What is it about dog owners...

[PerfectlyChaotic]

...that makes them so very lovely? This has been a surprising added bonus for me since welcoming Dpup into our lives a few months ago. Is it the recognition of a kindred spirit? Maybe I'm just lucky that we live where we do but I love the fact that on every walk we meet kind, helpful &, most importantly, non-judgy fellow dog people. So, does dog ownership bring out the best in people, or are the best people drawn to sharing their lives with a dog?!!

I don't know but it's funny l was thinking same thing today l have a lovely 12 month old very friendly rescue beagle l got her about six weeks ago. She hadn't been trained or socialised at all hen l got her so l have been asking every dog owner we meet if it's alright if she 'says hello' l ask them first if their dog is friendly with other dogs and if so would they mind. Had lovely supportive responses from almost all , even those who have declined as their dog is reactive etc have been nice about it. My last dog was an old rescue Heinz 57 who was very reactive when l got him and then as he got old and infirm reverted to form . So l spent a large part of the time l had him crossing the road and avoiding other dog owners so l missed out on all this. Even after l'd worked hard at getting him to be fairly good with some dogs he was never brilliant with them except certain ones and only when both off lead.

Dogs are just good for the soul!

Theory: dog owners have to put on a brave face to combat the collective shame of picking up dog poo...??

Haha Salmon , yes it's hard to take yourself too seriously when picking up/carrying a bag of poo.

Agree. I have had some lovely chats with fellow dog walkers .... even swapping numbers to arrange meet ups. Ended up at the pub with a couple the other day!

Yes foofoo...I ended up in the (doggy friendly!) cafe recently with one lady I was chatting to. Salmon, excellent theory - I wondered whether it was because chances are we've all been MORTIFIED at some stage or another by our furry ones and therefore have some sort of collective empathy. I love hearing all the tales (& reassurace) about the shenanigans of their ddogs when they were pups 😬

does dog ownership bring out the best in people, or are the best people drawn to sharing their lives with a dog?!!

Both. I think in general to share your life with a dog you need to be a caring person. It has also been scientifically shown that dog owners are happier (thought to be down to the calming effect of owning a dog and the increased exercise from dog walking). So nice people own dogs, who in turn make them happier, thus even nicer.

Dog owners are the best kind of people in general

Dog owners are the best kind of people in general

^^ this. I'm always wary of people who don't like dogs (as opposed to being scared of them).

I'm always wary of people who don't like dogs (as opposed to being scared of them).

So am I. The two anti-dog people in my family are both awful people, and I don't think it's a coincidence that they don't like dogs.