Went To The Bathroom Quickty To Brush My Teeth. This Is The Situation I Returned To…

I Turned On The Lights To My Vanity, Then Went To The Bathroom Quickty To Brush My Teeth. This Is The Situation I Returned To…

babydingus Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#78

Gizmo's Not The Brightest Tool In The Shed

Gizmo's Not The Brightest Tool In The Shed

scissorbritches Report

#79

One Of My Puppies Bit My Finger Then Pulled Back And Made This Face For A Solid 10 Seconds, He’s My Favourite

One Of My Puppies Bit My Finger Then Pulled Back And Made This Face For A Solid 10 Seconds, He’s My Favourite

thaiede Report

#80

He Fell Asleep With His Face In My Boot

He Fell Asleep With His Face In My Boot

blueeyedleo22 Report

#82

Dust Pan Is Better I Suppose

Dust Pan Is Better I Suppose

transgabex Report

#83

Gave My Girlfriend’s Cat A Smooch In The Forehead And He Hit Me With The Most Offended Look

Gave My Girlfriend’s Cat A Smooch In The Forehead And He Hit Me With The Most Offended Look

Scarbrow Report

#84

Met This Unique Gentleman At A Petting Zoo This Weekend

Met This Unique Gentleman At A Petting Zoo This Weekend

CarrfromKC Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#85

Just Found This Gem On Wikipedia, Thought I Had To Share

Just Found This Gem On Wikipedia, Thought I Had To Share

giligili30 Report

#86

A Strawberry Conch Taking A Look At Who Picked Him Up

A Strawberry Conch Taking A Look At Who Picked Him Up

KimCureAll Report

#88

Dog Behaving Like A Plant

Dog Behaving Like A Plant

Superiluso Report

#90

These Images Have Been Selected For Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards!

These Images Have Been Selected For Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards!

strawhatluffy65 Report

#91

Just A Good Boy Trying To Make Some Friends

Just A Good Boy Trying To Make Some Friends

westcoastcdn19 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#92

Park Rangers Check Camera Trap And Discover 400 Of The 580 Photos It Took 'Were Bear Selfies'

Park Rangers Check Camera Trap And Discover 400 Of The 580 Photos It Took 'Were Bear Selfies'

T1mac Report

#93

You Might Be Wondering About What I Have In My Mouth

You Might Be Wondering About What I Have In My Mouth

hconfiance Report

#95

My Mother's New Kitten Definitely Identifies As A Smol Derp

My Mother's New Kitten Definitely Identifies As A Smol Derp

HennaJes Report

#96

My Daughter Was Done With My Cat’s Begging

My Daughter Was Done With My Cat’s Begging

MyCheshireGrinOG Report

#98

If Im Up., Your Up!!

If Im Up., Your Up!!

DirtyTruckerVideos Report

Add photo comments
POST
Babsevs
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is my puppy's philosophy! Stroll on....5am everyday is getting exhausting, like having a human baby again (my human babies are grown)

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#99

Life Hack: Cool Your Butthole Off On A Hot Day By Pressing It Against The Cold Door

Life Hack: Cool Your Butthole Off On A Hot Day By Pressing It Against The Cold Door

_ThatSynGirl_ Report

#100

I Was Taking A Photo Of My Mop And Blas Decided To Make A Very Happy Appearance

I Was Taking A Photo Of My Mop And Blas Decided To Make A Very Happy Appearance

Napero44 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Rebelliousslug
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why were you taking a picture of the mop? Perhaps the dog isn’t the derp here…

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#101

I Know It’s Cold Outside, But This Isn’t The Answer, Betty

I Know It’s Cold Outside, But This Isn’t The Answer, Betty

OCbrunetteesq Report

Add photo comments
POST
Seamus Crumley
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do not put your red pullover and blue jeans or other bright colours in with me. I don't want to come out looking like a rainbow.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#103

Caught My Cat Sunbathing Today

Caught My Cat Sunbathing Today

Acacia_Silence Report

Add photo comments
POST
Rebelliousslug
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This cat is clearly setting up an insurance scam. I hope the owner of that scooter didn’t fall for it.

View more commentsArrow down menu