Evening routines look different for every dog—some like to run around the yard one last time, while others prefer being carried to bed so they can be tucked in. But not this tiny guard dog who chooses a random object and protects it devotedly every evening.
Dog owner Branden Hampton has gone viral on TikTok (@money) by documenting the peculiar items his dog likes to stand and guard every night at 9 p.m. In the past, she’s protected a potato, sausages, and even Christmas presents under the tree. But her latest choice might be her most random one yet, as this time she was caught trying to protect a kiwi.
Hampton, of Dallas, Texas, shared a video of the dog sitting beside her beloved object, with the caption explaining that she “picks different objects to guard, tonight it is a kiwi.” As he tried to lean in and grab the fruit, the protective dog bared her teeth and showed just how dedicated she is to its protection.
The hilarious clip has gone viral online, generating more than 1.6 million views and 251,700 likes on TikTok in just a matter of days.
A stock image of a chihuahua lying in bed under the covers. A dog has delighted the internet with her latest choice of objects to guard at specifically nine pm.
Liudmila Chernetska/Getty Images
Some social media users were concerned about her behavior in the video which could be a sign of resource guarding. But Hampton assured them that “she likes to play” and it’s all part of their fun.
Resource guarding occurs when a dog tries to assert their dominance and ownership over something, be that food, a toy, or even their favorite person. According to the Humane Society of the United States, dogs can do this for a variety of reasons, but it’s usually a result of anxiety. A rescue dog might do this over food because they went through a time of not knowing when they’d get their next meal, so they feel obliged to protect what they have.
The typical signs of resource guarding include growling, ears pointing backwards, stiffness in their body, hyper-fixation on an object or human, and lip-licking. Owners should also be wary if their dog becomes hyper-aware of another dog’s presence and stares fixedly at them.
There are ways to combat this behavior however, and the Humane Society suggests that the first step is to provide the dog with ample resources. If it stems from a perceived scarcity of resources, giving the dog sufficient toys, bedding, treats, and food will help overcome it.
Using positive reinforcement will also encourage good behavior, and if there are any problem items which encourage the possessive behavior, they should be removed. Of course, it will take time to unlearn these habits, but consistency and positivity will certainly help move in the right direction.
How Did TikTokers React?
In just a matter of days, the viral video of the dog’s antics has amassed over 600 comments. Though she may be tiny, she’s certainly mighty, and many internet users lauded her for not letting anything come between her and the kiwi.
One comment reads: “I trust her with my life (at 9 p.m.).”
Another person wrote: “No because my dog does this too and I genuinely think he’s unhinged.”
“That kiwi the safest object in America,” joked another TikToker.
While one person added: “A kiwi catastrophe, a kiwi conundrum, a kiwi keeper.”
Newsweek reached out to @money via TikTok and Instagram for comment. We could not verify the details of the case.
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