A video of a golden retriever refusing to go on a walk has gone viral on TikTok, earning almost 8 million views. But it’s not because Roo looks adorable as he digs his heels into the ground.
It is the fact that he has developed a quirky habit that has left his owners Marissa, 28, and Joe Lombardi, 29, perplexed. The text layered over the video of the dog in his Rhode Island apartment complex corridor says he refuses to “go out with one of us if he knows the other is still home. Every potty break has to be a full family affair.”
Marissa, who runs an account dedicated to her dog called @rissyroo395, told Newsweek: “He is very quirky!”
Roo, who became part of their family during the coronavirus pandemic, turns 4 in January. However, he has only just started doing this.
Marissa said: “He also won’t go to bed with one of us either until both of us are in there. He will protest on the couch until we both get into bed.”
Marissa describes Roo in the caption as “needy” but says that they don’t mind his “diva” behavior as the couple would do anything for him.
“He is extremely cuddly and attached to us,” Marissa told Newsweek: “He has separation anxiety from both of us since we got him during COVID and I work from home with him 24/7.”
The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages owners to build independence by teaching your puppy to spend time alone in another room, even when you are home.
A solid “stay” command helps, too. Owners are advised to start with short intervals, then gradually leave the room for five to 10 minutes.
It is also important to keep departures and arrivals calm. The AKC states owners should greet your dog warmly but without excessive excitement. Over-the-top reactions make comings and goings feel like big events, increasing anxiety. If you return to damage or accidents, don’t punish the pet—this only heightens stress and worsens the issue.
TikTok Reacts
The December 22 post has over 1.2 million likes and more than 3,400 comments, at the time of writing.
“Trying to keep the family together! It’s his job,” said one user, and another agreed: “It’s a team effort.”
“Ok my [Labrador] does this same thing and if we are walking and one of us falls behind she immediately stops and will not go until everyone’s together!!!” said a third commenter, and Marissa responded: “He does this on walks too. [He is] so needy but so cute.”
