Dachshund Puppy Left Home Alone for First Time—What Owner Sees Goes Viral

Newsweek

5 days ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The dreaded moment of leaving a new puppy home alone for the very first time can fill any pet owner with anxiety.
But, for one lucky owner, their dachshund puppy not only survived the experience unscathed, but was also caught on camera in a hilariously relaxed state completely engrossed in television. His owner posted a viral TikTok video of the pup's state upon her return, which received over 421,000 views.
"This was the first time we left him home alone for an hour, and when we came back …" the owner captioned the video, before adding, "'umm … did you need something?'"
Stock image: A dachshund puppy lays on a bed looking up.
Stock image: A dachshund puppy lays on a bed looking up.The clip shows the tiny dachshund lounging on the couch, perfectly content, watching the animated comedy Family Guy.
The puppy's calm demeanor struck a chord with TikTok users, many of whom are navigating the challenging waters of puppy separation anxiety themselves.
"Thank you for the hope, because ours is almost six months, and he's totally fine being alone in the living room if we go outside and do yard work or go to the neighbors—but screams in his crate," one person said. "I'm just scared he will eat my couch or chair, so we haven't tried leaving with him out of his crate."
Another user found inspiration in the pup's choice of entertainment: "Love him so much and that you left cartoons on for him," they wrote. "I usually leave mine with music but now I'm gonna switch to cartoons. Great idea."
A third commenter imagined the puppy's perspective: "He wants to know why you're just walking into his house and why you didn't call first before coming over," they wrote.
Understanding Separation Anxiety in Dogs
While this dachshund's chill attitude is certainly enviable, it is important for pet owners to understand that not all dogs react so calmly to being left alone.
In a blog post, the American Kennel Club says that separation anxiety as a common behavioral issue, particularly in young dogs. The AKC adds that "separation anxiety is when your dog exhibits extreme stress from the time you leave them alone until you return." Symptoms can vary widely, but dogs with this condition "will act as if they are terrified to be in the house on their own."
Patricia McConnell, Ph.D., a certified applied animal behaviorist, as cited by the AKC, says that separation anxiety can be thought of as "the equivalent of a panic attack" for dogs.
The good news, though, is that proactive steps can help prevent or mitigate this stress. Puppy training, socialization, crate training and teaching a puppy to enjoy being alone are all foundational.
Strategies for Easing Separation Anxiety
For owners facing separation anxiety, the AKC offers several strategies. Crate training, when used appropriately, can provide a safe space if the dog associates it with positive things such as chew toys. However, some canines may panic in a crate, so owners would do best to closely observe their pet's reaction.
Desensitization and "counterconditioning" are also key. This involves gradually increasing the time a dog is left alone and creating positive associations with departure, like by offering a treat only when leaving. Owners can also desensitize their pups to departure cues such as grabbing keys by performing these actions without actually leaving.
For severe cases, medication or natural supplements might be considered—but always in consultation with a veterinarian. While not always preventable, the AKC reassures owners that separation anxiety "has a high rate of treatment success" with patience and a positive approach.
Newsweek reached out to @loretheweenie for comment via TikTok.