Deciding to introduce a new romantic partner to your pet can be scary. What if your dog doesn’t like your date? Or worse, what if your date doesn’t like your dog?
Exclusively dating dog lovers can increase the chances of your human and canine companions forming a good connection, but there are additional measures that can help facilitate a strong bond when you’re considering an introduction—especially if your pet is particularly timid, jealous, or shy.
Use Scents for Familiarity
Canines are known for their superior sense of smell, so use that to your advantage. Ask your significant other if you can borrow a T-shirt to take home. If you’re dating dog lovers, they should be accommodating to this request. Let your dog sniff and cuddle with the garment to become familiarized with the scent. You can also use treats to reward your pooch for interacting with the new item, which may lead him to be more accepting of the new person when you do set up a meeting.
Schedule A Meet-and-Greet
Once you’ve gotten your pup comfortable with the scent of your partner, take the leap and set up a time for the two to meet. Some breeds are known for being more territorial and aggressive than others—although most of us know this isn’t a set-in-stone rule. You know your pet’s personality better than anyone, so you need to set a meet-and-greet that will work best for your pup.
Try meeting at a neutral location like a park or beach where your pooch won’t be as likely to feel territorial. This also eliminates your pup’s ability to run and hide under beds in order to avoid the situation.
Be Patient
When dating dog lovers, it is important to remember that everyone’s experiences are different. Your date may spend time with friendly spaniels and retrievers, but lacks knowledge about Chihuahuas and terriers. Don’t let your significant other get discouraged if your canine doesn’t warm up instantaneously. That goes for you too; don’t get discouraged because your fur baby is being fickle.
Even though your partner may be a treat dispenser in the eyes of your puppy, that doesn’t mean they are ready to cuddle and play. These things can take time depending on your pet’s temperament. Keep at it!
The creators of You Must Love Dogs Dating, the number one niche dating site for single dog owners, understand how frustrating it can be when your love interest and your puppy love don’t seem to connect the way you’d hoped. If you’re ready to start dating dog lovers, or simply want to meet like-minded people, sign up for one of our convenient membership packages today!
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