Some dogs have rules — and Bowen the Golden Retriever has very specific ones. If just one parent tries to take him out for a walk, Bowen simply won’t go. It doesn’t matter if it’s short or long, cold or warm, or whether a potty break is needed — both Mom and Dad must be present, or Bowen refuses to budge.

Bowen’s story, which has been making the rounds online, reveals a canine with a serious case of family loyalty — or perhaps a touch of separation anxiety.

Bowen’s mom explained that her dog will only go for a full walk if both parents come along. If one parent tries to take Bowen alone, he’ll just stop, sit down, and refuse to take another step.

It’s a behavior that’s both hilarious and deeply relatable for dog lovers. Golden Retrievers are known for being affectionate, social, and wonderfully attuned to their people. But Bowen’s insistence on full-family participation elevates that loyalty to a whole new level.

Many fans of the story have laughed at the idea that a dog would hold out for “both parents or nothing” — after all, most dogs happily trot alongside just one human. But not Bowen.

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That kind of strong preference for having both caregivers along isn’t entirely unusual in dogs who view family members as a pack. Dogs form strong emotional bonds with their humans, and some develop specific attachments based on daily routines, past experiences, or even anxiety.

In Bowen’s case, it could simply be that he associates walks with the presence of both parents, and anything less feels incomplete or uncertain to him.

Veterinary behaviorists note that a dog’s reluctance to go on a walk with only one person doesn’t necessarily mean the dog is spoiled — it often signals a preference for security and comfort. A dog may feel more confident or reassured when multiple familiar humans are present, especially if they’ve always experienced activities like walks as a group event.

This dynamic comes up occasionally in online dog communities, where pet parents share stories about dogs who refuse to walk unless someone specific is there, or who behave differently depending on who’s holding the leash. In some cases, dogs will do a short potty break on their own but won’t continue farther unless the “full team” is together.

Some animal behaviorists suggest that making walks enjoyable and rewarding for the dog, regardless of who accompanies them, can help build confidence — but in Bowen’s case, his insistence on family unity seems more like a quirky personality trait than a behavior problem. As many owners of Golden Retrievers will attest, these dogs often have distinct preferences and will gladly show them in amusing ways.

@rissyroo395

are all golden retrievers this needy?!?! hahahah he’s such a diva but we will do anything for our king!!! #goldenretriever #humor #goldenretrieverlife #dogmom

♬ Walking On Sunshine - Katrina & The Waves

Online reactions to Bowen’s story have been overwhelmingly positive, with many commenters sharing similar experiences of dogs who have strong ideas about walks, companions, toys — or even routes. One common theme in responses is the way dogs can surprise us with their personalities, forming habits and expectations that seem so human-like that we can’t help but laugh and adore them even more.

Bowen’s behavior also highlights something deeper about the bond between dogs and their humans: pets don’t just want to be with us because they need us — they want our presence, our attention, and the feeling that their “pack” is complete. For Bowen, that’s both parents side by side.

Whether Bowen is simply a family-centric Golden or has a touch of separation anxiety, the outcome is the same: he gets what he wants — attention, togetherness, and full-family walks. And frankly, who can blame him? After all, walks with the whole family can be twice as fun.