Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I've had this happen with three separate guys recently. I don't mind having the dog there itself but each date has required us to alter the plans in order to have the dog there.
Specifically --
On the first date, we went hiking and he brought his dog. After the hike we decided to get dinner. Since the dog was there we had to sit at an outside table which was FREEZING. Like 50 degrees that day. And we had to end the date right after the dinner so he could take his dog home and feed her.
The second date was a different guy. First time ever meeting. We settled for a beer after work. He suggested a place that has a "dog friendly patio" so he could bring his puppy. That wasn't a problem because the patio was heated and covered. And I understood that he got off work and didn't want to leave his puppy for another two hours after she'd already been home alone all day. The annoying thing was, it felt like we spent the majority of the date talking about his puppy, sort of making comments about what the dog was doing (nothing other than sniffing around, etc).
The third instance was another first date at a dog park. This guy and I were texting a bit prior, and I kind of knew he was a "dog dad" because he'd send me updates about his dog pretty frequently and a lot of photos. So anyway we were supposed to get coffees and walk over to the dog park together. I get there at the assigned time and the guy has already arrived and he's inside the park with his dog. I try to find him but I can't. It's a huge park. Meanwhile, instead of just staying in one place so I can find him, he's moving around and sending me updates and photos of his dog "Look at her swimming, she's having so much fun!" Completely oblivious to the fact that I'm frustratingly trying to find him. I was trying hard to hide my annoyance when we finally met after 45 minutes.
Ok and so you know, l am dog person myself, I have a dog and the dog itself isn't the problem. It's the whole "dog dad" thing that I'm realizing is kind of annoying. Obsessing over their dog and altering plans in order to accommodate the dog. I feel like on a first/second date (which all of these were) it just makes more sense to focus on the person your with. Anyone else experience this?
Now, when I see men in their dating profiles who make comments like "I have the cutest little puppy" and they have multiple pictures with their dog, I am a little leery.
Last edited by xxthinkpinkxo; 11-01-2018 at 10:30 AM..
They've just read that women "swoon" over guys with pets - and it's an easy way to meet women that way.
But what's weird in your case all these guys actually bringing their dogs to the date itself. I still think they are mostly either trying to manipulate your emotions or they are nervous and using the dog as a distraction and conversation starter (or finisher!).
I wouldn't like it unless it was some kind of special situation - a little like the guy who didn't want to leave his dog alone in the evening after being out all day - but if I were him I'd have figured out a better alternative.
They've just read that women "swoon" over guys with pets - and it's an easy way to meet women that way.
But what's weird in your case all these guys actually bringing their dogs to the date itself. I still think they are mostly either trying to manipulate your emotions or they are nervous and using the dog as a distraction and conversation starter (or finisher!).
I wouldn't like it unless it was some kind of special situation - a little like the guy who didn't want to leave his dog alone in the evening after being out all day - but if I were him I'd have figured out a better alternative.
OP, I would've been annoyed in all 3 situations. Hell, if they can't make me a priority even on the very first date...I don't see how it's going to get better later.
And the guy who didn't want to leave his dog alone? Maybe the date could've been on the weekend, or the guy could've gone home first (oh wait! he DID go home first, to go get the dog)
I would've loved this! Granted, I don't have a dog myself, so I would welcome the opportunity to meet/play with my date's dog. The only thing that would make it a deal-breaker? If he wanted to bring the dog on every. single. date.
Thanks everyone, I was wondering if I was just being crotchety. As much as I love animals, I can't stand the whole "dogs are children" mentality that seems to be more common now than ever.
We take our dog to a LOT of places with us, but it is unfair to do this on a first meet/date.
The first guy should not have insisted on dinner since it was so chilly (and frankly, I'm surprised anyplace had unheated outdoor seating available in 50-degree weather). He should also have brought his dog's dinner along, but he probably wanted an excuse to leave if things didn't go well.
The second guy, I have no problem with his bringing his dog along, but it sounds like he wasn't a good conversationalist. It would be tough to date with a puppy.
The third guy was the worst, and I hope you at least brought your dog along for company.
I find it odd that you're encountering this issue so many times. If it ever happens again, that a guy says, "is it ok to bring my dog", or simply announces that he'll be bringing his dog on the date, you can counter with, "If you don't mind, I'd rather not have the distraction there. I like to focus on my date" or "I like dates to just be the two of us." If he balks, you know he's not for you. You dodged a bullet.
Date dogless people. I like dogs, but I do not want them to take preference over me, especailly on a date.
Here some common sense
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
