Therefore a dog. And I have to say that my Labrador has completely fulfilled my expectations in this respect and far exceeded them. I also heard that a dog is a great flirt factor and that I would definitely meet a new man very quickly. Especially with such an adorable animal.
Today, thirteen years later, I can look back and say that a dog really does attract all kinds of people. I never go for a walk across Hamburg without striking up a conversation with someone. Be it because of their age ("Oh, how cute, a puppy!" or "But he's old, isn't he?!"), because of the petting factor ("Can I touch him?") or because of a pile of dog poo ("You're going to clean that up, aren't you?!" "Yes, as you can see, I'm looking for the bag"). But I never met any potential lovers. The lovers I did have, however, were all enthusiastic about this trusting furry monster after some initial skepticism. Meeting great people, yes. Love affairs, no. Why is that, when a dog is so often recommended as a flirt factor?
What do we look like when we go for a walk with our dog?
Anyone who is a happy dog owner knows the joys of going for a walk. We have to go out in all weathers, without mercy. Early in the morning in jogging bottoms combined with a visit to the bakery. At the weekend, rumpled after a long night out. A long walk in the park in a rain jacket and wellies or at least sturdy running shoes. After all, we cover considerable distances. Dress up and set off in pumps? No way. If not our own, then another dog is sure to jump at us happily and leave its tracks in tights and on light-colored coats. "Oh, you know how it is, you have a dog yourself"! Grrrr. Summer, sun, sunshine? Let's go out to the Elbe and lie down on the beach. Not just once, but several times, my bag was marked by male dogs running around. In other words, marking means peeing on. I'm no longer really relaxed and in a flirtatious mood.
Is it all about the right breed of dog?
A men's magazine gives tips on which dog breeds have the highest flirt factor when a man wants to get to know a woman. The pug, that little rattling, googly-eyed dog, is particularly popular. Honestly, when a guy comes up to me holding a pug low down on the lead, it looks funny. Personally, however, I immediately think that these poor dogs are completely overbred, can hardly breathe and why he wouldn't rather get a sensible dog. That's the subliminal arrogance of the big-dog owner talking to me. The Great Dane, on the other hand, would be too big for me. How would the three of us fit on the sofa? In any case, the dog breed is purely a matter of taste. As a retriever, my Labrador tops the list of favorite flirty dogs, followed by German shepherd, Yorkshire terrier, dachshund, poodle and pug. Poodles??? You hardly see them anymore. I don't know where the data comes from. A fighting dog, by the way, is an absolute no-go. But I would say that depends entirely on the environment in which we find ourselves.
Men have a clear advantage
Once again, the lines are clear: women are more attracted to men with dogs than men are to women with dogs. This was the result of a Parship study from 2016. Can it be that simple? It has nothing to do with my outfit, my mood or my Labrador? Is it simply because I'm a woman? One in three single women have a positive view of men owning a pet, while conversely only one in four do. However, it also depends on the type of animal. I suspect that owners of tarantulas or aquariums have to put up with far more than cat and especially dog moms and dads. Incidentally, I once lent my dog to a male colleague to get to know women. He went to the dog run, I went to the sauna. Wonderful! But it didn't seem to go down well with the women when he yelled in a slight panic at the dog, who was already sitting calmly behind him.
A dog is a door opener for friendships
In a survey conducted by the research group "Pets in Society", 77 percent of the dog owners questioned stated that they were approached more often by their dog. Oh yes, I can confirm that. Without a dog, I'm downright invisible, whereas with a dog I'm like a lighthouse sticking out of the sea, attracting all the people who feel lonely, have a dog themselves, are in a cuddly mood or are looking for someone to talk to. Sometimes that's good and sometimes I just want some peace and quiet. But then I would have had to get another dog. One that looks dangerous and not one that nudges strangers and asks to be stroked. A trusting dog like that, on the other hand, makes the advance praise skyrocket and acts as a soft focus. Because with a dog like that, I don't seem to be a bad person at all. That has certainly benefited me in my work over the years. And I've actually made some really good friends through the dog.
Dog yes, flirt factor unimportant
So what do I conclude from this? Having a dog is great and I can only recommend getting one to everyone. Especially every single person. Because it opens your heart, increases your ability to empathize immeasurably and will be a loyal companion. You'll feel less alone and always have a reason to get out of the house. In turn, you will do something good for your body and soul with sunshine, fresh air and exercise. However, getting a dog in order to meet a partner would be irresponsible towards the animal. And ultimately it won't do you any good. But with a dog in your heart, you will radiate much more confidence, contentment and balance. And with this inner attitude, you can really get any flirt going!