A charming video of a "super smart" Yorkshire terrier puppy executing a "parallel park" move has captured the hearts of millions on TikTok.
The clip, shared by user @vedranaweahomes on November 13, has amassed over 1.5 million views and showcases the tiny dog's peculiar habit of aligning itself perpendicularly to its owner when it wants to be picked up.
The caption overlaid on the video humorously asks: "Does anyone else's dog parallel park when they want to be picked up?"
The footage features the Yorkie, named Rolo, gazing up at the camera while a voice off-screen says, "Ready? Come on." Rolo then swiftly moves into position, as if parking a miniature car.
It's unknown exactly why the Yorkie in the viral clip uses this tactic when it wants to be picked up.
However, "puppies, like all animals, learn by doing what works for them. They will do what is effective, from their point of view," noted an article for VCA, the animal hospital chain, by veterinarians Debra Horwitz and Gary Landsberg as well as licensed veterinary technician Monique Feyrecilde.
"Puppies will repeat behaviors that have a good result. If it leads to a treat, attention, a toy, a desired interaction, the ability to explore, sniff, or run, the puppy will do it again in the future," the article noted.
Every interaction you have with a puppy serves as a form of training. "Housetraining, household manners, and social experiences are all forms of training you'll be doing with your puppy from the first time they come home," the article noted.
Teaching puppies through praise and rewards—positive reinforcement—is the most "effective and safe" way of training them, the veterinary experts said.
"Waiting until the puppy does something you don't want and then trying to punish the behavior can lead to problems such as avoidance, fear and confusion," the VCA article warned.
'Super Smart'
The puppy's antics in the viral clip has resonated with other Yorkie owners on TikTok, many of whom shared similar experiences with their pets.
Elmo Stamper commented: "Lmao [laughing my a** off]. It must be a YORKIE THING. Mine does it all the time."
Another user, Annie, confirmed the trend, writing: "Yes! My Yorkie does the same thing!" to which the original poster replied: "We thought Rolo was just super smart."
Other comments included amusing anecdotes about similar behaviors in Yorkies.
Jhanvi wrote: "Yes! My morkie [a cross between a Maltese and Yorkshire terrier dog] parks herself and then does a lil hop for good measure!"
Meanwhile, Christin Burris humorously noted: "Yes, it's a premium feature on Yorkies."
Another TikToker, user8232336273461, recounted how their Yorkie would playfully scoot away after performing the move, saying: "My Yorkie did that too! Then she would move away when I went to pick her up!"
Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via TikTok. This video has not been independently verified.
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.
English (US) ·