Golden retriever's reaction to Halloween decorations has the internet howling

Utah - A golden retriever named Michael found that Halloween isn't for him in a viral TikTok video taking the internet by storm.

This dog didn't dare to walk by the ghost without using his owner as a human shield.
This dog didn't dare to walk by the ghost without using his owner as a human shield.  © collage: screenshot/ TikTok/ michaelthegoldie

In mid-October, a TikTok user caught her dog's reaction to the Halloween decorations that went up around their neighborhood.

Michael was clearly not a fan of the new decor he spotted on his walk. The cute clip with the caption "Michael’s first Halloween isn’t going as well as we all thought it would" amused millions.

Some 8.6 million people have seen the dog look at a blow-up ghost as if were bewitched and then sneak away on his tip toes to avoid it. In the vid, his owner fails to convince the doggo that the creepy ghost is "nice" and that everything is "okay."

Dog can't understand why Santa Claus decoration won't pet him in adorable video!
Dogs Dog can't understand why Santa Claus decoration won't pet him in adorable video!

The dog backs away from the Halloween decoration, making sure his human is between himself and the spooky thing. Some 1.3 TikTok users have since liked the clip.

Michael warms up to Halloween with cute costumes

The Golden seems to be getting used to the idea of Halloween. Maybe being in costume has helped him conquer his fear.
The Golden seems to be getting used to the idea of Halloween. Maybe being in costume has helped him conquer his fear.  © collage: screenshot/ TikTok/ michaelthegoldie

Thousands of TikTok users commented on the viral video. Many said that their pets are also wary of lawn decorations, especially the inflatable ones.

One user wrote, "My dog hates Halloween inflatables." Another chimed in to say that Halloween inflatables aren't the only decorations dogs dislike: "My golden reacts the same way!! My parents go all out for christmas and he barks at their decorations."

The viral vid was posted mid-October, and it seems Micheal has since been able to conquer some of his fear of the fright-filled holiday.

Dog owner looking for tiny Dachshund can't help but laugh at her hiding spot!
Dogs Dog owner looking for tiny Dachshund can't help but laugh at her hiding spot!

In a recent video of the golden, the doggo goes to a Halloween event dressed as a lion. Micheal doesn't seem to mind being around the decorations, but that might be because they're just pumpkins.

His humans posted a video of the doggo from Halloween night, and it seems that the big inflatable decorations with lights were still too spooky for this pooch. He barked and tried to bolt when they moved. Maybe next year he'll handle Halloween a bit better.

Cover photo: collage: screenshot/ TikTok/ michaelthegoldie

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