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!

Hard to say - I am so not a doggy person that I probably wouldn't even choose to date a dog owner.

However I met my DH through Scouting and our first 'date' was to a Scouting activity, I bet a lot of people wouldn't want that .

The important thing is to find someone you are compatible with.

I think the dog is a bit of a red herring

Dang. I was hoping it was a golden retriever

I’d love it! Although I’d probably end up talking to the dog more.

Honestly, until about 6 months ago, I wasn`t at all a dog person and would have found this really weird. I also found the idea of having dogs around food quite unpleasant. However, we got a dog in the summer and now I can completely understand it!

Just see how the date goes - you might find yourself to be a dog lover in time - and what a shame to miss out on what could be a lovely man because you just weren`t a dog person ... yet.

I bloody love dogs, they are MUCH better than humans. I'd go along just for the chance to play with the dog

When I was single I swiped left on everyone who had a dog in their photo (and pretty much everyone else if I'm honest), so it would be a deal breaker for me. It depends how much you like dogs, but unless you've expressed a deep love for dogs and said you'd love to meet his, it seems a bit presumptuous for him to invite his dog on a first date. Maybe he's nervous about keeping the conversation going and thinks that the dog will provide something to talk about if he runs out of things to say

It's a test, if the dog likes you, you're in

Love me, love my dog, as the saying goes. I've grown accustomed to dogs and wouldn't find this objectionable but if there was a problem about the dog having separation anxiety this could cause problems if you wanted to go where they aren't permitted.

I adore dogs! I'd love that if I was going on a first date with someone and they wanted to bring their dog!

I've now got the song 'Love me, Love my dog' in my head - that shows my age .

if you are OK with dogs I would just go along, have a nice lunch and see how you get on, surely it's always best just to keep the first date light hearted and casual?

Is there a dating agency for dog owners?

It’s not odd at all. He hasn’t hidden the fact he has a dog, the date is dog-friendly - and maybe he’s doing it to judge whether you and him would be compatible. That is, would you like the dog being part of his life, and would the dog like you.

Meet him (and the dog) and see how things go. If you genuinely don’t like dogs, then he’s not for you, but if you’re feeling on the fence about it at least you’ll have a chance to meet the dog and see how you feel about it and about this man’s lifestyle.

I think the dog is a bit of a red herring. It’s the not asking and just presuming that’s the issue, and that could indicate a general lack of consideration for other people’s preferences

The true lack of consideration would have been if he’d not let her know and had just surprised her by turning up with it. As it is, she knows, so can cancel or make her thoughts known if she so desires. He’s pinning his colours to the mast by doing this and showing you how it is. I admire the straightforwardness.

As PPs have said, there really is no compromise if someone is a dog person; you have to go along with it or say goodbye.

The dog provides a good ice breaker.

I wouldn’t mind at all.

It's a test! If you don't like the dog then he's thinking there's no future in the relationship. But most dog owners are happy to leave their dogs at home when they go to a cinema/posh restaurant etc etc. Hope you enjoy the date if you do go!

DH and I both brought our dogs on our first date.

What sort of dog is it?
never mind about the owner

I'd love that. Poor date would have to share my attention with the dog. I love a dog.

For me it would be the presumption that you’re ok with it that would bother me. I’d expect someone to ask if that’s alright with you rather than just say they were bringing their dog along.

I’d go on the date and see how it goes though. If he makes the dog the focus of the date and the centre of any conversation I’d be very cautious. As the late Princess Diana said, “There were 3 of us in the relationship.”

Maybe he is bringing the dog to get a second opinion about you.

The dog means a lot to him so if dog doesn’t like you or you don’t like dog then it will be a good indication on whether to pursue this relationship

Wouldn't bother me. In fact I totally would bring my dog on that's sort of date. Then if it's going well suggest we walk her together.

I've brought mine along to a second date before now

I'd love it, but then I love dogs. I'd probably take mine along too.

It's always a talking point if things start getting awkward.

He probably just assumed you'd realise the date included his dog, and I also agree with pp, it's a test: he wants to see how you and his dog get on. I couldn't date a man who didn't get on with my dog, my dog is my constant companion (outside of work) and if the man wasn't a dog lover, or at least prepared to try, then it wouldn't be a starter.

It's the whole premise of 101 Dalmatians isn't it?

Don't forget your wellies, raincoat, and a waterproof hat! And a towel.

“There were 3 of us in the relationship.”
@ThickSock I think my poor DH is very very close to uttering this He complained the other day of how I speak much more nicely to the dog than him. I refrained from asking him what the problem with that was.