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By Liz O'Connell
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A pet parent taking her dog to a training class instantly became embarrassed by his behavior that warranted separation, but the internet could not stop laughing at the solution.
Tim, who runs the dog TikTok account @miloandtubby, brought her 3-year-old corgi, Tubby, to PetSmart for a beginner's doggy training class. PetSmart offers several dog and puppy training classes for beginners, intermediate and advanced canines. Other class offerings include trick training and helping dogs with anxiety.
While not every owner opts for puppy classes, the training has been proven beneficial for socialization, according to the American Kennel Club. Studies have found that those pups who complete training are less likely to be nervous, have separation anxiety, or develop bad behavioral habits.
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But soon after arriving, Tim quickly discovered her dog had triggers, which included "suspicious spectators" from the window into the classroom and other barking canines, she told Newsweek. The dog began barking nonstop, disrupting the rest of the class. The trainers decided that he needed to be separated.
In an October 1 TikTok video, Tim showed the innovation solution that kept Tubby in the class without distracting others. The trainers placed cardboard boxes around him. They left enough space for both Tim and Tubby to move around and practice different training techniques. Plus, Tubby did not seem to mind as he sat happily on a bed. The separation gave him peace and quiet.
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Tim originally felt embarrassed when it happened, but she also understood Tubby's barking was a distraction for everyone else. If this was what was best, then she was fine with him being separated by the cardboard boxes, especially since he continued to bark throughout the classes.
She said he did it for about 80 percent of the classes, but he slowly improved toward the end, as Tim could identify his triggers and helped him avoid them. Despite the setbacks, Tubby graduated and went on to complete the intermediate classes a few months later.
Now, Tubby thrives in adult social settings, Tim said. Although with limitations.
"As long as there are no running children, no jumping puppies, no scooters and bikes, you can say Tubby is a fairly well-behaved dog," she said. "...he is intelligent, and sometimes his intelligence allows him to take advantage of and manipulate his humans."
Newsweek reached out to PetSmart via email for comment.
What Do the Comments Say?
The TikTok video instantly became an online hit, amassing over 3.2 million views and half a million likes as of Friday.
"C’s get Degrees I say," joked a viewer.
"It’s not how you start but how you finish," another TikToker commented.
Others shared similar stories with their barely graduated dogs.
"Mine had her retake her 8-week class twice; she only graduated out of pity," a commenter said.
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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