Golden Retriever Puppy Brilliantly Maneuvers Huge Stick Through Doggy Door, and It's Impressive
Both of my dogs like to collect items they discover outside. My Dachshund gravitates toward soft objects, like a random sock or plushie she may find on a walk. Her Pug brother has an affinity for small twigs and rocks, and often tries to sneak them inside. They still need to learn that what they find outside, stays outside.
Sally the Golden Retriever puppy seems to have the same inclination toward outdoor treasures, particularly sticks. Even though she's not allowed to bring any indoors, Sally found a way to override the rule.
@sally_thegoldenpup Sally vs Dog Door #goldenretrieverpuppy#goldenretriever#goldenretrieverlife#puppytiktok#dogsoftiktok
original sound - Sally
In the TikTok from @sally_thegoldenpup, the canine cutie stood at the doggy door with a very large stick in her mouth. Sally immediately attempted to bring the long branch inside, but quickly noticed the door was too narrow.
"It won't fit," her mom told the precious pup.
But Sally would not be deterred. She placed one paw carefully inside as she sized up the height and width of the door. Despite her mother's "negativity", Sally pressed on and somehow calculated how to get the stick at just the right angle for a smooth delivery indoors.
The persistent pup devised her plan, situated the stick in her mouth for proper transport, and got it through the door. Sally dropped the stick in victory with an expression of pure pride on her face.
Followers gave props to the pooch and reprimanded Sally's mom for her lack of faith in the fur baby.
"Never underestimate a Golden," one remarked.
"She said, 'Bet me mom, it WILL!'" another posted.
"Sally's wondering if you're part of the solution or part of the problem," a follower pointed out.
"Did you really have to come at that sweet baby with that energy, that language?" someone asked.
Why Do Dogs Like Sticks?
Various breeds other than Golden Retrievers have a love of sticks and branches. Their natural foraging instincts prompt them to hunt and sniff for just the right stick, then bring it to their parent to show their accomplishment. This behavior is a form of connection and communication.
Sticks can be shaped like bones, so the size and appearance are naturally attractive to canines.
Related: Golden Retriever Puppy Refusing to Sleep in Crate Brings the Cutest Toddler Energy
The texture of branches, twigs, and sticks are different from toys, providing a pleasant sensory experience for dogs. Chewing is naturally calming for a dog's brain, so it helps them unwind.
Dogs also find sticks just plain fun to fetch and find. Searching for and chasing after sticks are mentally stimulating activities and provide your pooch with healthy exercise.
Sally's mom needs to think of a different way to keep those sticks out of the house.
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This story was originally published June 13, 2026 at 7:10 PM.