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By Lydia Patrick
Life & Trends Reporter
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A golden retriever desperate for attention has left internet users in hysterics as his owner documented his "teenager phase" on social media.
Footage posted on TikTok showed Dipper, a 14-month-old pup, staring up at his owner with puppy dog eyes and grumbling—in a bid for attention from his owner Sophie Taylor (@sophanddipper), from Belfast, Northern Ireland.
"My dog after getting a walk, playing tug of war and being trained with lots of treats," Taylor, 27, said on the overlay of the video.
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"The most dramatic," she said in the video's caption.
"As he is in that teenage phase he gives us a lot of attitude now. If he wants attention or playtime right when he wants it he will moan at us, similar to what was in that video of him huffing!" Taylor told Newsweek.
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"Usually he stops his tantrums when we give him attention—that's all he wants, he's a very affectionate loving dog and always has to be close to me regardless of where I am in the house. If I'm relaxing and he wants attention he will tap me with his paw or nose, especially if I am on my phone."
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Taylor rescued Dipper from a shelter when he was around 5-6 months old. He was very timid and scared at first but now he has come into his own and is a thriving pooch.
Golden retrievers are known for being devoted companions, their loving nature and desire to please their owners, according to the American Kennel Club.
Puppies become teenagers at around 8 months old. This phase can last until the age of 2, according to AKC.
"The most challenging time of raising a puppy is the adolescent period. Dogs become 'teenagers' and seem to forget everything they have ever been taught," Breanne Long, writer for AKC, said in an article about puppy adolescence.
The teenage phase can pose problems since dogs grow larger and stronger and can exhibit stubborn behavior, wrote Long.
Luckily, there are ways to appease the teenage phase. It is crucial owners start training their dogs from as young as possible using positive reinforcement and teach them crucial skills such as "leave it" and "drop it."
Introducing your pup to a crate is also a great way to give them a safe place to relax and keep them out of trouble.
Dipper the teenage pup left commenters in stitches.
"Clearly neglected, I'm calling animal rescue," said Veronica Corcoran. Taylor responded: "He has it tough getting attention all day."
Eva said: "Maybe a massage? Ice-cream if the treats were savoury."
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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