You're settled in your apartment. Now how do you make new dog friends?
Your dog makes it easy to meet new people in your apartment's neighborhood. All you have to do is commit to the process, and the rest will happen naturally. People love dogs, and dogs are an instant ice-breaker. Here's how to make dog friends in your community.
Depending on who you want to meet, think about how you look when you walk your dog. This is easier said than done at 6:00 a.m. but at other times of day, there's every chance you'll get into a conversation with someone new. If you're wanting to meet other families, you might wear a clue that you have a family. If you're looking for love, spray on something that smells nice and wear attractive clothes. If you're simply looking for dog buddies with whom you might walk or have "play-dates," then no worries. A leash and collar is all you need to worry about.
It all starts with this. You can't meet anyone if you're looking down when you pass each other. Don't be shy. Look another dog-walker in the eye, and say something about their dog. Voila! Instant conversation will almost always ensue. A question about breed, or a comment on cuteness is always a winner.
In time, you'll learn who walks which dog at what time of day. It's not uncommon to see the same people if you hold to the same schedule. So if you want to mix it up a bit, vary your dog-walking schedule. You never know who you'll run into when you go out at different times. Or if you've seen someone you'd like to meet, you might try walking your dog when they do, increasing your odds of a conversation.
What better place is there for meeting new friends than dog parks? You already have one big (four-footed) thing in common. Your lifestyles are somewhat similar because dogs have the same needs. And you've got an easy starting point for conversation. You might try a few different times of day, to meet as many people as possible.
In time, you'll learn who's on "your route" and you'll likely either be friends or not. When you're ready to add to your growing group of dog-friends, simply choose a new route. This might include walking a different direction, or even driving to a different dog park than the one in your neighborhood.
Most cities have a few dog-centric events, if not a whole bevy of them. Check for posters at your local pet shops, or look online for meet-ups, facebook pages, and #dogs hashtags. You might find a local "yappy hour," a "Mutt Strut 5k" or all sorts of other fun events you can attend with your best friend. Together, you'll make new friends of the furry and non-furry variety.
See Also: More dog articles
A contributing editor and video producer at ApartmentGuide and Rent.com, Libby McMillan Henson has created award-winning content for radio, tv, print and digital for over two decades. Libby recently authored a book about her home base of Greenville, SC, and has also lived in Austin, San Francisco, Nashville, Boston and Sanibel/Captiva Islands. A lifelong traveler and photographer, Libby loves exploring new places and sharing her finds.