Despite Granny being an enormous dog lover, Binky the Bernese Mountain Dog is bizarrely afraid of her and refuses to be in the same room with her and Grandpa. It creates a very entertaining, albeit frustrating, situation, especially since Binky seems to have no issue with other guests who pop by (including neighbor pup Ronnie). But with Granny, the Berner barks and hides, only adding to the mystery of why this big, boisterous pooch is so petrified of her.
Binky’s mom, though laughing as she films, is clearly bothered by the whole situation and asks her viewers for help figuring out a truce between Binky and Granny. “Is this normal?” she asks. “Poor Granny is so upset.”
She also jokingly accuses Binky of being ageist as she happily enjoys the company of a younger visitor while avoiding the older couple like the plague.
“Maybe it’s something about the first time she met Granny?” suggests one viewer.
It’s possible, but a couple of other people wonder if it could be the grandparents’ “sticks” (or canes) because of the thudding sound they make on the floors when they walk. Whatever the reason, Binky’s mom is hopeful that there’s a way forward because the dog is clearly missing out on some major grandma love.
Related: Golden Retriever Scolding Mom As She’s Picked Up From Boarding Will Make You LOL
Non-Stranger Danger
Dogs are incredibly loyal, but they don’t always spread the love evenly. It’s pretty common for a dog to latch onto one favorite person—or, on the flip side, single someone out with fear or even aggression.
When that happens, there’s usually a reason behind it. Past negative experiences are a big one—dogs can associate a person (or someone who looks or acts similar) with something scary. Lack of early socialization can also make certain people feel unfamiliar or threatening. Then there’s resource guarding, where a dog gets protective over food, toys, or even a favorite human. Big life changes—like a move or a new family member—can also throw them off, and sometimes, sudden aggression is actually a sign of pain or illness.
The good news: this kind of behavior is very workable with the right approach. Positive reinforcement is key—helping the dog build good associations with that person over time. Think slow, controlled interactions, lots of rewards for calm behavior, and zero forcing it. In more challenging cases, bringing in a trainer or behaviorist can make a huge difference.
When a dog singles someone out (for better or worse), it’s not random—it’s communication. And with patience, consistency, and the right support, those relationships can absolutely improve. Fingers crossed for Granny, Grandpa, and Binky!
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This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Apr 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
