Golden Retriever 'Grunts and Stomps' to Make Mom 'Go Shopping' in His Toy Basket

How individually quirky dogs can be is something that's hard to really comprehend before you become a parent to one. There may be different traits and strengths that connect dogs who belong to the same breed, but when it comes down to it, they're all so different, including when it comes to their fears. Sure, it's pretty common to hear that a dog is afraid of going to the vet or experiences separation anxiety, but I didn't realize that dogs could be scared of dust bunnies until I saw it happen for myself with my dog.

And for the pup in this TikTok video? For some reason, the thing he's most scared of is a pretty common household item that most dogs (and all humans) wouldn't even bat an eye at. But to him, it's a big deal, and thankfully, he has a mom who is willing to shield him from it!

On Monday, August 19, @retrievernamedgus shared this clip to show what happens when her Golden Retriever , Gus, wants a toy out of his basket but won't go get one himself because, naturally, he is afraid of the basket.

So what does he do instead? Oh, just sits near the basket, grunting and even stomping his paws until his mom gets the picture and goes "shopping" in the basket for him so that he doesn't have to touch it himself. Oh, Gus.

Finally, she gives in, but he's not going to make it easy on her. She has to show him each toy so that he can make a fully informed decision on which one he'd like to play with, and he's a very picky guy.

Toward the end of the video, he even got a little brave and went up to look in the basket himself. Hey, progress is progress!

What to Do If Your Dog Is Afraid of an Object

Though this particular basket is a very specific fear for Gus, it actually is pretty common for dogs to be afraid of something random in their house. The good news? There are ways to help them overcome it.

According to dog trainer Karen Pryor, there's a game you can play with your dog to help them learn that they don't have to be scared of the object in question anymore.

First, set up the object at a safe distance, and then use your hand as a target to get the dog to move a little closer. Then offer a treat to get them to go back to where they started, and repeat, getting closer and closer to the object each time. When your dog is closer, use a verbal cue they know, like "say hi" or "stay." When they're able to get close to the object without meeting your hand, give them a treat and lots of happy celebration!

It may take some practice, but your dog will get there. If Gus can get up close to that basket, we can all overcome our fears.