A golden retriever having a tantrum when nobody would play with him has left the internet in stitches, and one user called it "a crime" that his owners would dare to ignore him.

Dog owner Jeanne Martin shared the video on TikTok (@jeanneandstowe) showing her red golden retriever, Stowe, sulking when he had no one to play with. The sweet pup could be seen clutching his red toy dog and pawing at it unenthusiastically to pass time.

He was certainly very begrudging about having to do it all himself rather than getting his humans to join in the fun.

The dog's hilarious tantrum has delighted internet users, with the video generating more than 469,700 views and 53,300 likes on TikTok in just a matter of days. Alongside the amusing clip, the caption jokes: "When mom and dad won't play with me." Newsweek has contacted Martin for comment via Instagram.

Fortunately for Stowe, since going viral he's attracted plenty of attention from new friends who would be more than willing to play fetch with him instead. Fellow dog owners have even joked that they know the telltale signs of a tantrum too, as they have first hand experience of a sulking pup.

It's no secret that golden retrievers love to play, as Stowe would so dearly love to do. The American Kennel Club (AKC) highlights their jovial and friendly nature, which is a hallmark of the breed. They are also noted for their eager to please and playful approach to life, which sees them maintain a puppyish behavior throughout adulthood, even into their senior years.

But retrievers are not just about playtime, as the AKC suggests they're also serious workers renowned for their hunting ability and field work. As the name suggests, their natural pastimes include retrieving waterfowl and fetching, which they can do for hours on end. As any other retriever owner will know, they certainly need plenty of exercise every day to avoid any unwanted behavior or habits creeping in.

Social Media Response

Following the viral success of the video, hundreds of internet users came to Stowe's defense and implored his owner to pay him some attention at once. This has led to more than 700 comments on the viral TikTok video so far.

One comment reads: "Woe is me."

Another TikTok user responded: "We are clearly witnessing a crime here, play with this good baby at once. The drama."

"You play with that baby immediately," joked one social media user.

While another person added: "I've never seen a more bored looking dog."

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