Puppy love: dogs and dating

Doggie dating may sound like it belongs in the same category of pet-related frivolity and freakishness as puppy tutus and doggie high heels, but the truth is, the practice is not all that bizarre, and may even be crucial to your dog's wellbeing.

 

According to animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), dogs are pack animals who need to be with other dogs as much as they need a loving human family.

 

"Animals get depressed if deprived of adequate social interaction, so let them "chat" and play with other dogs on walks and at parks," PETA said on their website. 

 

"A happy dog's life is not one long series of commands: Let them live a little, make choices, and take their time," PETA said.

 

Also, when a dog is in heat or ready to mate, it is important to find them a healthy partner, which makes doggie dating more sensible than it sounds.

 

"Siyempre karapatan din naman ng aso na magkaroon ng mate." said Kathy Alagao in a report on GMA News' "Saksi." Alagao is the owner of a Siberian Husky, who found a doggie date through an online community of Siberian Husky owners.

 

 

In the report, fellow Siberian Husky owner Chicko Cuenca explained that when their dog goes in heat, they go on the network to find a stud, which they choose based on breed, age, and health.

 

"'Pag nag-heat 'yung aso, magpo-post kami, and kunwari itong si Uno, nag-heat, wanting for stud, naghahanap kami. Then 'yung mga members magpi-PM din sa 'min, magbibigay ng quality, 'yung mga papel, then pipiliin namin," Cuenca said.

 

Apart from online communities, pet owners can also log on to websites like datemypet.com where they can arrange for a one-on-one meet-up with a doggie partner, or join a group date to meet other dogs and their companions.

 

Veterinarian Joseph de Guzman shared in the report that certain howls and noises can reveal if two dogs are fit to mate with each other.

 

Other signs such as tail-wagging, sniffing each others' rear, and playing are also good signs that the dogs are willing to mate with each other.

 

"Interaction mangyayari 'yan especially 'pag may menstruation 'yung aso. So 'yung pheromones o 'yung amoy ng female dog na-attract 'yung mga male dog. That's why minsan hindi nakakakain 'yung lalaking aso," de Guzman said. Pet dates are for dogs' owners too

 

But it's not just dogs that find partners through doggie dating.

 

Psychologist Analyn Ripotola said that pet dates are not only for dogs but for their owners as well. 

 

"Madali 'tong makahanap ng date kung 'yung ida-date mo na tao is mahilig siya sa pets kasi lumalabas 'yung personality niya, 'yung kindness niya, 'yung soft side niya," she said in the "Saksi" report.

 

It certainly was the case for Naan Mallari, who may not have met her boyfriend Leric through a dating website, but became closer to him through their shared love for dogs. 

 

Now, even their mini pinschers have mated and have puppies of their own. 

 

Taking care of the dogs has brought them closer together, Mallari said in the report. 

 

"Nagkaroon kami ng teamwork na, 'O, sinong gigising sa ganitong oras, or ganyan.' And nagkaroon na kami, parang mayroon na kaming baby," she shared. —KG, GMA News