With Valentine’s Day just a heartbeat away, Rover.com has today revealed that almost three quarters (71%) of British dog owners say they would dump a love interest if their pooch disapproved.
The research highlights just how deeply our furry companions influence our love lives – whether it’s a wag of approval or a growl of discontent, over half (54%) claim they trust their dog’s judgement on a potential partner more than their own. In fact, pet parents rely on their dog to sniff out a ‘bad egg’ even more so than their friends (57%) and family (51%) – with 71% agreeing their dog has a ‘sixth sense’ when it comes to sussing someone out.
So it may come as little surprise that 72% say their pooch’s approval is a deal-breaker in a relationship. In fact, the majority (96%) of pet owners expect a new partner to fully embrace their fur-baby as their own, whether that’s by showing them some puppy love (82%), regular dog walks (60%), celebrating their birthday (26%), and even accepting a sloppy kiss (21%).
On the flip side, almost a third of dog owners (30%) confess to having been ‘dog-blocked’ themselves, with a date’s pooch failing to display the wag of approval. Nearly 1 in four (23%) attributed this to the dog being overly protective of their owner, while a quarter (27%) revealed they have felt a ‘third wheel’ in the past, feeling the need to compete for a partner’s time (13%) and affections (11%).
Sup-paw-ting the research further, 42% of respondents confessed to having prioritised their pooch over a partner – with 63% even saying have felt a stronger emotional bond with their dog. And proving the power of pooches, 22% admitted they’ve felt more nervous meeting a partner’s dog than their parents, often going the extra mile to win over the pup’s heart.
However, despite canines playing cupid, more than a third (36%) admit that in reality, they see their dog as their one true love, claiming they feel more loved by their dog than they do their other half (42%). In fact, over half of owners (55%) even go as far as to refer to their dog as their ‘soulmate’.
The Top 10 Breeds That Are the Best Judge of Character
- Labrador Retriever (9%)
- Bordie Collie (8%)
- German Shepherd (8%)
- Cocker Spaniel (7%)
- Cockapoo (6%)
- Golden Retriever (6%)
- Jack Russell Terrier (5%)
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier (4%)
- Dachshund (4%)
- Shih Tzu (4%)
Adem Fehmi, Rover’s Canine Behaviourist comments: “Meeting a partner’s dog for the first time can be a big step in the relationship, so preparation is key. Start by learning about the dog’s temperament – is it confident or cautious around new people? Understanding this will help tailor your approach. During your initial meetings, pay close attention to the dog’s body language and keep your tone calm, allowing them to come to you on their own terms. If they don’t come, respect their space and give them time. Dogs are more likely to warm to you when they trust that you won’t invade their space uninvited.”
“Treats can help build trust, and a walk on neutral ground can also be a great way to break the ice and start building a bond with your partner’s furry companion, creating positive associations. If the dog enjoys playtime, this can also be an excellent opportunity for further bonding – so be sure to ask your partner to bring along their dog’s favourite toy!”
Whether you’re embarking on a new romance or looking to fetch some uninterrupted quality time with your partner, Rover is here to help. With trusted sitters and walkers ready to shower your pet with care, new users can enjoy £20 off their first booking this Valentine’s with the code FURLOVE24. Terms and conditions apply.
