Owner Sheds Tear Over Reactive Dog Playing Alone as He Has 'No Friends'

Longing for an alternative life with friends, a dog was caught contemplating his situation in a recent heartbreaking TikTok video.

It's not Dwight the Chihuahua-Jack Russell terrier mix's fault. The owner told Newsweek that Dwight became very nervous around other dogs following incidents where he was attacked. Otherwise, she believes he would love to play with other dogs. But, as of now, he has "no friends."

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"Ever since dogs started charging at him and trying to attack, it knocked his confidence and made him reactive," the owner said. "He was amazing with other dogs before these incidents."

A June 30 TikTok clip posted to the account @mynameisdwighttt shows Dwight sitting in his newly gifted sandpit, thinking about his life before. He sat there alone, head held down. It's a moment that could rip anyone's heart into a million pieces and especially brings the owner to tears.

Dwight heard dogs that live on his street playing in the distance. The owner said he often hears them but has never joined since he gets nervous with other dogs.

Whether a canine is triggered to react based on fear, frustration or excitement, training a reactive dog is a process. The American Kennel Club says owners should avoid situations that might trigger their dog's reaction. For example, they might want to steer clear of a busy park or do walks at night when it's quiet.

Dog parents will also want to introduce positive reinforcement training. This will help with desensitization and counter-conditioning while teaching the dog appropriate behavior. Learning your dog's body language can go a long way too, as you can step in before any reactivity starts.

Luckily, Dwight is getting better. The owner said he is more calm and stays focused on her when dogs approach. However, like everyone, Dwight has his good and bad days.

"A lot of people are very quick to judge him on his behavior, not realizing it's not his fault or mine," the owner said. "I know if I keep working on him he will be back to his bubbly little self."

What Do the Comments Say?

The heartbreaking TikTok clip has amassed over 3.3 million views, 786,000 likes and 4,831 comments.

"Born to have friends, forced to be reactive," said a viewer.

Another pointed out: "He looks like he's contemplating his lifelong attitude and it's making me sad."

Some users couldn't stand seeing the little guy sad, saying it "shattered their hearts."

Others offered to keep him company, but one wrote: "No, because I'll literally go play in the sand with him."

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