Growing up, my folks were strict about bedtime. When 9:30 p.m. hit, everything shut down with the force of a government mandate. The lights out, TV off, Nintendo put away, prayers said, and eyes glued shut, whether sleep was coming or not. As a lifelong night owl, it felt like torture lying there in the dark, tossing around like a rotisserie chicken, hoping sleep would magically happen.

Now, as a chronically exhausted adult who wishes I’d developed even one healthy sleep habit, I cannot help but laugh and relate when I see someone who takes bedtime more seriously than I ever did. And by someone, I mean a golden retriever.

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The Bedtime Announcement That Took Over TikTok

In the viral video, this Golden Retriever has decided that the household is done for the night, whether the guests agree or not. The overlay text reads, “My Dog coming to remind our guests that it is 9pm and lights better be out because he has a strict bedtime routine.” With the seriousness of a hotel manager enforcing quiet hours, he trots out carrying two essential items: his favorite blanket and a plush Patrick Star from SpongeBob SquarePants.

As he marches up to the lingering guests, the audio choice is comedic perfection: the iconic scene from The Office where Dwight sings, “Learn your rules, you better learn your rules, if you don’t, you’ll be eaten in your sleep.” The combination of his earnest little face, his bedtime gear, and Dwight Schrute threatening sleep-time consequences in the background? Pure PetTok gold.

And TikTok agrees. One person wrote, “Omg how sweet! Goldens are so funny,” while another joked, “Mr. grumpy is not grumpy 😍.” Someone else added, “He runs a strict program,” and honestly, the evidence supports the fact that this dog is the CEO of Lights Out.

Related: Dog’s Emergency Text to Mom About Dad Has TikTok Losing It

Why TikTok Can’t Get Enough of This Sleep Sergeant

Part of the charm is how deeply committed he is to the role. He doesn’t bark, whine or pace. Instead, he politely presents his blanket, stares directly at the humans, and waits. The message is clear: 9 p.m. means bedtime, and the lights better be out.

It’s a vibe that’s both hilarious and painfully relatable. Plenty of pet parents chimed in with their own stories of pets enforcing nightly routines, from cats demanding sink water at tooth-brushing time to dogs who practically escort guests to the door.

This golden retriever may not run the household’s social calendar, but he definitely runs the sleep schedule. And honestly, we could all use a little of his discipline.

For more great golden retriever content, check out this Golden experience, the popcorn explosion he will never forget, and this golden’s shocking hockey skills.

Related: Costco’s Luxe Pet Bed Is Giving Dogs the Best Sleep of Their Lives

This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Nov 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.