Internet users have been left in stitches by a golden retriever who thought he was stuck in his crate, only to miss out one glaring error.
A golden retriever named Benjamin has delighted the internet after a video showed how convinced he was that he must be trapped inside his crate—despite the door being wide open behind him.
The clip, shared on January 8 to his dedicated account @benjaminbagelgolden, shows the joyful pup standing rigidly inside his metal crate, staring at his owner as if pleading for help. He was, however, unaware of the open escape route directly behind him. Despite having the ability to walk out, Benjamin waited expectantly, with his tongue out, for someone to free him.
His owner can be heard reassuring him by telling the pup, “You’re not stuck, the door’s open.” But Benjamin remained frozen nonetheless, offering only a blank, tongue-hanging expression in response. Eventually, the owner couldn’t resist gently teasing him by adding, “You’re not being the smartest pup.”
Since the hilarious clip was posted on January 8, it has gone viral and racked up more than 297,500 views and 44,800 likes on TikTok. The caption accompanying the video reads: “He got it eventually.”
Newsweek has contacted @benjaminbagelgolden for comment via Instagram. We could not verify the details of the video.
Golden retrievers are undoubtedly known for their friendly, devoted, and intelligent nature, traits recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The breed is celebrated for its friendly and intelligent eyes and their endearing eagerness to work with humans. They are considered highly trainable, ranking among the most obedient and emotionally responsive breeds, often used as service or guide dogs.
Despite their strong reputation for intelligence, goldens are also famously goofy—a combination that endears them to millions of owners worldwide. They’re often ranked in the top five most popular dog breeds according to the AKC, as they excel at reading human emotions, forming deep family bonds, and performing tasks in service, therapy, and search-and-rescue roles.
Benjamin’s crate confusion, while hilarious, fits perfectly into the breed’s lovable blend of smarts and silliness. Benjamin may have struggled with spatial awareness, but his accidental comedy has won him thousands of new fans—and proven once again why golden retrievers remain one of the internet’s favorite breeds.
How Did TikTok React?
The viral clip of Benjamin’s antics has already attracted over 300 comments, with many viewers joking about his clear lack of understanding (which still wasn’t enough to wipe away his smile).
One comment on the post reads: “One thought per sometimes.”
Another TikTok user wrote: “That one brain cell is working overtime.”
Another person joked: “The lights are on…but nobody’s home.”
While one commenter added: “He’s going places… not out of the cage places, but places.”
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