Single in Vancouver: Head to the dog park with your four-legged wingman

Single in Vancouver? Your dog may just be the wingman you’re looking for? I don’t suggest you go out and purchase a dog as a pick up tool but, if you happen to own a four-legged companion it may help you out in the dating department. If you have a furry friend such as myself, you know that no matter the weather conditions, the time of day or how bad your hangover may be, dogs need to be walked or let outside. Rather than stand alone in silence at your nearest dog park, why not spark up a convo with a fellow dog walker? I can’t promise you a selection of male and female models standing amidst the Vancouver greenery, but, if you’re lucky, you’ll arrive just as some attractive single shows up alongside their pooch.

Now ladies, please don’t go and get your hair and makeup done pre Dog Park outing, and men don’t expect women to be dressed for a black and white gala. The dog park is a place for yoga pants and sweats, rain boots and running shoes where the majority of dog owners gag in disgust while poop scooping. It’s a comfortable setting making it an ideal spot to meet singles. With one clear and common interest being the reason you happen to be holding white poop bags and a leash, you are able to instantly relate. I like to call obvious common interests “the lead” in any single encounter; this hands you the opportunity to spark a conversation, maybe not romantic or flirtatious, but natural and unforced. As the dogs run about and do their business perhaps you can take a seat on a bench, take a stroll across the park, show off your pitching skills and play fetch with the dogs and maybe even win over your new single friend with some riveting conversation (if the dogs don’t get along there’s little I can do to help you there.) Be that creepy individual who keeps treats in their pocket to hand out to dogs that aren’t theirs. You never know who will be lacking a sufficient amount of doggy poo bags. Why not be that person who they have to awkwardly ask for a bag from?

You don’t want to scare people away from their dog park of choice so try to stay away from those with wedding rings, men with tiny dogs in pink sweaters or people out with their children. As a single, it’s crucial you analyze your prey before the attack; scope out the scene, look for sure signs of solitude or flirtatious eye contact.

Vancouver happens to provide 35 designated “off leash” areas, four of which are fenced off to make for an even more romantic (or creepy) enclosure for your pickup.  Although the beauty of Vancouver’s residents may distract you, be sure to clean up after your pooch. There’s nothing less attractive than stepping in and smelling like poop while attempting to pick someone up. For a detailed list of local dog parks please visit: http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/dog-off-leash-areas.aspx and remember, dogs are a human’s best friend, and a best friend always makes for the best wingman.

Image: Tonbogirl.com