Latest news with #AKC
Newsweek
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Dachshund Puppy Left Home Alone for First Time—What Owner Sees Goes Viral
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 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.
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Farm Dog Who 'Lied on Her Job Application' Has Internet in Stitches
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 corgi named Tilly has left social media users in stitches after her owner shared a viral video of her fleeing the very animals she was supposed to herd. The hilarious TikTok video shared earlier in July under the username @jakesfunnyfarm, which has received over 264,000 views and 32,600 likes, shows Tilly bolting away from a stampede of sheep, leaving her sister to deal with it. "Tilly may have lied on her job application," the poster writes in the clip. "Tilly was not quite ready for a stampede, but luckily Sadie had her back," she adds in the caption. Corgis are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as herding dogs, in fact they were initially bred as cattle herders. They also make good guardian dogs as well as sweet and loving companions. Some of the breeds that make the best herd dogs include most types of shepherd pups such as German shepherd, Australian shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. But many other breeds can also take on this role successfully. Dogs like border collies, which are known for being the smartest canines in the world, Belgian Tervuren, Berger Picard, and bearded collies, among others, are also great options with innate herding skills. Herding breeds are generally high-energy, incredibly intelligent dogs bred to work with livestock. So even when they are not working in the field, they still require a minimum of 60–90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise to avoid destructive behaviors. The best way to channel their instincts and energy constructively, is by engaging in a variety of outdoor activities such as long walks, runs, hikes, bike rides, fetch, tug-of-war, backyard football, and off-leash play in dog parks. Interactive toys, like puzzle feeders and treat dispensers, can also help keep your pup mentally engaged. Training sessions, scent work, trick-learning exercises, treasure hunts, hide-and-seek, and tug-of-war also provide effective mental and physical stimulation. A stock image shows a herding dog surrounded by sheep. A stock image shows a herding dog surrounded by sheep. getty images Users on the platform had a lot to say about the little corgi, and most of them took her side over her owner's. One user, Destiny, commented: "Tilly is just using reverse psychology to get them to come! You go Ms Girl!" H3nryk3ll3r said: "You misunderstood her. She wasn't running was saying follow me this way guys." Rhoda added: "Didn't lie exactly— just added fluff to get the job!! Happens all of the time." Newsweek reached out to @jakesfunnyfarm for comment via TikTok comments. We could not verify the details of the case. 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.
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Golden Retrievers 'Don't Understand' Spiral Steps—Owner Does the Unexpected
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. Two golden retrievers were excited to explore the home they were staying in on vacation, only to find themselves trapped upstairs as they were unable to face going down a spiral staircase. Ellie Schraft, 24, lives in Florida with her two golden retrievers, Winston, one, and six-month-old Benny, and recently took a three-week-long family vacation with them to the Jersey Shore. When they arrived at their lodgings for the trip, however, they quickly learned there was going to be an issue: the dogs could not figure out the concept of a spiral staircase. "They have never seen or been on spiral staircases," Schraft told Newsweek. "My bedroom, where they were sleeping with me, was upstairs. And they ran right up but wouldn't come down!" After more than two hours of trying to encourage the dogs to come down, Schraft had to take things into her own hands—and a video of the rescue mission has gone viral since being posted to her TikTok account, @winstonandbenny. Posted on June 27, and boasting more than 300,000 views, it shows a montage of Schraft trying to coax the dogs down, but they stand at the entrance to the stairway, still smiling for the camera, but utterly refusing to move. Winston and Benny stuck on top of the staircase. Winston and Benny stuck on top of the staircase. TikTok @winstonandbenny At one point, the family drape a large blanket over the side of the banister, Schraft explaining to Newsweek: "They were so freaked out, so we had to put the blanket up to hide the height because we thought maybe it was that—but they were still scared." Golden retrievers, just like Benny and Winston, have long been one of the most popular choice for pets in the United States, coming in third place behind the Labrador retriever and French bulldog in the American Kennel Club (AKC)'s list of the most popular dog breeds. Known for their friendly and devoted nature, goldens get along with family, young children, and other dogs, and are relatively easy to train, according to the AKC. Back in Jersey Shore, with the blanket idea failing, they took another major step: strapping Winston into a life jacket, so they could use the handles to help lift him down. And, once Winston was near the bottom of the stairs, he trotted down happily by himself—and Schraft said Benny then followed from the top of the landing as though it had been no big deal. Winston being lifted down the stairs with his lifejacket. Winston being lifted down the stairs with his lifejacket. TikTok @winstonandbenny TikTok users were in stitches at the dogs' mountaineering adventure, one commenter pointing out the "life jacket just in case," and another defending them: "I'm also afraid of spiral staircases and I don't go down headfirst, so I totally get it." "To be fair, it is a bit of a curveball," another wrote. And one praised Schraft and her family: "The life jacket was actually smart!" There is a difference in personality between her two dogs, Schraft told Newsweek. "Winston had to wear the life jacket for the whole week because he was so scared. And once Benny was going up and down, he just kept doing it for fun." As she put it: "Winston is scared of everything. Winston will literally freak out and hide if he sees a big bug. Benny is way more fearless—but they are definitely not usually super sharp!" 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.
Newsweek
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Woman Always Wished for Cuddly Dog—Then Got More Than She Bargained For
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 woman who had always dreamed of having a "cuddly" dog finally got her wish. Kris, from California, is the proud owner of pit bull cross Olive, who exceeded Kris's expectations of having an attention-seeking dog, as Olive cannot get close enough to her—even lying on her face as she sleeps. Olive's lapdog nature has now gone viral, after Kris shared a video of the reality of life with her ultra-cuddly dog to her TikTok account, @ on July 14. "You know what's funny? Before I got this dog I always said I wanted a cuddly dog," she tells the camera. She explained her previous dog, a cocker spaniel, enjoyed being around them but "wasn't very cuddly," and when it was time to get a new pet, Kris wanted a dog who "wants to cuddle all day." She pictured it being "just super lovely, and we have these cute little cuddly moments." And it's clear she got her wish, as Kris is filming the video while lying in bed—as her dog lies with her full weight on top of her, and her head resting on Kris's face. "And then I got her," she said, moving the camera to show another angle of just how heavily her dog is lying on top of her. She finished the video by looking directly into the camera—with the part of her face not covered by Olive, that is—and letting the image speak for itself. TikTok users were obsessed, watching the video more than 200,000 times and awarding it 42,000 likes. One commenter joked: "She said 'and now I sleep with my face on your face. Aren't you feeling blessed?'" "Look at you, manifesting," another laughed, as another insisted: "You love it really though, don't you?" Kris isn't alone with her "velcro dog," the term given to pets who want to be stuck to their owners at all times, as one commenter shared: "I wake up in the middle of the night and I have a pitbull on top of my head, snoring." But as another summed up the situation: "You've got a heated, weighted blanket." Kris with her extra-cuddly dog, Olive. Kris with her extra-cuddly dog, Olive. TikTok @ Certain breeds are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, and according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), this list includes the Labrador retriever, boxer dog, Cavalier King Charles spaniel, and Pembroke Welsh Corgi. The Staffordshire bull terrier, a type of pit bull, also makes the list, with the AKC noting it as being extremely affectionate towards family members, including children. Newsweek has reached out to @ via TikTok for comment on this story. 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.
Newsweek
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Blind Senior Chihuahua Who 'Hates Everyone' Delights Internet with Antics
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 blind and elderly chihuahua with just three teeth—and a serious grudge against humanity—has left the internet in stitches. TikToker Lopai (@blackcow_mu) shared a video of the tiny dog trying to get comfy in bed, capturing hearts across the app. The video, showcasing the grumpy but determined pup, has racked up an astonishing 2.4 million likes and 16.6 million views. "My parents' 100 years old chihuahua who's blind, has three teeth, hates literally everyone, shakes and refuses to die. Queen never die," reads the text overlaying the viral video. In the comments, Lopai clarified the pup's age is actually 14 years old. According to the American Kennel Club, a 14-year-old dog would be roughly 76 in human years using its newer age calculation method—which accounts for size specific aging. Chihuahuas, one of the smallest recognized dog breeds, are known for their big personalities packed into a tiny frame. According to the AKC, they're alert, charming, and graceful, often forming tight bonds with their humans. Despite their small size, they have bold attitudes and can act as surprisingly effective watchdogs. These traits may contribute to their long lives—chihuahuas are among the longest-living dog breeds. They typically live between 14 and 16 years, according to PetMD. However, their reputation is a bit more complicated. As Dogster explains, chihuahuas often get a bad rap due to poor training and lack of socialization, which can lead to aggressive or territorial behavior. They're frequently labeled as yappy or mean, even though much of that behavior stems from fear or mishandling by owners unfamiliar with the breed's quirks. A stock image showing a chihuahua sleeping in bed. A stock image showing a chihuahua sleeping in bed. Sara Parolin/iStock / Getty Images Plus None of this stopped TikTokers from rallying around the sassy senior in the video. "My chihuahua turning 14 who had a 100 pound dog bite and fall on her, ate chocolate and crayons, has fallen down stairs, beaten up two puppies, fell through my bed and jaw locked because her water was too cold still out here vibing," said one user. "Queen Chiuauabeth II," quipped another. "Why do chihuahuas refuse to die," joked Kai. "My grandparents has had the same chihuahua for 20 flipping years snd she is till standing like a queen QUEEN NEVER DIE," shared another user. "Main characters never die," said another. "Chihuahuas are indestructible," added another commenter. "My dog lived to be like 110 years in dog years," said Ceci. "My cat was 20 (in human years) when he died," said another user, chiming in with their own tale of long-lived pets. Newsweek reached out to @blackcow_mu for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case. 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.
