Even after considering from all angles the question of whether to get a dog, potential dog owners who are single frequently forget to consider the impact a pet can make on future long-term human relationships.
For those whose attitude is “Love me, love my dog” then of course getting a dog or puppy would make sense. If, on the other hand, you think there is even a remote possibility that you could form a long-term relationship with someone who doesn’t like pets, then getting a dog could limit your search for love. This angle of dog ownership is surprisingly infrequently discussed.
This article designed mainly toward those considering getting a dog or puppy.
This article is not so much geared toward people who own and really love dogs (and therefore already expect their future partner to have a similar viewpoint). This is more geared toward those who are wondering about all the ramifications of having that cute dog or puppy in their lives.
Why is this issue a big deal when dating?
Dog ownership can be a strongly polarizing factor when looking for a long-term dating partner. People can feel as strongly about it as smoking versus non-smoking, kids versus no kids… the list goes on.
A potential dog owner may think, “What’s the big deal? My date should like me for who I am, not whether or not I have a dog!” However, from a non-animal-lover point of view, it means sharing the additional long-term responsibility of a dog. This is especially true if the couple is to be married or living together. The prospect of having the shared responsibility of doggy care – and someone else’s choice of dog at that! – can make some non-animal-lovers run for the hills when they find out a possible long-term dating partner has a dog. No, I’m not kidding here.
I am not suggesting that a solo person should never get a dog – that is silly, and there is no one-size-fits-all situation. Instead, your love life is something you should simply take into consideration when deciding whether to get a dog.
Of course, some non-animal-lovers could certainly adapt happily to a dog, especially if the dog has an easygoing temperament. But for others, any dog is a total deal-breaker, much the same way as dating a smoker may be a deal-breaker to some non-smokers. To be fair, it is equally acknowledged that a dog owner may look upon it as a deal-breaker to date someone who isn’t interested in dogs.
Conclusion
If you can’t imagine life without a dog regardless of any ramifications it may have in your love life, then getting a dog or puppy may make sense. If on the other hand you think you could live with a future long-term dating partner who doesn’t like dogs, then be sure to at least think about this factor when deciding about getting a dog.
The bottom line is: your future love life is just one of many factors to take into account when deciding whether to get a dog. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, but it is a question you will want to at least consider if you are deciding to get a pet.
