ways it will not be a mystery...or, an annoyance.

*Visit animal shelters.

Whether your date is a dog lover or not, everyone needs to visit an animal shelter at least once in his or her life. It is not only educational, it broadens one's perspective on being responsible with pets. And who knows what can happen? You and your date may find your calling in volunteer services there. Dogs in shelters need to be bathed, petted, talked to, and fed. There aren't enough personnel to get all these jobs done. Dogs that are bathed ha

Are you a dog lover? Have you met someone who does not have a dog? Are you wondering if your new love interest will like your whole family? Do you worry about whether your heart throb will embrace your furry relatives?

Dog lovers are everywhere. It is estimated that over 40 million adult singles in the U.S. own a dog. But that leaves over 60 million single adults who do not own a dog, and if you are dating one of them, how will you handle introducing him or her to your pet?

Dating with dogs can be worked out. If some of your family members are wonderful, cuddly, hairy creatures, you can introduce your puppy love to your human love without potential problems if your dog is well mannered. People who don't have a pet usually do not appreciate dogs that jump on them, lick them, growl at them, or bark incessantly. If your dog does these things, consider taking a dog obedience class together.

I have a dog lover friend with an adorable teacup poodle. His size and his expression make him so cute, he has escaped learning all the discipline he needs. In spite of his willful ways, she takes him everywhere she goes, including her office. Problem is, he climbs on her clients, barks if they don't pay attention to him, and chews on their shoes and their pant legs. Some people don't think that's cute.

Here are some dog lover dates that can promote a friendship between your new squeeze and your dog:

*Walk the dog together.

An enjoyable date is to take the dog for a walk. A park just for dogs is especially fun, but anywhere will do. This gives everyone exercise as well as calming your dog. Let your date hold the leash (unless you have a difficult dog to walk) so your pet can build a bond. This type of date has been known to promote great conversations.

*Research information about dogs.

If the non-furry object of your affection shows some interest in knowing more about dogs, check out some dog web sites. You can read up on the different characteristics and temperaments of each breed. These sites can also teach your date about the care and feeding of dogs so that when your dog acts in certain ways it will not be a mystery...or, an annoyance.

*Visit animal shelters.

Whether your date is a dog lover or not, everyone needs to visit an animal shelter at least once in his or her life. It is not only educational, it broadens one's perspective on being responsible with pets. And who knows what can happen? You and your date may find your calling in volunteer services there. Dogs in shelters need to be bathed, petted, talked to, and fed. There aren't enough personnel to get all these jobs done. Dogs that are bathed hav

our family members are wonderful, cuddly, hairy creatures, you can introduce your puppy love to your human love without potential problems if your dog is well mannered. People who don't have a pet usually do not appreciate dogs that jump on them, lick them, growl at them, or bark incessantly. If your dog does these things, consider taking a dog obedience class together.

I have a dog lover friend with an adorable teacup poodle. His size and his expression make him so cute, he has escaped learning all the discipline he needs. In spite of his willful ways, she takes him everywhere she goes, including her office. Problem is, he climbs on her clients, barks if they don't pay attention to him, and chews on their shoes and their pant legs. Some people don't think that's cute.

Here are some dog lover dates that can promote a friendship between your new squeeze and your dog:

*Walk the dog together.

An enjoyable date is to take the dog for a walk. A park just for dogs is especially fun, but anywhere will do. This gives everyone exercise as well as calming your dog. Let your date hold the leash (unless you have a difficult dog to walk) so your pet can build a bond. This type of date has been known to promote great conversations.

*Research information about dogs.

If the non-furry object of your affection shows some interest in knowing more about dogs, check out some dog web sites. You can read up on the different characteristics and temperaments of each breed. These sites can also teach your date about the care and feeding of dogs so that when your dog acts in certain ways it will not be a mystery...or, an annoyance.

*Visit animal shelters.

Whether your date is a dog lover or not, everyone needs to visit an animal shelter at least once in his or her life. It is not only educational, it broadens one's perspective on being responsible with pets. And who knows what can happen? You and your date may find your calling in volunteer services there. Dogs in shelters need to be bathed, petted, talked to, and fed. There aren't enough personnel to get all these jobs done. Dogs that are bathed ha

te of his willful ways, she takes him everywhere she goes, including her office. Problem is, he climbs on her clients, barks if they don't pay attention to him, and chews on their shoes and their pant legs. Some people don't think that's cute.

Here are some dog lover dates that can promote a friendship between your new squeeze and your dog:

*Walk the dog together.

An enjoyable date is to take the dog for a walk. A park just for dogs is especially fun, but anywhere will do. This gives everyone exercise as well as calming your dog. Let your date hold the leash (unless you have a difficult dog to walk) so your pet can build a bond. This type of date has been known to promote great conversations.

*Research information about dogs.

If the non-furry object of your affection shows some interest in knowing more about dogs, check out some dog web sites. You can read up on the different characteristics and temperaments of each breed. These sites can also teach your date about the care and feeding of dogs so that when your dog acts in certain ways it will not be a mystery...or, an annoyance.

*Visit animal shelters.

Whether your date is a dog lover or not, everyone needs to visit an animal shelter at least once in his or her life. It is not only educational, it broadens one's perspective on being responsible with pets. And who knows what can happen? You and your date may find your calling in volunteer services there. Dogs in shelters need to be bathed, petted, talked to, and fed. There aren't enough personnel to get all these jobs done. Dogs that are bathed ha

s calming your dog. Let your date hold the leash (unless you have a difficult dog to walk) so your pet can build a bond. This type of date has been known to promote great conversations.

*Research information about dogs.

If the non-furry object of your affection shows some interest in knowing more about dogs, check out some dog web sites. You can read up on the different characteristics and temperaments of each breed. These sites can also teach your date about the care and feeding of dogs so that when your dog acts in certain ways it will not be a mystery...or, an annoyance.

*Visit animal shelters.

Whether your date is a dog lover or not, everyone needs to visit an animal shelter at least once in his or her life. It is not only educational, it broadens one's perspective on being responsible with pets. And who knows what can happen? You and your date may find your calling in volunteer services there. Dogs in shelters need to be bathed, petted, talked to, and fed. There aren't enough personnel to get all these jobs done. Dogs that are bathed ha

ways it will not be a mystery...or, an annoyance.

*Visit animal shelters.

Whether your date is a dog lover or not, everyone needs to visit an animal shelter at least once in his or her life. It is not only educational, it broadens one's perspective on being responsible with pets. And who knows what can happen? You and your date may find your calling in volunteer services there. Dogs in shelters need to be bathed, petted, talked to, and fed. There aren't enough personnel to get all these jobs done. Dogs that are bathed have a much better chance of being adopted.

*Visit an obedience class together.

Pet supply stores, like Pet Smart, often have obedience classes going on in the middle of the store. Call them, or if you don't have a Pet Smart, call a pet store, or your local vet to find out where you can attend one.

The teacup poodle that belongs to my friend no longer climbs on people or bites their ankles. She took him to obedience school. Smart little fellow that he is, he graduated valedictorian of his class.

Think about the above if you want your new romantic interest to fall in lasting puppy love with you and your dog.