Anyone who’s raised a puppy knows the mix of excitement and anxiety that comes with giving them a bit of independence. Leaving a young dog home alone for the first time, especially outside of the crate, can feel like a big step. Will they nap quietly or turn the living room into a chew toy buffet? One dog owner recently got a hilarious answer to that question when their puppy went into “woodchuck mode,” and the internet can’t stop watching.
Video of puppy being left alone out of crate has internet in splits
A now-viral video posted by Instagram user @hazel_onthehill shows exactly what happened when 7-month-old Golden Retriever Hazel was alone at home out of her crate for the first time. The clip opens with a text overlay from Hazel’s owner explaining that the puppy was trusted to roam freely in their absence. Then, it cuts to indoor camera footage of Hazel standing near a wooden table, glancing around the room like she’s checking if the coast is clear.
Moments later, the puppy launches into what her owner calls “woodchuck mode,” biting and gnawing at the table with a surprising amount of enthusiasm. It’s a scene equal parts adorable and mischievous. The moment is already funny, but the soundtrack — Shaggy’s “It Wasn’t Me” feat. Ricardo Ducent — cranks up the comedic timing even more.
Just as the puppy starts to relish her “woodchuck mode” moments, her owner’s voice suddenly comes through the microphone, saying, “No.” Caught in the act, Hazel immediately freezes. She slowly looks up, wide-eyed and sheepish, like a kid caught stealing cookies. She even shifts her body as if to say, “Me? I wasn’t doing anything.”
As for Hazel’s sudden obsession with wood, it’s not unusual for puppies her age. Teething, boredom, and curiosity can all lead to this kind of behavior. For a dog like Hazel, the combination of freedom and quiet time was probably the perfect setup for a little experimental furniture nibbling. And while the behavior may need some gentle correction, there’s no denying it made for one of the most relatable and funny pet videos on Instagram.
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