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By Lucy Notarantonio
Senior Reporter
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A schnauzer's stubborn insistence on having fun has delighted hundreds of thousands of viewers on TikTok after it was caught on camera dragging an unwilling playmate—bed and all—across the floor.
The viral clip, posted on Monday (July 1) by TikTok user Susie (@susieblue1979) from Belfast, Northern Ireland, shows the schnauzer gripping the edge of a dog bed with its teeth and pulling it determinedly across the floor. Lying in the bed, refusing to move, is a cocker spaniel who looks thoroughly uninterested in playing.
But the schnauzer won't be deterred. Even as the cocker spaniel remains slumped on the bed, it keeps hauling it forward, refusing to take "no" for an answer. Meanwhile, another cocker spaniel walks calmly alongside the traveling bed, apparently unfazed by the entire spectacle.
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The clip is captioned: "When no one wants to come out to play so you have to take things into your own paws!"
Since being shared yesterday, it has racked up more than 362,000 views and 30,400 likes.
In the comments, Susie offered some extra context about the sleepy passenger in the bed, clarifying to another user that the cocker spaniel refusing to budge is actually the mother of the second spaniel walking alongside them.
"[Mom] in the bed tryin[g] to get some rest!" she explained, underscoring the hilariously relatable parenting moment as the schnauzer refused to let her nap in peace.
Viewers were quick to jump in with their own interpretations of the scene:
"He [won't] taking no for an answer," one user pointed out and another joked: "Okay dog #3 was just there for emotional support but provided zero help."
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3 Tips To Encourage Playing With a Dog
While the dog in this video is simply resting, Newsweek reached out to Rachel Rodgers, an accredited clinical animal behaviorist, to find out what owners can do if their dog refuses to play.
Rodgers, the head of training and behavior at Napo Pet Insurance said: "We don't always instinctively play well with our dogs, but understanding how to do so can greatly strengthen the bond between pet and owner. These steps come initially recommended by a colleague of mine; an internationally renowned dog trainer and an expert in canine play.
- Find What Motivates Your Dog. "Play should be tailored to the individual, so it's important to experiment with a range of toys - tug ropes, balls, flirt poles - and observe what sparks their interest. Try out different textures, sounds, and movement styles, and crucially, allow your dog to choose what they enjoy. Patience is key, as some dogs need more time than others to feel comfortable and engaged."
- Focus on Engaging in Interactive Play. "It's not just about throwing a toy and waiting for your dog to bring it back. Be part of the game. Move with the toy, mimic prey behavior, or use your voice and body language to create excitement. Activities like tug-of-war or gentle chase games tap into your dog's natural instincts, such as hunting or grabbing. And don't forget to let them "win" now and then - this builds both confidence and motivation."
- Keep Play Sessions Positive and Short. "It's always better to end on a high note. Sessions should be brief, fun, and leave your dog eager for more. Aim to finish with a clear success - whether that's catching the toy or winning a tug game. Avoid letting things escalate into overexcitement or frustration. Monitor your dog's energy levels closely and stop before they get overtired."
Newsweek reached out to @susieblue1979 for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case.
Update 07/03/25 08:03 a.m. ET: This story has been updated to add Rachel Rodger's workplace.
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