Golden Retriever Puppy's Reaction to First Ever Social Event Melts Hearts
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.
A video of a golden retriever puppy appearing visibly wiped out following its first attempt at socialization has captivated the hearts of users on TikTok.
The video, posted on May 31 by @farmttkoko, which documents the life of a dog named Chicken Nugget, has garnered over 9.1 million views. In the short clip, the golden retriever puppy is slumped in the passenger seat of a car, head leaning against the side, eyes cast downward in tired resignation.
"How was your first socialization outing?" a voice off-camera asks. The puppy does not respond, maintaining a blank stare.
"It was hard?" the voice continues.
The puppy remains still, prompting the speaker to say, "You tired? Okay," as the video comes to an end.
The golden retriever's reaction offers a relatable depiction of how young animals—and humans—might feel when confronted with the unfamiliar. It also underscores the challenges of early socialization for puppies, a crucial stage in their development.
Veterinarians Ellen Lindell, Debra Horwitz and Gary Landsberg, along with licensed veterinary technician Monique Feyrecilde, emphasized the importance of early socialization in an article for VCA, the animal hospital chain.
Socialization involves "the exposure of puppies to an assortment of stimuli and experiences they might encounter in their adult lives," the veterinary experts wrote.
"This exposure is like a vaccination for physical disease—by providing safe, controlled social exposures to unfamiliar people and situations, we inoculate them from developing fearful behavior," the article explains. These experiences help puppies "learn social skills during carefully controlled, safe interactions with people, dogs, and other animals. They also learn how to explore their world."
According to the VCA experts, puppies are most receptive to social learning between the ages of three and 14 weeks. However, they caution that this period must be handled with care. "Exposures must be done carefully, so the puppy remains calm and interested in engaging and does not become frightened or overwhelmed," the article notes.
In the case of Chicken Nugget, the body language displayed in the video—drooping head, blank expression—might be interpreted as overstimulation, a common response for puppies in new environments. "For some puppies, every stimulus may seem overwhelming. If your puppy does not eat or play during a socialization session, he is telling you he is frightened," the VCA article warns.
The advice continues: "Take your puppy out of the situation and plan for a quieter session. Never force your puppy to 'face his fears' or thrust him into new situations when he seems panicked or fearful, as it may worsen the fear. Ask your veterinarian or behaviorist for some guidance."
'Social Battery on Zero'
The clip quickly struck a chord with viewers, many of whom empathized with the puppy's apparent post-socialization fatigue.
User Car-mel commented: "Social battery on zero .. we get it," while 00___jay___00 wrote: "Your pup and I have a lot in common after socializing."
Others observed that the experience may have been overwhelming.
"Poor guy was overstimulated," noted crys_lyn4, and user tomtom simply said: "Poor little introvert."
Some viewers mused on the unusual behavior for a breed known for its typically friendly nature.
"This is my first time seeing an introvert golden retriever," said user ashes, while Alice noted: "She doesn't know she's a golden retriever yet."
Bev noted: "Wait till he realizes he's a golden retriever."
A stock image of a golden retriever puppy appearing sad while sitting on a wooden deck.
A stock image of a golden retriever puppy appearing sad while sitting on a wooden deck.
Getty
Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via TikTok. This video has not been independently verified.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
5 hours ago
- Newsweek
Six Still Missing at Sea After Small Plane Crashes: What to Know
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. Authorities are investigating a plane crash that occurred Sunday afternoon about five miles off the coast near San Diego, where a small aircraft carrying six people went down into the ocean. The U.S. Coast Guard reported discovering a debris field near Point Loma and launched a search operation in waters approximately 200 feet deep to locate the wreckage. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the twin-engine Cessna 414 crashed around 12:30 p.m., shortly after takeoff. Flight tracking data from indicated the aircraft was en route to Phoenix. Both the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FAA have confirmed that they are conducting a joint investigation into the incident. This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow. This article contains reporting by the Associated Press.
Newsweek
5 hours ago
- Newsweek
Woman Gets Message From Dog Walker—Realizes It Wasn't Meant for Her
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. A dog walker was left red-faced after accidentally sending a text meant for her best friend to the pup's owner instead. Her reaction has delighted social media users. In a viral Reddit post shared on Thursday under the username u/camlaw63, the poster, who has asked to remain anonymous, explained that the walker was commenting on her choice of collar for the pup with her friend, when she accidentally texted her, without even realizing her mistake. "My new dog walker was texting about me behind my back, I didn't mind," she writes in the caption, as she shares the text she received from the walker, with a picture of her pup, 13-years-old Monty, attached to it. "Buddy is very proud of his pride collar! The mom rotates collar monthly, and when I complimented June, she goes 'ugh it really should be a pride collar,' so today I complimented his pride collar, she goes 'thanks it's embarrassing that he hasn't had one before this, we have a flag at the office downstairs!' "Haven't established her orientation but she comes off as an enthusiastic ally lol." A screenshot of the message the walker accidentally sent the dog's owner. A screenshot of the message the walker accidentally sent the dog's owner. u/camlaw63 The poster told Newsweek that she switches her pup's collars monthly to represent what's going on each month, a snowflake in January, hearts in February, Christmas in December, and so on. "I had originally put his June collar on which had petunias on it. When my dog walker complemented the collar earlier this week, it clicked in my mind that I should have a Pride collar for June, and was a little bummed that I didn't have one," she said. "I have many friends and family in the LBGTQ+ community, But honestly, it didn't occur to me that I'd be able to find a pride dog collar. I did find one on Amazon and was able to purchase it fairly quickly, and when my Dog Walker came in to take Monty for his walk on Wednesday, she complimented him on it." The mistake made by the walker left her "mortified," according to the post, but the dog owner wasn't bothered by it at all. "I appreciated the fact that she was conveying her belief that I am an enthusiastic ally, and that it was meaningful to her because she is a member of the queer community," she said. "She was obviously embarrassed that she had sent the text to the wrong person, I assured her that it touched me and that I was most certainly and an enthusiastic ally of the LBGTQ+community, in addition to other marginalized groups, despite being a white, cis woman." About 40 percent of Americans admit to not walking their dogs regularly, which besides physical struggles, can also cause behavioral issues. To avoid these issues, many owners who don't have time to take their pups out hire walkers. The U.S. dog walking industry had a market revenue of $1.3 billion in 2023, up from $980 million in 2020. While specific needs vary by size and breed, most dogs need a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes of exercise per day, to avoid developing health issues, like obesity, which in pets is associated with cardiovascular disease, liver disease, osteoarthritis, and insulin resistance. The video quickly went viral on Reddit and it has so far received over 10,000 upvotes and 106 comments on the platform. One user, Timendainum, commented: "My wife puts a different bow tie on our male dog each month. He has a pride bow tie for June." Ninjaclumso_x said: "Accidental Text ...on purpose." Hungry-Breadfruit-61 added: "I'm a pet sitter and I'd have crawled into a hole and never come out if this happened to me lol." Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
13 Reasons Baby Boomers Make The Best Grandparents Ever
Baby Boomers may not be fluent in emojis or understand TikTok trends, but they bring something way more valuable to the table—grounded, old-school wisdom and a deep understanding of what it means to be present. Their parenting style came from grit, not Google, and that experience makes them magnetic to grandkids who crave connection that feels real. This isn't about nostalgia. It's about recognizing that their calm, consistent energy offers something radically stabilizing in a chaotic world. Here's why their way of grandparenting might just be the gold standard. Boomers know how to watch over kids without hovering in panic. They've been through the trenches of parenting and understand that growth comes from a bit of space. Their oversight feels protective, not suffocating. This kind of presence gives kids the room to explore while still feeling secure. They're the safety net, not the cage. And that balance is exactly what developing minds need. They don't just read bedtime books—they tell stories. Boomers carry a mental library of real-life adventures, wild decades, and family lore that's too good for screens. Every tale teaches something without ever sounding like a lecture. Those stories become anchors for identity. Kids get a sense of where they come from—and who they come from. And that kind of grounding matters more now than ever. When Boomers visit, they bring pie—not parenting critiques. This tradition of showing love through food is more than just a cliché; as the BBC explains, food memories are powerful tools for bonding and emotional development. These aren't small things—they're emotional architecture. Kids learn that food isn't just fuel—it's memory, tradition, and love you can taste. That kind of emotional imprint stays for life. Even adults crave it long after childhood ends. In a world of ghosting and left-on-read texts, Boomers still pick up when you call. That kind of reliability sends a deep message: you matter. They don't need a reason—they just show up. Kids sense this loyalty from an early age. Knowing there's always someone on the other end of the line builds trust. It's a quiet kind of magic. As Johns Hopkins University notes, Boomers know how to bounce back—they were raised with fewer resources and more uncertainty. They've learned how to make do, adapt, and push through. That grit gets passed on, intentionally or not. They don't coddle, but they do care. And their steady encouragement helps grandkids build real confidence. Not the kind that comes from gold stars—the kind that comes from falling and getting back up. Boomers aren't performing for social media. They wear their quirks proudly and never apologize for their hobbies, fashion, or terrible jokes. That quiet confidence is deeply attractive to kids still figuring themselves out. They don't chase relevance—they radiate authenticity. And that kind of realness can't be faked. It's a powerful model for self-acceptance. Boomers typically aren't trying to parent over your shoulder. They've done their time raising kids and now fully embrace the role of grandparent—supportive but not overbearing. That clear boundary builds trust between generations. As the National Library of Medicine outlines, Boomers tend to respect parental authority while still offering backup when needed. They're not here to undermine—they're here to steady the ship. And everyone benefits from that clarity. In a world obsessed with productivity and constant movement, Boomers offer stillness. They're often retired or semi-retired, and that slower pace gives them time to be truly present. No multitasking, no side hustles—just showing up. Their presence feels like a reset button. When everything else is in flux, they're the ones who stay. And that creates emotional safety. Boomers don't just 'like' your posts—they show up in real life. From cheering at recitals to writing actual birthday cards, they make love tangible. It's not flashy, but it's unforgettable. Their consistency becomes part of a child's inner architecture. Kids remember who showed up, not who commented. Boomers make memories that stick. Whether they're letting the grandkids put bows in their hair or mispronouncing every Pokémon name, Boomers lean into the chaos. They're willing to look ridiculous—and that willingness builds connection. Kids feel free to be silly because the adults are, too. That joy is disarming and bonding. Laughter becomes the glue. And memories made in those goofy moments last far longer than the perfect ones. Boomers often model integrity through action, not lectures. They show generosity, work ethic, and patience in daily routines. And kids absorb it without even realizing it. The best lessons come from watching—not being told. Whether it's how they treat waitstaff or stick to promises, kids remember. It's quiet, lifelong guidance. While some grandparents use tablets as babysitters, Boomers go analog. They pull out board games, teach card tricks, or build pillow forts. Their version of fun doesn't require a charger. That off-screen bonding builds attention spans and imagination. It also deepens the grandparent-grandchild bond. Less tech, more trust. Boomers don't keep score. They love generously, without expecting validation or performance. That kind of devotion is rare—and deeply felt. Kids don't have to earn it or hustle for it. It just is. And that steady presence becomes a quiet emotional anchor.
