Woman Hides From Dog Demanding To Play Fetch, It Goes As Expected

Newsweek

2 days ago

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The endless energy of a playful dog is something that many pet owners know well.
One woman's recent attempt to catch a break from a relentless game of fetch with her canine has become a viral TikTok moment, capturing the sweet and persistent nature of a Labrador retriever. Since it was posted, the video of the pup's determination to find her has received over 838,000 views.
"Hiding behind my couch because I needed a break from throwing her ball," the owner captioned the video. The footage shows her perspective from behind the couch, only to be shocked by her dog leaping to peer over the edge with a ball.
The canine, a mix of Labrador retriever, Australian shepherd and poodle, has captured hearts everywhere with her enthusiasm.
You Can't Hide From the Game
The video resonated with thousands of viewers, many of whom have experienced the same exhaustion from a game of fetch.
One user perfectly summed up the dog's persistence: "In the wise words of [Taken actor] Liam Neeson 'I will look for you, I will find you,'" they wrote.
"It makes me feel so seen to see posts from other people hiding from their dogs," another commented.
A third owner shared a similar strategy for getting a break.
"The only time my dog stops is if I lay on the bed, and she will come up with me. Sometimes, I play on my phone for a ridiculous amount of time to just get a break," they wrote.
One commenter joked about the owner's elaborate hiding spot: "I yelled out scared because I didn't have time to finish reading and I thought a killer was out to get you."
A more-practical user offered a tip for future games of hide-and-seek: "Since they smell where you were, just walk in a ton of different places and they won't know where you went," they wrote.
Stock photo: A dog plays with a toy ball at home.
Stock photo: A dog plays with a toy ball at home.The Psychology Behind Fetch
A blog post from Wag! said a dog's love for fetch is deeply rooted in its natural instincts. Playing the game isn't just a fun activity; it "satisfies their need to be useful."
In a canine's mind, they aren't just retrieving a ball, but bringing back "food" for a pack. As natural hunters, dogs love to be kept occupied and see their owner as the pack leader. When they play fetch, they are bringing an "offering" and acknowledging their owner's role.
The blog post also noted that fetch is an excellent way for dogs to expend energy and brain power, which can prevent them from getting bored or destructive. But it also warns that some pups can become so obsessed with the game that it can be frustrating for owners.
When a canine "is constantly thrusting the ball at you in the hope you'll join in with the game," it may be time to put the toy away and out of sight until the next scheduled play session.
Newsweek reached out to @christaniner for comment via TikTok.