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By Lucy Notarantonio
Senior Reporter
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A video of a woman demonstrating what happens when she sighs in front of her dog has gone viral on TikTok, earning over 1 million views in just 24 hours.
The clip, shared to an account dedicated to two rescue dogs, @ninabegs, shows a living room where the owner, appearing to be seated on the sofa, lets out a deep breath. Her dog, Nina, immediately sits up from the floor and offers her a toy.
The text explains: "If I sigh like I'm bored, my dog instantly includes me in play time."
Read More on Pets
This act of kindness has melted many hearts online, receiving more than 364,000 likes since Monday.
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"I thought you'd never ask," said one commenter, pretending to speak on Nina's behalf.
"[S]he's like great me too now throw the toy," wrote another user, and the owner replied: "she took advantage of my boredom real quick!"
In another comment, the owner said: "If I make eye contact or breathe at all she's like LETS GO."
"I love that about dogs. They don't need context, they're always ready to party," said a third user, and the owner responded: "All gas, no brakes always."
Newsweek reached out to @ninabegs for comment via TikTok/Instagram. We could not verify the details of the case.
While this owner is on hand to help Nina cure her boredom, other canines may turn to mischief when left home alone. The American Kennel Club (AKC) has highlighted the signs of a bored dog and what owners can do to help.
How To Spot a Bored Dog
Bored dogs will often make their own fun, usually in ways that aren't ideal for you. If you come home to chewed-up shoes, shredded cushions, or a trail of unrolled toilet paper, chances are your dog was looking for something to do while you were gone. Other boredom-fueled antics include digging in the yard, knocking over trash cans, or constant attention-seeking.
Even when you're home, boredom can show up as restlessness, excessive barking, or jumping on people. These are all signs your dog may need more stimulation.
Keep in mind that destructive behavior can sometimes be a symptom of separation anxiety. If your dog seems overly clingy or distressed when left alone, it's worth consulting a dog trainer or behaviorist to rule out deeper emotional issues.
How To Help a Bored Dog
The AKC recommends the following activities to help prevent destructive behavior in dogs:
- Physical Exercise: Incorporate vigorous activities like fetch with a ball or flying disc, or provide a safe, enclosed space where your dog can run freely and burn off excess energy.
- Mental Stimulation: Keep your dog's mind engaged with interactive games such as hide-and-seek and tug-of-war. Toys that squeak or challenge them with puzzles are also great for fighting boredom.
- Training: Start with basic obedience, but take it a step further with trick training. It not only reinforces good behavior but also provides a fun bonding experience as both dog and owner learn something new together.
Update 04/09/25 04:38 a.m. ET: This story has been updated to add the original video.
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