09-05-2025
Sweet Golden Retriever Is 'So Shy' She Gets Put With the Puppies at Daycare
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A viral video of a shy dog who had to be placed in a group of smaller puppies has left people in stitches. With more than 400,000 views, Junie the dog has melted hearts.
In the short clip posted by @kellyandjunieb on TikTok, golden retriever puppy Junie was lying quietly on the floor surrounded by smaller puppies. The caption read: "When she's too shy to be with the big dogs so she gets stuck with the tinys," while the on-screen text explained: "Junie gets put with the tiny dogs at puppy play because she's so shy."
Junie's gentle nature and timid demeanor instantly struck a chord with viewers, many of whom shared their own stories of shy or nervous pets in the comment section.
One user, @sarahanne666, said: "My shy border collie faked a limp during play group. It happened three different times and the trainer said he had never seen anything like that." Another viewer, @InsanitiesLittleDuckling, shared a memory of her adult Rottweiler who once peed in fear upon seeing a Great Dane for the first time. "Poor dog was just standing there being a good boy," she said.
Viewer @unnDunn shared a similar story: "Our German shepherd puppy got put with 'the littles' when she started doggy daycare."
While Junie's bashful behavior might seem unusual to some, it's far from uncommon in the world of puppy play sessions. Puppy socialization classes are designed to help young dogs, typically under five months old, to build confidence, learn basic manners, and become comfortable around other dogs in a safe, structured environment.
A picture of Junie the dog in the puppy room at the play session.
A picture of Junie the dog in the puppy room at the play session.
@kellyandjunieb/TikTok
Experts say that, much like people, dogs have individual personalities and temperaments. Some are naturally outgoing and playful, while others, like Junie, may be more sensitive or reserved.
Viewer cherylstevens386 on TikTok echoed this, and said: "She'll come out of her shell once she knows she's safe."
In 2022, another nervous dog gained viral attention after overcoming his fears to make new friends.
Pablo the Staffordshire bull terrier delighted the internet when he went from walking alone wearing a yellow reflective jacket with the word "nervous" to playing with four dog friends at a local park.
Newsweek reached out to @kellyandjunieb via TikTok for comment.
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