Your Dog Can Lead You to Mr Right

Most of us single gals know what we want. The details vary, but basically, sensitivity, kindness, honesty, emotional maturity and good humor count for more than good looks. We spell it out in personals ads and dating profiles, and debate it with our friends, but really, we want more.

We want someone who genuinely thinks we're amazing and that we look great even with a hangover or a head cold.

Many of us have someone like that in our lives already, someone with four legs who sheds a bit.

No, your dog, while wonderful, is no substitute for a relationship with a human and Rover won't be much fun out dancing. But that doesn't mean your dog can't be part of your dating life. In fact, he might just be a great help as you navigate the perils and pitfalls of modern relationships.

Of course you want advice and opinions from your friends when you start seeing a new man, but it might be that man's best friend is the one who can really help you get to know someone.

Your dog says a lot about your personnality, so why not include him in your dating profile? Do you take your pedigreed poodle to dog shows or go hiking with your lab mix? Including a bit of information about your canine friend means you should hear from other dog lovers and not from men who dislike dogs or suffer from allergies.

How Your Dog Can Help You Be More Relax On A First Date

Dogs are great ice-breakers and they also provide something to talk about. Swapping dog stories is a fun way to get some insight into your date. Does he laugh about his dog's antics and appreciate his canine companion or does he complain about his dog's poor behavior or worse, brag about having a dangerous dog? What sort of things does he like to do with his dog? Or do you get the impression that his poor dog is left at home unappreciated while he goes out without even thinking about the dog? (If he doesn't treat his dog well, what could you expect from him?)

While you can't bring your dog on most first dates such as dinner or the movies, bringing Rover means you have to think outside the box and could lead to more interesting and memorable dates. What about a Frisbee date at the park or a walk? The standard dinner and movie date is pretty boring by comparison.

Most of us worry about what to wear and what to say to make a good first impression, and if you decide to involve your dog in your dating life, you'll want her to make a good impression too. If you are not to sure about your dog behavior, you can get some free dog training tips on the Internet and making sure Rover's manners make him acceptable company in public.

Including your dog gives you loads of new date possibilities, especially if you and you fury friend have mastered the dog training basics and you can take him anywhere with confidence.

Do you get the first-date jitters?

Your dog can be a reassuring presence and distract you so you aren't thinking about what could go wrong. Maybe you've met someone interesting but aren't confident about asking him out on an official date. What you need is an activity with less pressure. You could invite him to join you and Rover for a game of Frisbee at the park. It's casual and relaxed, and you'll have fun with your dog even if the man doesn't live up to your hopes.

If your new man also has a dog, a day out in the countryside exploring with the dogs could be a perfect date, especially if you are lucky enough to live near a beach or lake. Between the dogs and the scenery, you'll have plenty to talk about. It's easier to get to know someone on an activity date. City-dwellers should not despair; there's always a decent park somewhere near-by. Regardless of where you live, taking your dog for a walk is healthy and fun, and if you add a romantic interest to the walk, it only gets better.

Your dog can bring a lot of fun to your dating life, but on a more serious note, he can also alert you to a potential risk. If you are going hiking or jogging with a man you don't know well, your dog can be good insurance your date is safe. If your dog takes an instant dislike to your date, Rover could be alerting you to potential issues.

While a dog rescued from a shelter may react badly to some who reminds him of a previous neglectful or abusive owner, dogs without baggage are more likely to be generous judges of character. If your dog has an unexplained bad reaction to a particular man, you might want to trust canine intuition.

Your date's reaction to your dog is as important as Rover's reaction to him. Dog lovers tend to be warm, kind people who tolerate paw prints and make time to care for their beloved pets even when they are busy. Is that what you'd like to see in your next boyfriend? Introduce him to Rover and see how they get along. Rover's reaction may be more useful than your mother's or your best friend's.

If you are a responsible dog owner, that says something important about your character as well. Why not look for another dog lover who shares your values and enjoys the same activities you do? You could find a genuinely good man who loves the same restaurants, books and music you do, but will it really work out if he doesn't appreciate your dog?

©2009 Catherine Potin

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