Are dog people more friendly?

[dibsmum]

discuss. People are nicer to me when I'm with my dogs and even on here the doghouse seems more friendly than the child focused chat, there is always someone there wanting to start an argument but people seem to respect each others views here. I wondered if there was a scientific or other explanation.

I don't think you're nuts at all weegie. I'm so sorry you've had such a bad experience and I don't blame you for disliking dogs, I hope I haven't offended you and I really appreciate your different viewpoint. This post was only for a bit of fun, I certainly wasn't getting at anyone.

The old man I met in the dog park yesterday wasn't nice AT ALL. As I asked him (quite nicely, considering the circumstances) to get his dog under control as it attempted to maul my lab he respond with "I'VE BEEN COMING HERE FIVE YEARS!".

Um. Good for you. Now get your dog on a lead.

There are always some spoiling it, but most dog people I meet are lovely.

Most are lovely

What's wrong with Labradoodles?! We've got one and he is the most amazing dog in the world. Well, that's what I keep telling him. Biased? Ok, maybe a little. but he still is

I do think there is a certain amount of camaraderie between dog walkers because of all those times when you, yet again, bump into the same people at the park in the cold, dark and the rain because Fido wants a walk when you actually want to be curled up on the sofa with DH, furry friend and a glass of wine!

I have a loveable but slightly loopy lab pup and i have talked to more people since i got her 6 months ago than i did in the previous 3 years since i moved here! Btw - i got her from a breeder who advertised on Gumtree - shoot me down now!

I don't own a dog but when walking the dog owning citizenry nearly always smile and say hello if I admire their dog(s) fawningly catch their eye and smile or say good morning/afternoon, unlike 40% of non dog walkers.

(Falls on OldBag in relief) I thought I'd killed the thread! Of course you're not invisible!

I don't think dog people are necessarily more friendly, but dogs definitely do give you a reason/excuse to chat to people more. Part of that is that they just get you out and about, usually at the same time every day, so you tend to see the same people and get to know each other.

Very good point Ephiny.
A dog gives a reason to talk and to break the ice to people who will never otherwise find it in them to even say hello.
I remember reading about this in Watching the English.