Taking your dog on a first date can be easy, inexpensive, and adventurous!
Your dog can put you and even your date at ease. A dog can also create good conversation or show you what you need to see about the person you're dating.
First, let’s see why taking your dog on dates is a great idea!
- Dogs can get the conversation going. Taking your dog on a date helps you get to know the other person’s perspective about dogs and how they treat animals. This says a lot about who they are.
- Dogs help to take the pressure off both of you. Dogs just have a way of making everyone feel good! If your date is not a dog-lover, then you'll know right away if future dating will work out.
- Your dog can easily read the other person’s energy, and you can read your dog’s energy. For that reason, pay attention to what your dog is telling you.
- You can always use your dog as an excuse to leave if the date isn't going well. For example, you can say “Look at the time. I need to take my dog home to feed him.”
- Taking your dog gives you a lot of fun date options.
Here are 10 date ideas that easily include your dog!
Make sure to prepare to take your dog with you by packing extra water, a water bowl, poop bags, a leash, and treats.
1. Visit a dog-friendly restaurant patio.
A dog-friendly patio is great if you have a social or calm dog. A furry friend invites others to say ‘hi’ to your dog, which is helpful in creating conversation and breaking up first-date jitters.
2. Take a walk with your date and dog.
Take a walk around a lake, on downtown sidewalks, or on a walking trail in a park. This date gives you the option of keeping it short or adding to it if things are going well. Before your date, take some time to look at a map to see how long the walk is and options for re-routing (for instance, if your puppy doesn’t approve of your date or doesn't like the environment).
3. Go on a hike.
Hiking makes a fun follow-up date once you know a little more about the person you are going with. Make sure to research your hike to make sure it's dog-friendly. Also double check about leash laws. You can find all this on an app like AllTrails. You also want to make sure the trail is appropriate for both your abilities and endurance level.
4. Stand up paddle boarding.
Stand up paddle boarding with your dog can be exciting or relaxing, depending on your dog! If you have a dog who just likes to chill on the board, you might try a morning coffee and paddle with your date. Beat the heat and the crowd at the local lake by going early. You can paddle around or sit and sip coffee while you get to know each other.
If your dog is wobbly or likes to jump in, skip the coffee and just have fun paddle boarding! It's a good idea to have your dog wear a life jacket with a handle on the back so you can pick him or her up if they are struggling. Take the time to give your dog a few lessons before you go if this will be their first time.
5. Do puppy or rescue dog yoga.
If neither of you has a dog, or your dog isn’t comfortable going places around other dogs or people, do some downward facing dogs with your puppy pal. If you can’t find dog yoga, try goat yoga. Either way, you won’t be disappointed and you’ll probably share one or many laughs while you’re there!
6. Go to a dog-friendly brewery.
Take in a brewery! Pull up a barstool, relax at the fire pit, and order from a food truck. Dogs are often welcome in these places, so bring your dog along with you to a dog-friendly bar.
7. Attend a concert in the park.
Many concerts in the park featuring local artists allow you to bring dogs. Bring a blanket, chairs, snacks, liquid refreshments and dog-friendly bug spray.
8. Go on a picnic.
Speaking of the park, go on a picnic! Again, don’t just pack your basket for you and your date. Of course, make sure to pack a treat for your furry friend, too. Packing a special treat just for your dog will also show your date just how important including your dog is to you.
9. Rock climbing or climbing gym.
Oftentimes dogs are permitted in climbing areas and climbing gyms as long as they are calm and don’t bark a lot. The last thing you want is your dog’s love for singing the song of its people to cause distraction and injury.
10. Play frisbee.
If your dog loves to play fetch, offer to meet up for a frisbee date! We love this date option because it brings the focus to your dog, making the first or second date a little more laid back.
Date Deck® and Hack Decks™
Taking your dog out socially is another great way to meet other singles. Dog people tend to stick together and chat more with others who have dogs, and you already know that they love animals. So, next time you’re meeting your friends for brunch, brewery, or park time, take your furry bestie with you. You never know who you’ll meet!
Look for other great dating ideas in our 52-card Date Deck®. Date Decks® raise the bar for dating by providing prompts to inspire fun, adventurous, and unique dates for a long-term couple and those who are just getting to know one another. The deck of cards is easy to do. Just pick a card and follow the prompt. It's that simple. Each deck sells for $19.95.