First date - guy bringing dog

[Macaroni46]

So I've been chatting to a guy online who seems very nice etc and we have arranged to meet for the first time at the weekend.
We are going for lunch at a pub I a village half way between where we both live.
I am aware he is a dog owner and very fond of his dog. Talks about him a lot, sends pictures of him etc.
Through the course of our message exchange it transpires that he is bringing his dog to the first date. I'm not sure how I feel about this?
AIBU in feeling it's odd? Or should I just embrace it? After all, a plump middle aged woman can hardly be too choosy!

I wouldn't take my dog on a date but having said that, my dog is a complete dick.

Sounds the perfect date to me. Id love a date where i could bring my dogs, like a nice walk and a bite to eat

I’d be delighted as I’m a big dog lover. If you’re not then probably better to not go

If (heaven forbid) I ever felt the need to enter the dating arena again, then "MUST LOVE DOGS" (all animals really) would be the top priority for me..
In terms of dogs and hygiene, I am super conscious of hygiene and don't like any food establishment that isn't.. Dogs don't need to be near food prep areas nor petted by staff!

I agree with ZooeyS. I'd love to be able to take my dog on dates (if I were dating, which I will only do again over my dead body), but she's such a cowbag I fear i would put any potential suitors off.

She won't happily 'wander around making friends with other diners', she'd be trying to bite everyone or steal their food or fight their dogs.

Cowbag, as I said. At least your date's dog must be reasonably well socialised for him even to think of bringing it along.

I agree with the poster that with dog ownership comes quite a bit of hidden responsibility. If you dated a dog owner you'd have to be ok with the "I have to get back for Fido," and "Well, it would be nice to go for a day out in London tomorrow but I can't because of Fido." Spontaneity goes out of the window.

(Otoh Fido makes a wonderful excuse when you want to escape something...)

Marry him

Marry him.

It’s both a good “deal sealer” and reason to leave.

But I’d find it odd

I’m clearly totally in the minority But absolutely no way! If he assumed it was ok without checking then that dog is absolutely his first priority (which is very responsible of him) but at the table?! Yuk! And without asking means it comes before you for consideration from day one. Massive alarm bells!!!

For me it's make or break if you don't enjoy my dog it probably wouldn't work with us longterm so it gets it out of the way early and saves wasting time.

My dog is a total pain in the arse but I love them and try to get them out with me as often as possible. I wouldn't take them on a fancy night out of course but a casual date yes!

I'd like him all the more for it!

My only concern would be I'd spend too much time on the dog and ignore him!! 😂

As a dog owner I would trust my dogs reaction to someone and also their reaction to my dog. I love taking my dogs to the pub and if I met someone that didn't want them coming it would be an instant incompatibility. If my dogs didn't like them it would also be a no. Though I might not bring them on the first date, depends on the person. Also depends how far from home the pub is, if its an hr there, an hr back plus date time - that's going to be a long time for a dog to be on it's own and would need someone to at least let it out for a wee.

I would be fine about it but then I like dogs. You don't seem OK, which is maybe what he is trying to test - if he's that devoted to his dog maybe he wants to sort out who will be just as devoted.

It's a deal maker from me not a deal breaker!

He’s obviously a nice and caring guy that he has considered his dogs needs - tbh I wld rather he brought the dog than have it left for hours and hours at home. Have a great time.

Tbh sounds like the best first date ever... if you aren't feeling it in person you can focus all your energy on the dog!!

If he's a real dog person, the dog will go everywhere possible with him. If you're not really a dog person, he's not the guy for you. Nobody's going to give up their dog because they've started a new relationship.

I'm now wondering if I should say something to him along the lines of I wish you'd asked me first?

There is someone for everyone... and I suspect you would be a better match for someone more uptight and happy to be controlled. Maybe he didn’t ask your permission because it’s a drink at a pub and it’s just a dog. And really, if you see it as more than that.... you have issues.

And before the weird animal haters jump on... if you don’t like animals, state it in your bio, just like people who don’t like smokers do. Then everyone knows where they stand.

Ultimately it's your choice but for the sake of the argument think of it like this:

It's not just your date it's his too. It's likely that his dog is his support system as well as being a beloved pet and this is the point where his dog gets to meet you; if you both get on well I'm sure your date will be a success if not, your date will more than likely not be contacting you again.

It's a case of love me, love my dog.

I'm not really a dog person, it might put me off a bit to be honest. If he had a cat I'd be fine with it though! Each to their own. If you are not into dogs it probably isnt worth wasting both your time.

It’s odd.

Someone bringing their dog would be a massive bonus for me.

I’d only think it rude if he was bringing his best mate or his mother along!!
Not asking your permission to bring the dog is a bit weird?? But personally I’d be ecstatic if it were me and he brought his dog along!! Dogs are also a very good icebreaker so it could make things so much easier. Hope it goes well!

You mentioned that he's talked about the dog a lot and sent photos. Presumably you've done what most of us do and commented favourably despite not being particularly interested. I have dogs. Do I get excited by other people showing me photos and videos of theirs? Do I hell! But I smile nicely and say the right and socially acceptable things because that is just what we do.

So chances are he's taken your "Ooh lovely, another pic of Fido on another walk (shoot me now)" to mean "Oh wow I am sooooo into dogs and you are my ideal man because you've got one." Hence him not thinking to ask if it is okay. He probably thinks you're dying to meet the dog too and is probably a bit nervous- it's almost like having a hairy chaperone gazing at you both from the car.

IF HIS NAME BEGINS WITH A D AND IT IS A SAUSAGE DOG, RUN FOR THE HILLS