Watch: Golden Retriever’s Epic Showdown with a Snowman Will Have You Laughing!
Imagine taking a peaceful evening walk with your sweet Golden Retriever, only for her to suddenly stop and growl fiercely. Your heart races, wondering what could be threatening—until you spot the “danger.” It’s a snowman.

This was the exact scenario for Nala, the internet-famous Golden Retriever behind the account @golden_girl_Nala. In a now-viral TikTok video, Nala is caught hilariously growling and cautiously eyeing a harmless snowman during a snowy neighborhood stroll. (Watch the video below!)
@golden_girl_nala Frosty better watch out #goldengirlNala #troublesomefelon #petsoftiktok #petsiblings #funnypets #goldenretrieverlife #goldenretriever #goldenretrieversoftiktok #doglover #dogmomlife ♬ original sound – Goodest girl & troublesome cat
Golden Retriever’s Archnemesis
The text overlay on the video reads, “My dog’s worst enemy is the snowman in our neighborhood.” This implies that Nala never displays aggression towards anyone – except this snowman. She keeps growling as the human walking her keeps reassuring her that it’s just a snowman.

But that does nothing to calm her down. Nala’s parent describes her as the sweetest dog ever but there’s something about this frosty figure that raises her hackles.
As Nala approaches the snowman, her curiosity turns into agitation, and she begins tugging fiercely at the leash. Once face-to-face with the frosty figure, her frustration boils over, and she starts barking furiously.
“This just goes to show how wonderfully quirky dogs can be,” says pet rescue advocate Rocky Kanaka. “Nala’s reaction is a reminder that even the sweetest pups have their funny, unpredictable moments, and that’s part of what makes them so lovable.”

Going Viral: Snowman v/s Golden Retriever
Nala’s confrontation with the snowman has brought so many netizens to laughter that the TikTok video has garnered more than 8 million views, about 1.4 million likes, and thousands of comments. Several TikTok users have amusingly tried to convey the perspective of the Golden Retriever in the comments section.
Rina says, “He’s just standing there!!…MENACINGLY!” Meanwhile, another user, humorously adds, “Never trust a snowman a golden retriever dislikes 😂”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do dogs bark at shadows?
A dog barking at shadows and reflections is related to their shadow-chasing behavior. Dogs often chase shadows or light due to their unique visual abilities, which are optimized for detecting movement, claims Dr. Marta Vidal-Abarca, a veterinarian. This can trigger their prey drive or instinct to chase, causing them to bark sometimes.
Why is my dog barking at inanimate objects?
Dogs often bark at things that scare or unsettle them, including people, other dogs, and inanimate objects like plastic bags, trash cans, and airplanes, according to Dr. Kersti Seksel. In some cases, this fearful reaction can be attributed to inadequate socialization.
Why does my dog bark at random objects?
Lack of physical and mental stimulation can also lead to the dog barking at random objects. They can become highly aroused, barking at various stimuli, including falling leaves, shadows, and small animals like possums or cats, within their environment.
My dog barks at shadows. What to do?
To stop dogs from barking at shadows, identify the underlying cause of the behavior. If it’s due to boredom or lack of stimulation, provide mental and physical stimulation through exercise, obedience training, and interactive toys. Teaching the dog to sit and relax in the presence of triggers can also help reduce barking. If the behavior persists, consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist for personalized guidance.