I’m not saying that this is the case, but all the mentioned behaviors are only indicators and could also be reflexive actions which the dog is genetically programmed to do because they work. If a beetle is flipped, it also has a “program” to get upright again, but that doesn’t mean it’s aware of its situation and is actively deciding something. I’m pretty sure dogs are conscious, but you can’t really tell from the outside. LLMs also appear to reason and make arguments but I wouldn’t call them conscious.

My entire point wasn't that animals are or aren't conscious, but to ask: Why is it that people make this argument

> I'm pretty sure dogs are conscious, but you can’t really tell from the outside.

when talking about dogs, but not when talking about people?

Maybe you're not conscious, I can't tell from the outside.

You’re right, you also can’t tell for other people. You can make an assumption because they are very similar to you and you yourself appear to be conscious to yourself. But you can’t really disprove solipsism as far as I know.