When we think of Golden Retrievers, it’s hard to imagine a pup who’s not social and outgoing in every way. A shy Golden Retriever just doesn’t seem possible, and yet, they exist!
On Tuesday, April 8th, the sweetest Golden Retriever decided he wanted to try to play with a couple of other dogs, but he just didn’t know how to jump in. What ensued was the sweetest, most awkward playdate:
If I could be the Golden Pup Duke’s best friend, I so would be. I would love to play with him, even if it was a little awkward!
Related: Brave Golden Retriever Puppy Takes on Scary Spiky Ball in True Display of Fearlessness
Duke is a little over a year old, and he’s had plenty of time to grow and make friends in the time he’s been with his forever family. He’s a generally playful boy who loves to spend time with the ones he loves, and he loves the dog park!
When this duo were playing, though, it was just a little rough for sweet Duke’s liking. They were biting each other’s necks and rolling each other over! Duke much prefers fetch or another game that’s not so… rough.
That could never be my dogs. Seriously, the two youngest ones get into regular brawls that WWE stars would back away from. But Duke is very kind, and prefers approaching other dogs like:
Some dogs don’t like to play rough with other dogs, and that’s totally okay. Everything is this video is exactly as it should be: he’s just observing, and they’re not forcing him to get involved. There’s nothing wrong with pups watching each other play!
If your dog is a little awkward around others, continued supervised exposure can help. Early socialization and frequent exercise are key in honing those developmental skills! Making sure that you play with them is important, too! Model what they’re meant to do and they’ll do it!
Duke has plenty of friends that he sees regularly. Maybe they play less awkward games, like cards! We’ve all seen dogs around a poker table, right?!
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The post ‘Awkward’ Golden Retriever’s Failed Attempt to Play with Other Pups Has Us Feeling Seen appeared first on Parade Pets.