In a viral TikTok video, a golden retriever from Yorkshire, England, meets his little Rottweiler brother for the first time—and his reaction melts hearts.
The heartwarming video shared in December by @barney.and.norman shows the golden retriever, 5-year-old Barney, looking sad and bored at home alone, but then it all changes when his brother Norman comes along.
Right from their very first meeting, Barney can be seen wagging his tail at him, sniffing him, and playing with him gently, loving him from the first day.
“Someone will tell you not to get a second dog. It’s important you don’t listen to them”, the caption says, “best decision we’ve ever made.”
Golden retrievers are among the friendliest dog breeds out there, but introductions between them and your new puppies must still be carried out mindfully.
According to British animal charity Blue Cross, introducing dogs for the first time works best outdoors, either in the garden or during a short walk near your home.
Choose a quiet spot where few other dogs pass by to reduce any chance of illness. Keep both dogs on their leads and let them approach, sniff, and observe each other at their own pace. If either one becomes uneasy or overly excited, pause the interaction and continue walking or exploring the space before trying again.
When you bring them inside, allow them to enter together, but keep house lines attached so you can guide or separate them quickly if needed.
Having a baby gate ready is helpful, as it allows you to give each dog a break when necessary. Puppies can sometimes overwhelm older dogs, so watch their behaviour closely. If play becomes too intense, separate them and redirect your puppy’s attention.
Stay present during their interactions until they are relaxed around each other.
The video quickly went viral on social media, and it has so far received over 386,100 views and 84,700 likes on the platform.
One user, Mark Kyle, commented: “My retriever was 14 back in August I always wish I had got his brother at the same time and now it’s just too late to get another dog I need to focus all my attention on Alfie.”
Sparkingheights20 wrote: “Your rottie will look after and protect your golden as they age. We have a older dog and a younger rottie, he is so caring and loving with our older boy.”
Alfie added: “Oh my gosh, he looks so happy!!!! Best decision ever.”
Newsweek reached out to @barney.and.norman for comment via TikTok comments. We could not verify the details of the case.
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