Introverted Pup Scared to Socialize During Class Melts Hearts

A recent video of a dog's timidness during a socialization class has melted hearts on the internet.

TikTok user @squashiebernedoodle posted a throwback video on March 9 showing how Squashie the bernedoodle acted during her first socialization class about six years ago. Instead of interacting with the other puppies, she watched from the sidelines and stayed where she felt most comfortable—next to her parents.

Squashie eventually worked up the courage and made her way to where the other dogs were playing, but as soon as they approached her, she scurried back. She watched them from the sidelines. In the end, her owner dragged her out as the class mentally drained her.

Her introverted personality proves that not all dogs have to be bubbly and social 24/7. Their social batteries can run out just like a human's can.

Not much has changed since Squashie was a puppy. Now 6 years old, the dog still enjoys her alone time, the owner told Newsweek via TikTok despite being well-socialized and having traveled.

"I'd say she is still introverted and prefers us humans," the owner said.

Some might think that a dog not interacting with other canines shows a lack of socialization, but that isn't the case. Socialization is the process of training your dog on how to behave in various settings and be comfortable around different sights, sounds, and smells.

In Squashie's case, even as a puppy, she has shown she is comfortable in different settings. She didn't mind watching the other dogs play in her socialization class. She just preferred to be by herself, an introvert at heart.

Introverted Canines

Dogs with introverted personalities are similar to introverted humans as they typically prefer social interactions on a smaller scale with one or two people or dogs. Owners can look out for the following signs, provided by the website Dogster, to determine whether or not their dog is an introvert:

• Overwhelmed by new situations
• Best with structure and routines
• Dislikes large crowds or meeting new people
• Enjoys watching play more than joining in
• Prefers alone time
• Sticks by your side
• Doesn't engage in daily walks

A few dog breeds that are known to be more on the reserved side and a little less social with others include: Chow Chows, Akitas, and Shiba Inus.

TikTok Users React

The precious TikTok video has over 187,200 views, 6,874 likes, and 59 comments as of Monday afternoon. In the comments section, TikTok users shared stories of their introverted dogs.

"I had an introverted dog for 12 years. He picked and chose if he wanted to say hi to dogs etc. He was the most chilled and gentle soul you could ever wish for. Introverted isn't bad, I promise," one user wrote.

"My puppy was like that, she was so nervous but now we say she is like the welcoming committee for everywhere we go," another commented.

"Some dogs are more loners than others. Nothing wrong with it. Just personality," one TikTok user posted.

A fourth commented: "Awww introvert puppy. Mine was as still is. They are love bugs."

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.