Find love with a four-legged friend
Dogs owners know all about the unconditional love and companionship that our animal friends provide. There is nothing like a wag of the tail or a friendly purr to help cure loneliness and put a smile on your face.
Dogs are also a great way to meet people and there is a doggy social world waiting to be tapped. You only have to venture down to a dog friendly park for the evidence. While the canines socialise together, owners are seen in groups watching on proudly and chatting. Conversations are usually about the dogs and the funny things they do- like their latest trick or quirky eating habits. Most of the people know the names of all the dogs and not their owners, but who cares? It is all fun and easy way to make friends with someone who has something in common with you.
You don’t have to be the pet owner to make new friends either. You can be the pet admirer and still have great success. I am living proof of this. Many years ago I was having a coffee at Bondi and spotted the most beautiful Border Collie. I instantly befriended the dog, before talking to the owner. When I did, we chatted for ages, exchanged phone numbers and ended up going out for a year! True story.
Dogs break the ice and facilitate interaction between people. Most of us would never strike up a conversation with a complete stranger but a dog provides an immediate talking point.I don’t think I have ever talked to as many people on the street as when Toby was a puppy. There were days when I could hardly walk down the street without admirers stopping him for a pat and it was males and females, young and old alike. Even the toughest of blokes would smile at my pup. This is a world-wide phenomenon and in Japan, there are actually agencies that hire out dogs and puppies for young men to help them court the ladies.
Now, owning a dog is a huge responsibility and I am not suggesting that you exploit animals as dating tools but if you have the time and are a dog lover, then you will be amazed at the social benefits a dog can bring.
My tips for potential ‘pick-ups’….
- get outdoors with your dog as much as possible- check out ‘doggy times’ at your local park and visit during those hours- your dog will love the stimulation too. To find a dog friendly park or beach near you click here
- Walk a friend’s dog-if you don’t have your own, enjoy the company of someone elses. Most dogs will appreciate all the exercise they can get.
- Enrol in puppy preschool- as soon as you bring home your pup, enrol in classes at your local vet or dog training school. Here your pup will socialise with other puppies and you will mingle with other owners from your area while learning handy hints about how to raise your pooch.
- Dog training- The better behaved your dog is, the more likely a date is going to stick around. Most people don’t tolerate badly behaved dogs.Plus, you meet other dog loving people.
- Join a dog club- these are where you are bound to meet other dog enthusiasts. Flyball, agility and obedience clubs all provide mental stimulation for your pooch while you mingle with other owners.
To find a dog club near you click here
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