Skip to main content

Dog gives up on his long walk, and we can totally relate

We get it: Walking can be hard, especially when you’d rather indulge in a nap. It seems this is just one more thing that humans and canines have in common, just as one stubborn Chow Chow showed New York City park-goers in a now-viral TikTok video.

Luckily, quick-thinking TikToker Coco was there to capture the precious moment. The New Yorker who goes by @coffeebeanzzzzzzz on the app — that’s seven z’s if you’re counting — had a front-row seat to this hilarious exchange between dog and owner, who clearly have two quite different ideas of what’s going on. Haven’t seen the video yet? Just search “dog gives up on walk” and go!

@coffeebeanzzzzzzz

This dog is me going on a walk with my boyfriend ? #dog

♬ Funny Song – Cavendish Music

The TikTok that started it all

On October 4, 2021, Coco took to TikTok to share an adorable clip of one floofy, stubborn dog. In the video, a gorgeous red Chow Chow can be seen refusing to walk through New York’s Central Park, lying on the ground on their stomach with their limbs sprawled out. The fluffball looks totally content to relax and enjoy the day, despite a couple of tugs and some prompting from their owner.

There are so many amazing details about this video, from the mixture of joy and embarrassment on the owner’s face to the stoic, unshakeable disposition of the dog. Plus, it’s worth noting that every single person who walks by during the video has a huge smile on their face. How could you not?

If you look closely, you’ll see that Coco wasn’t the only one filming the hilarious encounter, either. The couple sitting across the path are watching just as closely — and laughing just as hard. Another man can be seen stopping dead in his tracks to watch the lazy Chow Chow, while the owner, who is seen only briefly, looks equally entertained and embarrassed by his pup’s behavior.

Since being posted, the video has racked up over 10 million views and 800,000 likes, proving that parkgoers aren’t the only ones who find stubborn dogs adorably funny. The top comment, coincidentally written by another woman named CoCo, simply reads, “The dog said no,” to which the original poster agreed, “He decides when the walk is over.”

A scroll through the comments will uncover some pure internet gold: “My husband dragging me out of target,” wrote Mylove Isallyours. User mirvin made the video even more relatable when they chimed in, “Representation of people going back to work after working from home,” while dog mom Ellie admitted, “I surrendered and purchased a dog stroller. Bad human.”

Many other comments were quick to relate the pup’s behavior to their breed. A popular remark from user8825911047082 said, “Chow Chows are all the same stubborn as hell.”

“Just chow things. I got one of them, too…,” wrote jeyanna7, which leaves us wondering: Does this dog’s stubbornness truly come from their breed?

A Chow Chow puppy sleeps with his head in his paws

Stubborn or just tired?

A bit of time and research will show you that Chow Chows tend to have unusual, refined personalities. The American Kennel Club notes that this breed’s temperament is often compared to that of a cat, especially since they tend to groom themselves and act more aloof and independent than other dogs. These pups are not particularly eager to please, either, nor do they tend to care for attention or affection from strangers. Sound like the dog in the video?

Chow Chows are also known for their stubbornness and strong will. Combine that with their low energy levels, and you’ve got the perfect storm for a dog who may not want to walk. That’s why chow owners must be as strong-willed as their furry friend, though we admire this breed’s dedication to rest and self-care.

The only thing worse than carrying home a huge dog is knowing that you’ll probably have to do it again, so it’s extra important to work on training and motivating your chow as soon as you can — otherwise, the dog may start to think he’s in charge!

Still, it’s important to consider what your pup is trying to tell you by refusing to walk. Is he tired? Maybe next time try shortening your walk or not exercising as frequently. Could he be too warm? Try walking in the evening.

In the end, your Chow Chow may very well be like the woofer in this video: just plain ol’ stubborn. Perhaps he’d rather just be in bed (us, too!), or maybe he doesn’t like the direction you’re going. Whatever the reason, this breed isn’t known for excited, fast-paced walking anyway, so try not to stress if you end up missing a walk here or there.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
Do puppies sleep a lot? These are the perfectly normal sleeping habits of a healthy pup
Puppies sleep a lot, but here's what's normal and when to be concerned
puppy sleeping on lap of human with mustard yellow sweater

Do puppies sleep a lot?

Generally, puppies require abundant sleep — about 6 to 10 hours daily. Every pup is different, though. Some puppies sleep 20 hours a day to maintain their high energy levels, but, by about 16 weeks of age, most breeds of dogs will be able to sleep through the night.

Read more
What is the best food for older dogs? These 6 vet-approved kibbles and canned foods won’t steer you wrong
Try these veterinarian-approved dog food products for your senior dog
Senior golden retriever and Chihuahua sitting in front of food bowls

As your dog gets older, you'll need to make some changes to your home and routine to keep them feeling their best. That includes changing their dog food, too!
Although the best food for older dogs varies depending on your buddy's health, size, and specific needs, there are several guidelines you can follow to help you find a product that does the trick. Of course, your local veterinarian will be your most knowledgeable resource, especially if they have a long history with your pet. They can also recommend and approve a prescription diet for your dog, giving you even more brands, flavors, and nutrients at your disposal. And since nutrition greatly impacts overall health, investing in high-quality food is paramount.
We did some research since it can be tricky to know which kibbles and canned foods make a veterinarian's approved list. Here’s what we found, including a selection of six vet-recommended dog foods you can try with your senior dog.

What's the best food for older dogs? Here are six options and what makes them so good
Though your senior dog may be as energetic as ever, their body will need a different diet as they age. Banfield Pet Hospital’s Dr. KT Boyle, DVM, told NBC News that because older pets have particular nutritional needs, you’ll need to think about a few different factors when choosing their food.
Older dogs need fewer calories and more supplementation than younger pups, for example. This reduced caloric need is because of the way an animal's metabolism slows as they age, though the exact supplements they need depend on the individual. To find out exactly what will benefit them, have a conversation with your veterinarian. It's that easy!
Dr. Boyle notes that even though senior dog foods contain many helpful nutrients — like glucosamine and fatty acids for joint health — you might need to add supplement drops or chews to your pet’s diet. Luckily, there are many to choose from and many ways to get them.
When it comes to wet versus dry food, though, there can be benefits to both. Dogs with dental issues may find wet food easier to eat, but the texture in kibble can help fight plaque and tartar buildup on your pup’s teeth. The pet nutrition pros at Pedigree remind owners that there is no one right answer. When in doubt, ask your vet!
That being said, there are a few senior dog foods that Dr. Boyle recommends over others. These include:

Read more
Where to put a dog crate in your house depends on these important factors
Know exactly where to place a dog crate to keep your pet safe, secure, and happy at home
Dog looking through black dog crate

Dogs like to sleep in so many places: in your bed, in their own bed, on a sunny spot on the floor, and in their dog crate, to name a few. But that's not the only thing a crate is helpful for. It can keep your canine friend out of mischief and give you peace of mind when you're out of the house. A dog crate should ideally be a place of security and comfort for your pup (and it can be even better if you personalize it for their own unique needs). Of course, this raises the question of where to put a dog crate.

Have you been Googling something like, "Where to put dog crate?" We've got you covered! Always remember that a dog crate is supposed to create a safe space for your pet, while also assisting in their training, so the way you utilize that space in your home is essential for both of you.

Read more