Furever Love

Bringing Home a New Dog Is Basically Like a First Date 🐶💘

 
Let’s be honest: adopting or fostering a dog is kind of like going on a first date. A really hairy, tail-wagging, drool-worthy first date. The vibe is the same — awkward glances, cautious sniffing (from them, hopefully), and that big question looming in the background:

“Do you like me?” 😅

 
No judgment, but some of y'all might need a quick refresher on first-date etiquette. So, here's how to treat that first week (or month!) with your new four-legged companion like you’re navigating a delicate new romance:

🐾 1. Take It Slow, Romeo
Just like you wouldn’t show up to a first date with a U-Haul and matching sweaters, don’t expect your new pup to immediately feel at home or act like they’ve been your soul dog since birth. They’ve just been through a big change — being lost, surrendered, in a shelter, maybe even a name change — and now there’s a human squealing “YOU’RE SO CUTE I LOVE YOU” in their face. Give them space. Let them sniff, explore, and decide when they’re ready to cuddle. It’s not rejection — it’s just doggy boundaries.

🛋️ 2. Don’t Force the Cuddle

Imagine meeting someone for the first time and they immediately pick you up, stroke your hair, and whisper, “We’re going to be together forever.” You’d probably get the ick. 

So, you've got a new dog. We get it. They're cute. You're smitten. But this isn't the moment for kisses, cuddles, or going public on social media. You just met. They don't know your intentions yet. Even if it’s love at first sight, cool your jets - you don’t want to scare them off if you’re coming on too strong! 

 
This isn't a fling; it's the start of something real. Let them come to you. Don’t be a stage-5 clinger! That ain’t cute and you know it. Sometimes it's from a look they give you, their body language, or actually speaking - whether it be in the form of a whimper, grumble, or bark.  (Remember: consent matters, even with loving our pets.)

Avoid eye-contact if a dog seems nervous or unsure. Don't force any type of physical contact. Really, letting them come to you and in their own time will help you earn their trust. Let them set the pace and honor that. It'll pay off in the end. 

 

🍝 3. Bond Over Food (Obviously)

 If romantic comedies have taught us anything, it’s that shared meals bring people together. The same applies to dogs. Who remembers Lady and the Tramp? Where there’s food… there’s love! 

 
Hand-feeding a few treats or giving meals nearby can build trust. High-value treats go a long way when courting a new pup. Like some of us (no shame in that game), the way to our hearts is through our stomachs. Dogs would happily prove that notion about themselves. So, grab those treats and feed them some love.  

 🧗‍♀️4. Save the Adventure Dates for Later 
Keep things calm and close to home. No breweries, dog parks, road trips… not even long, romantic walks on the beach at sunset. And by beach, we mean — any of the AZ lakes in the area.  Your pet's just trying to figure out which room has the snacks, don't make them learn a whole new location yet. Especially one hustling and bustling with people and sounds unfamiliar to them. Keep it light and casual, your pup will thank you later.

 
🤝 5. Don’t Introduce them to Your Mom Just Yet 
You ever meet someone and they immediately wanted you to meet their whole friend group, mom, therapist, or even psychic (who’d predicted you’d meet one day)? Yikes.

Your pet doesn't need to meet your whole social circle (or animal crew) right away. Let them settle in, one face at a time. Save the group hangs for later. A proper decompression period and slow intros are key to setting your new pup up for success. So, give them time to settle, drop their guards, and shine at their own pace. Remember, slow and steady wins the race.

👻 6. Ghosting Is Not Cool
Imagine showing up to a blind date and immediately getting ditched at a party where you know no one. Or worse, being ditched somewhere unfamiliar while alone. That’s how your pet feels when they're left alone right away.

Bottom line: Don't ghost your new pet. Stick close. If you have to be away from them, make sure you leave them in a space where they feel safe with some sort of enrichment toys or treats to help keep their minds off missing you.

💩 7. Accidents Happen. Clean It Up and Move On

 Metaphorically and literally.

Potty accidents, chewing shoes, barking at ceiling fans — it’s all part of the “getting to know you” phase.

They may tremble, hide, pace, or — ahem — redecorate your carpet or furniture. It’s not personal. Think of it like a date who knocks over a glass of water because they’re nervous — not a red flag, just a sign they need a little time.

Don’t hold grudges. Just guide, redirect, and gently teach what’s expected. Offer gentle reassurance. Don’t force interaction. And maybe don’t put out your best rug just yet. 

 

❤️ 8. Trust Takes Time — But It’s Worth It
Some folks swipe right, go on one date, and expect sparks to fly immediately. The same energy applies to new pet foster / forever parents who expect instant attachment. Sure, we all may be closet hopeless romantics but some dogs may need time to meet you half way. Mindfully building the right foundation that will help support everlasting love is key here. Don’t give them reason to swipe left instead. 

Sometimes it does happen, but more often, it's a slow burn. They might hide under the bed, bark at their own shadow, side-eye you for three days straight, or even grumble when they feel like you’re crowding their space. It doesn't mean it's not working. It just means you're still getting to know each other. And please, honor that. They [and their love] are 100% worth the wait.

Just like love, real connection grows slowly. One wag at a time. One quiet moment where they fall asleep next to you. One morning you wake up and realize: this fuzzy goofball chose you. In their own time. 

Choose love, just don’t rush the love story.

And maybe bring treats. Treats never hurt.

 

TL;DR: Love doesn't always strike like lightning. Sometimes, it starts with awkward silences, side-eyes, and mutually agreeing that you won't make any sudden moves. But give it time, stay patient, and keep showing up, and you just might find yourself in the best relationship of your life. You’ll look back on that “first date” and say it was love at fur-st sight but we took our time to make sure is was furever love!