Bernedoodle Puppy’s First Time Home Alone Sparks Emotional TikTok Moment

Every puppy’s life is a series of firsts—meeting new people, exploring new spaces, learning commands, and mastering crate and outdoor potty training. One of the most challenging firsts is being left alone, with no littermates or human company nearby.

In a TikTok clip that has amassed over 850,000 views and more than 57,000 likes, a 4‑month‑old Bernedoodle named Philly experiences this for the first time. The sweet puppy cries and whimpers, vigilantly watching the door while waiting for his owner’s return.

@itslilphilly
“The crying breaks my heart but at least he didn’t get into trouble #microbernedoodle #philly #puppy”

♬ New Home – Frozen Silence

One viewer commented, “Poor baby. So hard the first few times. So happy the day my guy didn’t cry and just rolled up on the couch and slept.” Another offered encouragement: “He’ll get used to it…you can’t be home all the time…all dogs do this when they are left alone.” While some netizens criticized the owner for leaving a 4‑month‑old puppy alone, the owner clarified that Philly was left alone for just eight minutes during this trial run.

Managing Separation Anxiety in Puppies

Yuliya Evstratenko/Shutterstock

Separation anxiety manifests as barking, howling, destructive behavior, trembling, drooling, or indoor elimination. If a veterinarian diagnoses your puppy with this condition, there are proven strategies to help them feel secure while alone.

Viewers of Philly’s video offered a wealth of practical advice. One suggested leaving a TV or radio on for background noise, stating, “It helps dogs not feel so alone, kind of distracting them.” Another recommended treat puzzles or scattered treats to occupy the pup’s mind. An experienced pet owner stressed the importance of gradual exposure: “Start with 2 minutes, then 5, and slowly increase the duration. Reward the puppy each time you return.” Many also highlighted the benefits of crate training and, for some, adding a second dog as a companion.

With patience and consistent training, even the most tearful Bernedoodle can learn to tolerate being home alone.

Curious to see more tiny dogs achieve milestones? Explore these 22 adorable puppies doing things for the first time and these 22 puppies climbing stairs for the first time.