A video capturing the unexpected reaction of a 3-year-old chow chow dog to an umbrella that was recently put up in the neighbor’s garden has gone viral on TikTok.
The clip was shared by @butterworth101 and has received over 679,000 views since it was posted on June 3. The video begins with a message that sets the stage for the unusual scenario: “Our neighbors put an umbrella up next to our fence. Who would have thought an umbrella could cause such an issue. Our chow chow did not like this umbrella.”
As the clip progresses, viewers see the chow chow intensely focused on the umbrella, expressing his disapproval with persistent “huffing” noises.
The overlaid text on the screen reads: “When upset, he huffs. And he has been nonstop huffing for days now.” The video captures the dog’s obsession as he sits near a glass door, with his eyes fixed on the object of his annoyance.
The chow chow’s reaction toward the new addition to his neighbor’s garden seems unusual because “domestic dogs are reported to show intense but transient neophilia [a love of new things] toward novel objects,” according to a November 2012 study in Animal Cognition.
Some canines may even exhibit possessive aggression when it comes to favorite toys or other objects.
In an article for VCA, the animal hospital chain, veterinarians Debra Horwitz and Gary Landsberg noted: “Possessive aggression is aggression that is directed toward humans or other pets that approach the dog when it is in possession of something that is highly desirable, such as a favorite chew toy, food, or treat.
“Novel and highly desirable objects, such as a tissue that has been stolen from a garbage can, a favorite toy; human food; or a piece of rawhide are some of the items that dogs may aggressively protect,” the veterinarians added.
‘Never Been So Annoyed’
“Every day he’s desperate to go check on the umbrella,” says a note overlaid on the viral clip, as the chow chow is let out and immediately heads to the fence to stare at the umbrella. The text adds, “Yes, it’s still there,” acknowledging the dog’s daily ritual.
The video continues to highlight the chow chow’s unwavering attention to the umbrella: “Day 3 and still huffing,” an overlaid note reads as the dog is once again seen looking toward the umbrella.
In an attempt to curb the dog’s fixation, the owners tried using blinds, but to no avail. “We thought the blinds would stop him,” another note reads, followed by, “We were wrong,” as the pup cleverly pokes his head through them for a better view.
The post’s caption encapsulates the owner’s feelings: “I’ve never been so annoyed at an umbrella before in my life.”
TikTok users were both amused and entertained by the dog’s reaction.
DaisyDoubleya praised the dog’s persistence, saying: “His dedication to protecting you from the umbrella is admirable.” Mrstracytra99 added: “That’s so funny.”
RubyDark shared a similar experience, commenting: “My dog gets absolutely outraged when other ppl [people] dare to exist in their own gardens. She does little yaps & glares at them through the fence.” The original poster replied: “They’re such funny creatures, aren’t they.”
User @milkytok25 said: “My dog is the same! It’s like no one is allowed to change any of his surroundings.” Cindy Burr added: “My dog does whisper barks, in case the bad thing hears him and retaliates.”
Others had suggestions for resolving the dog’s confusion. Paula Hanson noted: “Awww he’s confused. Take him next door to meet the Brella.” Tray C commented: “He just needs a BIGGER better umbrella.”
Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via TikTok. This video has not been independently verified.
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A chow chow stands in a garden setting. A viral TikTok video of a similar dog appearing “absolutely enraged” by an umbrella next door has left internet viewers in stitches.
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