This Shih Tzu mix has a strict “no-phone policy”—and she enforces it

A small dog with a big attitude has gone viral on social media after enforcing what her owner calls a strict “no phone policy,” earning more than 470,000 views.

The TikTok video shared by owner Angela (@angelamahakian) is a montage of clips showing Roxanne, a Shih Tzu and Yorkshire terrier mix, approaching people in her home while they are on their phones. In some moments, the 4-year-old taps gently, while, in others, she uses noticeably more force. The caption reads: “Roxanne is always polite before resorting to aggression.”

Her owner Angela, 38, told Newsweek: “She implements the no-phone policy pretty much daily, usually after dinner time.”

“Or because she just wants all attention to be on her,” said Angela. “She is anti-phone after about 6 p.m.”

Angela added, “Roxanne always leads with some warning taps before fully enforcing her no-phone policy,” a routine that has helped the clip earn more than 101,000 likes.

The video sparked a wave of amused reactions from viewers. One person commented: “Damn she’s strict.” Another owner shared: “Our dog does this and also deliberately lays on top of the remote so we can’t find it. He’s very strict about our screen time!”

Angela Lansbury Is My Hero embraced the message behind the moment, summing it up simply: “She said disconnect to connect.”

“She’s a wise woman,” replied Angela.

Americans’ Relationship With Phones

Roxanne’s apparent frustration may resonate with many viewers, particularly given how deeply smartphones are embedded in daily life.

A study from Reviews.org found that nearly 57 percent of people admit to being addicted to their phones. Americans check their phones nearly 200 times a day—about once every five minutes while they are awake.

Most people use their phones while watching TV (87 percent), check them within 10 minutes of waking up (85 percent), and use them at work (72 percent). Over two‑thirds of Americans use their phone on the toilet, with 56 percent using it while eating dinner.

How Technology Can Affect Pets

While Roxanne’s viral moment is light‑hearted, it also touches on a broader conversation about technology inside the home—and how it can affect pets.

Newsweek previously spoke to veterinarian Dr. Julie Hunt about how animals respond to highly automated households. She said that, when a home relies heavily on automated routines—such as automatic feeders, robot vacuums, timed lights, smart doors, and other predictable systems—life can become very consistent and repetitive for pets.

Although that discussion did not specifically focus on smartphones, it explored how electronic devices can replace direct caregiving interactions.

Animal behaviorist Petrina Firth told Newsweek: “The relationship between pets and their owners may suffer if pets think the robot is the provider of resources.”