Internet users can’t get enough of the hilarious way a golden retriever decided to wake up a houseguest at 7 a.m.—and it might be the most quintessentially golden retriever alarm imaginable.
TikTok user Erin Haines (@erinhaines326) shared a now‑viral clip capturing her mischievous golden retriever’s reaction upon discovering that someone was sleeping in the guest room. Instead of patiently waiting outside the door like a polite host, the energetic pup took matters into her own paws—by climbing directly into bed and placing herself on top of the sleeping guest’s head.
The dog’s not‑so‑subtle morning greeting has delighted social media, quickly racking up more than 407,900 views and over 87,600 likes on TikTok at the time of writing.
Newsweek has contacted @erinhaines326 via TikTok for comment. We could not verify details of the video.
The caption layered over the footage explains that this is the golden retriever’s standard reaction “the moment she finds out a guest is sleeping in the spare room.” Far from curling up for a cozy cuddle, the video shows her nibbling on a toy, pawing at the sleeper, and generally making it impossible for them to continue sleeping.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), dogs often wake their humans early for a variety of instinctive and practical reasons—including boredom, hunger, the need to relieve themselves, or simple excitement.
Dogs are creatures of habit who thrive on predictable daily routines, so consistency helps reduce anxiety, build confidence, and maintain good behavior. Whether they are puppies, adults, or seniors, dogs benefit from knowing what to expect each day—especially when it comes to sleep, exercise, and mealtimes. Maintaining stable routines can support house training, reinforce learned skills, and even help older dogs feel more secure. However, the AKC cautions that routines should be flexible enough to avoid creating anxiety if schedules shift slightly.
Despite the early hour, Haines clearly found humor in her dog’s antics. The caption alongside the TikTok post notes that the chaotic greeting unfolded at seven in the morning, but even so, Haines joked, “how do you say no to that face?”
Viewers certainly agree. The clip has attracted more than 220 comments, many from dog lovers who say this would be the ideal way to start the day. Others praised the guest for simply surrendering to their fluffy fate instead of attempting to resist the canine alarm clock.
One comment reads: “The way your guest just accepted and embraced their fate.”
Another TikTok user wrote: “she was just helping make sure they were up for the day!”
Another person joked: “I’m coming round, just let me pack my bag.”
While one commenter added: “If I had to wake up that early, this better be how I wake up!”
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