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Step 1
Run the idea of bringing your dog along by your date and make sure it’s okay. If he (she) responds enthusiastically, it’s already a good sign.
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Step 2
Plan a pet-friendly setting for the date (Getting kicked out of somewhere is not considered starting off on the right foot). There are outdoor festivals that allow dogs, dog parks, dog friendly beaches and cafes. Some even have “yappy hour” for people to mingle with their pooches.
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Step 3
Bring treats along so that your date can make friends with your dog right off the bat, plus it’ll help to ensure that he minds his P’s and Q’s (your dog that is).
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Step 4
When introducing your dog to your date, hold back on the leash and use the command for “stay,” if necessary, to prevent crotch sniffing and jumping. Not everyone is aware that crotch sniffing and jumping are canine for “hello.”
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Step 5
Ask your date questions rather than direct all of the focus on the dog(s). For instance, find out how his (her) day or week has been going. If he doesn’t currently have a pet, ask if he's had pets before and encourage him to share stories about them.
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Step 6
Observe how your date interacts with your dog. This can reveal various personality traits such as a fatherly (motherly) instinct, how giving they are, and whether they are in tune with their surroundings or tend to be more self-absorbed.
