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Not every dog is a fan of making new friends. Of my two dogs, my senior Staffy prefers to keep his social circle small, while my Corgi is the life of any party as long as she’s the center of attention.
Brady is a senior Corgi who’s somewhere in the middle, but this funny pup doesn’t go to the dog park to play—he goes for one specific reason—and it’s a little too relatable.
Brady knows exactly what he’s doing on these park trips. He may not feel like frolicking with the other pups, but it’s because he’d rather seek out humans for attention, pets, and maybe even a treat or two. He’s a smart boy to have figured out a system that works in his favor!
Related: Corgi’s Sweet Welcome Home Routine for Dad Is Something Every Dog Parent Should Try
In Brady’s defense, being antisocial is a rite of passage. It means you’ve been there, done that, and aren’t interested in proving anything to anyone!
It was only recently that the elder Corgi lost his younger brother, Graffiti, to cancer, so maybe he’s just not ready for playtime just yet. Plus, soaking up time with his favorite people (Mom and Dad) beats a park trip any day.
Socializing Your Antisocial Dog
Like Brady, not every dog is interested in hanging out with other canines, and that’s OK! He was still a perfect gentleman, capable of being around other pups without causing problems. When in doubt, he knew to look for a human—something he’s learned over time.
If you have a pup who lacks social decorum, experts suggest starting with your dog leashed, keeping a safe distance from dog park pooches, and offering high-value treats for good behavior.
Focus on gradually desensitizing them so they don’t get overwhelmed and don’t force it. This isn’t something that changes right away, so be patient. You may need to keep the interaction brief and repeat, increasing the time with each park visit. It’s all about building confidence and making sure your fur child respects others and doesn’t react in a negative way toward dogs who just want to play with a new friend.
As for Brady, he’s a pup after my own antisocial heart. He’s so darn cute, he can do whatever he wants!
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This story was originally published by Parade Pets on May 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
