A feisty golden retriever in Scottsdale, Arizona, has gone viral on TikTok after flatly refusing to go on a walk—all because the wrong person was holding his leash.
The dog, named Levi, captured the attention of viewers online after the short clip of his defiance was shared on the platform on December 21 by his owner Natalia Klopotowski (@nataliaklopotowska).
The clip, which has been viewed over 9.7 million times to date, shows Levi sitting on the floor and refusing to move in protest as Klopotowski’s boyfriend attempts to walk him out of their apartment.
Instead, the 4-year-old golden retriever remains seated and is dragged gently along the hallway floor, leash taut, paws immobile. The caption read: “When mom isn’t the one to take you outside…[Don’t worry] I took him right after.”
Klopotowski, 26, told Newsweek that Levi’s behavior stems from his big personality and his strong personal preference over who gets to walk with him.
“He is resisting to go outside with my boyfriend because if I am home, he prefers me—I’m definitely his favorite human,” she said. “I did not expect this video to go viral, but I am happy it brought joy and laughter to people!
“Reading all of the comments has made me laugh in return.”
The post has drawn more than 2.6 million likes and thousands of comments to date, with viewers comedically empathizing with Levi’s dramatic protest. Some expressed concern over the light dragging along a carpeted hallway, prompting Klopotowski to clarify that the dog was not harmed.
“Lots of comments are concerned about carpet burn, but I promise he did not get carpet burn,” she added.
Golden retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds in the U.S., known for their affectionate and expressive personalities. Levi, according to Klopotowski, fits that mold, and he is certainly not shy about letting his preferences be known.
Several pet owners voiced that they could relate to the experience of having an opinionated dog that often leaves them facing hilarious circumstances.
“Imagine being overstimulated and your dog does this omg,” one viewer said.
“They always do this when you have somewhere to be too,” another added.
“It’s his world, you’re just living in it,” a third viewer shared.
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