Hearts Melt Over What Dog Does To Try and Stop Owner From Leaving the House

Newsweek

09-05-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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A pint-sized performer with a flair for theatrics has taken the internet by storm with his dramatics when his owner tries to leave the house.
Binky, a four-year-old Chihuahua, has become a viral sensation after a video showing him faking injuries to keep his owner from going to work racked up more than 15 million views since being shared this week.
In the video, Binky stood solemnly by the door, his expression a mix of sadness and determination—clearly hoping to tug at his human's heartstrings as he lifted his front paw, closed one eye and started shaking.
The caption reads "He stands by the door and fakes injuries so I don't have to go to work," capturing the hearts—and laughs—of viewers.
Binky's owner, Cass, who only shared her first name, affectionately dubbed him "the king of drama" in the video caption. She told Newsweek: "He's always done it, but the eye is a new trick because I gave him such a big reaction when he did it the first time, so it's his new favorite one."
Binky the dog pretending he isn't well so his owner can't go to work.
Binky the dog pretending he isn't well so his owner can't go to work.
@binkythechichi2/TikTok
"He 100 per cent knows what he's doing," she laughed. "He will bring himself to tears for food too because he knows it works on me. Binky brings so much happiness to me and makes me laugh every day, so I wanted to bring that laughter to everyone else. He's such a big personality in a little body."
Many dog owners will resonate with Binky's ploy, as website Greyhounds as Pets explained the behavior is common among canines.
Their website explained: "The behaviour is learned over time, perhaps they hurt themselves in the past which generated a swift reaction from you (like rushing over to check that they are okay). From this experience, they can learn that injuries equate to attention, love and care which can be used to manipulate you in future to get the outcome that they want.
"This behaviour usually is completely harmless, but it is essential that you determine whether your pooch is actually hurt or just faking an injury."
So it's not surprising then that Binky isn't the first dog who has gained viral attention for faking an injury. In 2024 Labrador Bruce left people in stitches when he started lifting his paw to show that he was done walking, while another dog, Max, recently pretended to have an injured eye to get his hands on an extra treat.
As Binky's video gained more attention, people couldn't get enough of his dramatics. In the comments, TikTokers shared their reactions.
"Omg my chihuahua does this exact thing!! It's his eye or his back leg," wrote viewer Amelina. "I've taken him to the vet so many times for me to realize he's just manipulating me now."
"The shaking—he is a method actor," joked Pedigree.
While another commenter said: "Chihuahuas are too smart."
TikToker Amberuana weighed in: "Whoever said dogs can't manipulate, or don't understand jealousy, etc., has obviously NEVER owned a chihuahua."
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