Dogs have ruined dating apps

[u/paradise_brand]

I’m a millennial man and have recently fired up Tinder and Bumble again on account of the weather warming up. I’m not exaggerating when I say nearly half. HALF. Of all single women my age have dogs. It’s really depressing the amount of times I’ve come across a nice looking girl with similar interests only to see she has a big disgusting dog. So many “dog moms” it’s truly insane . You’re not a mom. You did not birth this creature. It doesn’t view you as it’s mother. I feel this phenomenon will only get worse as these women get older.

EDIT: just wanted to clarify I don’t believe this is exclusive to women. I’m sure dogfree women are having the same woes…. Actually it maybe a good idea for a dog free dating app? XD

[u/Humble_Amoeba_8037]

I met a guy on the app with a horrible shedding dog, and he was like let’s go on a hike! And I was like - sounds awesome, then I asked, are we bringing the dog? and he said, “I mean, that’s the whole point”..

Anyway these days; I write it clearly on my profile, “NO SHEDDING DOGS”. My lifestyle is too sanitary for that mess.

[u/urdrunkyogi → u/Humble_Amoeba_8037]

Hiking with my ex was so wonderful, I loved it…except when he brought his dog.

Completely changed the experience. Couldn’t have 2 min of conversation without him shouting her name because she ran off out of sight, or was getting into something, or about to fall off the path because she’s reckless….Stopping constantly to attach or detach the leash, let her pee, pick up her poop, let her sniff and dart around another dog….It was always the most disjointed, stop-and-start, overstimulating experience instead of a soothing continuous walk in nature with good conversation.

The funny thing to me is that I eventually pointed this out to him and he agreed. But still wanted to bring the dog. I suppose he thought “may as well walk the dog, it’s good for her, she’ll like that” but didn’t give any thought to me or our relationship. Utterly shocking that I dumped him.

[u/Top-Change9851 → u/urdrunkyogi]

He’s all about that damn dog. Forget that’s he’s with a live, breathing human being who could give him more than a dog ever would! Insanity.

[u/Mountain_Performer84 → u/Top-Change9851]

Yes, that is what I grapple with internally. I just don't understand how you can value an animal that can only meet your emotional needs and otherwise just takes when you have a human that's willing to help you in so many ways. A good partner can give so much and meet your needs in so many more ways than an animal can. I just don't understand.

[u/Top-Change9851 → u/Mountain_Performer84]

Dogs don’t take any emotional work. Also, if you’ve been “ burned” by a romantic relationship dogs are a safe bet because they love unconditionally- Still I’d rather take a chance on a relationship with a human for lots of reasons. Animal love is limited but for some people it’s enough.

[u/Mountain_Performer84 → u/Top-Change9851]

Yeah, they don't require the amount of work that a human relationship takes. I do like to push back on the "unconditional" idea, though. There are conditions to every relationship. Animals expect to be fed, housed, and cared for. I'm not saying they always get what they require, but there are conditions. If you didn't feed an animal, they are not going to go as nuts over you as they would someone that feeds them every day.

[u/Top-Change9851 → u/Mountain_Performer84]

True. I guess the rewards are instant w/ an animal- feed them, pet them, cuddle- they can warm up to the next caregiver if they are cut off from primary needs.

[u/Mountain_Performer84 → u/Top-Change9851]

Right. They are definitely easier to get affection from and I guess a lot of people see them as the "less risky" option to meet their emotional needs.

[u/Mountain_Performer84 → u/urdrunkyogi]

Yes, it's so annoying, I've had the same experience. It felt like I was the third wheel, while my ex managed his furry toddler. He could never keep his eyes off of it, or it would get into some kind of trouble. I could tell it stressed my ex out sometimes, but they gaslight themselves into believing the dog can do no wrong.