Dog Doesn’t Realize It’s Being Walked on Room Fan Cord Instead of a Leash
A Golden Retriever named Charly ended up in a TikTok spotlight after her owner couldn’t track down a leash. Rather than skip the walk, she clipped the cord from a room fan to Charly’s collar and set off anyway. The short clip shows the dog trotting along without a second thought, tail wagging as usual, while the improvised gear turned an ordinary stroll into laughter across social media.
The TikTok That Had Everyone Cracking Up
The video, which runs just 16 seconds, shows the pup strolling down the sidewalk without a care in the world. Her owner filmed from above and added the caption, “Lost my dog’s leash, so taking her for a walk with my fan.” The makeshift leash bounces behind her collar as though it were meant to be there.
Charly wags her tail and sniffs the ground, completely unbothered that the cord clipped to her collar once powered a fan. Since its upload to TikTok in August 2025, the clip has drawn more than 1.6 million likes, over 14,000 comments, and nearly half a million shares.
Comments Came in Left and Right
Viewers didn’t hold back in the comments. One vet, kikisophiax, joked, “This is actually really dangerous as she could start thinking she’s famous and has fans following her everywhere x.” Hyundai USA added, “big fan of your innovation,” while Aldi UK quipped, “just a good girl walking with her biggest fan.”
Others were more cautious, with Beatriz Borges asking, “Can I send you a leash?? I work for a dog gear company, and it could be helpful.” On Instagram, where the clip also gained attention, commenters called the owner “a woman in STEM” for her creative solution, while another joked, “There were no belts? Ropes? Yarn? A FAN???” Even with the playful criticism, most agreed that Charly was “just happy to be there.”
Practical Advice for Dog Owners
Image via Pexels/Gabe
As entertaining as this fan cord leash was, it’s not something pet owners should copy. The safest option is a sturdy leash about 5 to 6 feet long, which keeps your dog close while giving them a little room to explore.
Harnesses are a great option too, especially for breeds with delicate necks or dogs that tend to pull. A Y-shaped harness spreads pressure evenly and keeps walks more comfortable. Training makes a big difference as well. Reward-based methods with small treats can encourage calm walking and focus.
If your dog pulls, the “stop and wait” method is simple and effective: stop moving when they surge ahead, and only continue once they return to your side. Adding commands like “leave it” can prevent them from grabbing things off the ground, while practicing recall ensures safer off-leash fun in the right places.
The Walk Goes On
The fan cord walk is the kind of silly pet moment that lives in people’s heads long after the scroll. Charly’s carefree attitude and her owner’s quick thinking turned a minor inconvenience into a global laugh. Still, nothing beats heading out with a proper leash and a secure harness with a dog who knows the basics. That way, walks can stay safe and stress-free, without the need for raiding your appliances before heading out the door.