Are You a Fun Date?

I love going out to dinner with my husband. He listens to what I’m saying with genuine interest, gives me honest, loving feedback and tells great stories. We are constantly making each other laugh. We can always think of something to talk about.

Sometimes I notice other people eating together, couples or otherwise, who don’t seem to be having such a great time. In fact, they appear to be two strangers who happened to sit at the same table. Each is looking around in the other directions, reading a paper, talking on a cell phone…everything but being engaged in conversation with the person across the table.

You know what these diners remind me of? They remind me of how some people walk their dogs. You know, the people who just walk the dog, instead of walking with the dog. The person is there. The dog is there. But neither is engaged. They are not on a date. They are not in a committed relationship. They just happen to be on opposite ends of the same leash, much like the disconnected couple on opposite sides of the table.

I think it’s important for couples and friends to keep that spark in their relationship. It’s important to connect, to listen, to give feedback, to entertain, to uplift and to care. It’s equally important when walking with your dog. If you want a dog to pay attention to you, it’s imperative that you pay attention to the dog and give him something to pay attention to!

For starters, talk! Tell your dog he’s very handsome, a good walker and make some kissie noises at him. Smile when he makes eye contact. Give him positive feedback when he walks nicely. Say his name. Be present. Offer him a bite of food now and again. You can think about the checkbook, work, politics, your diet, your mother…whatever…later. Or, you can talk to your dog about those things! Dogs are fantastic listeners and they keep all of your secrets.

So tell me…are you a good doggy date?