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Face it, dogs are a big part of our lives—we love our pups endlessly and our world revolves around our best friends. We plan our days around them and bring them along to every shop and restaurant we can. So naturally when you’re looking to date someone special, there is one criteria they must pass: must love dogs
Dogs live for 12 years on average. That’s a huge commitment to actively care for the well being of something for that long. You’ll need to pay for food, medical bills, exercise and training. It’s like having a kid (agree to disagree). So if you’re hoping to meet the love of your life in the next 12 years, it’s important that you both share a love for your furry friend. And what better place to meet people with that common interest than the dog park?
Thousands of people bring their pups to dog parks all over the world every year. Big dogs, little dogs, shy dogs and excited dogs are each a slight reflection of their owner. Off-leash dog parks are the perfect way to meet new friends and possibly new love as well. Dogs are notorious for being loveable to anyone who gives them attention. You might be sitting there scrolling through Facebook, but then your dog begins to play with another dog. You wander over, introduce yourself and strike up a conversation with the owner of your pal’s new best friend. If you’re a dog owner, you know exactly what I’m talking about. People love to talk about their dogs and lose their shit over everyone else’s .
Here are a few places to meet other singles looking for a new fur-child stepparent.
1. Dog Parks
If you’re at the dog park, there’s a good chance everyone there love dogs. Introduce your dogs and try to get them to play together. It opens a dialogue with the other owner. “Aw looks like they’re best friends now.” It’s the perfect segway to introduce yourself. Start the conversation off easy by asking about their dog. You can ask things like “How old?” or “What breed?” As I said before, people love to talk about their pups. From there you can move into “So do you guys live around here?” Who knows, maybe you’ll even schedule a play date.
2. Hiking
There are many trails that are dog friendly. In Los Angeles, you can look towards Runyon Canyon—arguably one of the most dog friendly spots in LA. It’s also known for it’s broad selection of attractive people. From a personal side of things, it works wonders. I am the proud owner of a spunky corgi and an overly excited pit bull. It’s a weird combo, I know. My pit stays on leash while my corgi roams the open trail, sniffing every dog butt in sight. You know who loves corgis? Any girl who uses the internet. When you add an adorable puppy-looking pit to the mix, it’s game over. Dogs are naturally curious of other people and when those people use an excited tone, it attracts your dog. Perfect opportunity for conversation. Just make sure your dog is okay with strangers—some get nervous.
3. Events
So corgis are the new trend. Everyone and their mother wants one and acts like a kid in a candy store when they see one. I can’t tell you how many times people have randomly approached me while I’m walking her and offered to dog sit for me. With the newly developed craze comes hilariously awesome events like the So Cal Corgi Beach Day. Normally, finding a mutual interest is the biggest challenge to starting a conversation with a stranger. At events like this, that problem is eliminated and it becomes the friendliest atmosphere on the planet. Everyone is talking and everyone is playing with each other’s dogs. There’s no better time to strike up a conversation with the one you’ve been eyeing. Dog owners are slightly crazy (not as bad as cat owners) and they love every opportunity they get to talk about dogs. It’s fun, it’s easy, it can lead to a spark in romance.
4. Stores and Markets
There are many stores nowadays that allow pets inside. It’s the same theory as everywhere else. If you’re approached by someone who asks to pet your dog, they’re already a contender. No one awkwardly pets a dog without creating some sort of conversation with the owner. It’s a good way to introduce yourself along with your dog. People are stressed out and the best stress reliever is puppy love. It allows people to let their guard down. When someone is at ease, they’re more open to the introduction of other humans.
Think of your dog as the best possible wingman (or woman). They can’t mess up a conversation by stumbling over words and their head tilts are enough to make a person melt. If you’re approached by someone wanting to pet your dog, then they’ve already passed your pup-lover criteria. And if that person is willing to pet your pooch, then they probably took notice of you as well. Take advantage of the moment and create a new friendship. Your dog is the perfect ice breaker. Then it’s just up to you to muster up the courage to ask that person out. So grab your doggie bags, clip on that leash, and go put yourself out there. You never know what might happen.
