Making friends in a new city can be challenging. But dogs often make that transition easier by sparking conversations, encouraging shared routines, and helping owners feel more connected. Research and real-life experiences show that dogs can boost confidence, improve mental well-being, and open doors to friendships and even romance.
In This Article
Meeting People Through Everyday Dog Activities
When Caroline Myers moved from New York City to Nashville a few years ago, meeting new people was a priority.
“As a military spouse, moving to a new location is always a challenge,” the 26-year-old social worker explains.
Little did she know that “Riley Tucker Myers,” her Labrador Retriever, would play a major role in her budding social life.
“I met a girlfriend at the dog park and our friendship shifted from revolving around our dogs to outside of that,” Myers says. “I’ve also used apps to connect with others in the area and one of the best things to have in common is a pup! There’s a great off-leash dog park near our new home where I have met up with people for the first time.”
Nowadays, dogs aren’t just man’s best friend — they can be instrumental in making new friends.
“People and dogs share a need for social connection and find this in our relationship with one another,” explains Phil Tedeschi, a human-pet relationship expert and Executive Director of the Institute for Human-Animal Connection at the University of Denver. “This serves a very important interpersonal neurobiological dimension of the sense of wellbeing.”
Why Dogs Make You More Approachable
Erin Haggerty echoes Myers’ experience. The 27-year-old account executive has moved three times since owning “Bean,” her mixed-breed dog. But every time she’s moved, Bean has helped her open up to strangers.
“I am better at having random conversations with anyone I happen to bump into,” she explains.” I used to have a hard time talking to just anyone without getting nervous and feeling uncomfortable. But talking about Bean is so easy and a favorite topic so it was easier to have natural conversations.”
Haggerty is not alone. According to a survey from the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) found that 54% of participants felt that owning a dog has helped their confidence, making it easier to talk to strangers.
According to Tedeschi, dogs influence not just how often we socialize, but how we behave socially.
“Dogs don’t only act as important social lubricant and support, they also change the way we interact with other people,” he explains. “Research suggests that our connections with dogs increase our social interactions, evidenced by more openness to others, initiating conversations, focusing toward other people, being more positive, increased physical activity and play, and more laughing.”
How Dogs Can Influence Dating and Relationships
Dogs don’t just help with friendships—they can also play a role in romantic connections. Bella Zaydenberg, a 27-year-old manager, included her dog “Chloe” in her dating life.
“I had ‘My dog swipes for me!’ in my dating profile on-and-off for years,” she says. “I never noticed an uptick or any correlation between having that in my bio, but it helped with my matches asking genuine questions about my dog without just saying, ‘Oh, cute dog.”‘
And while her current boyfriend claimed he wasn’t a big dog person when they first met, Zaydenberg thinks Chloe helped changed his mind. “He went on a trip to Disneyland not long after we started dating, and he bought her souvenir before he bought anyone else’s — including mine,” she shares.
Shared interest in dogs can create natural conversation starters, foster common ground, and even help strengthen early connections.
How Dogs Support Mental Health and Routine
Beyond social benefits, dogs can also help improve your relationship with yourself. A strong sense of well-being makes it easier to build meaningful connections with others.
According to a poll sponsored by AARP and Michigan Medicine, 90% of respondents said having a dog helped them enjoy life and feel loved while 80% claimed their pets helped them de-stress.
Tedeschi explains the science behind this connection. “Increased beta-endorphin, oxytocin, and dopamine, among other health targets — in both humans and their dogs during time shared — show that time spent together is physiologically and psychologically beneficial for both species.”
Caring for a dog also builds daily structure. Regular walks, feeding schedules, and outdoor time encourage consistency and physical activity, which can improve mood and make socializing feel more approachable.
Balancing Your Social Life With Your Dog’s Needs
While dogs can enhance your social life, it’s important to make sure their needs come first. Not every dog enjoys crowded parks or frequent new interactions.
“Many dogs will learn to tolerate some of the actions but may be experiencing distress, fear, and anxiety,” Tedeschi says. “But they conclude that we aren’t respectful or good listeners so learn to accommodate these interactions.”
Just like us, all dogs have different personalities, so understanding your specific breed’s personality is key.
“We often assume that what we enjoy, our dogs will also enjoy,” Tedeschi adds. “It is critical in understanding our dogs, recognizing that they are capable of telling us what they enjoy and don’t appreciate.”
But whether you have a convivial Pembroke Welsh Corgi or a bashful Beagle, early socialization is crucial to help your dog feel more comfortable in different environments.
“Socialization of young dogs is critical — especially for dogs that may have a tendency towards being nervous or anxious,” he says. “Introducing puppies to new experiences at a young age expands their horizons and creates a better-adjusted dog.”
Key Takeaways
- Dogs can make it easier to meet people by creating natural opportunities for conversation and shared activities
- Talking about your dog can boost confidence and make social interactions feel more comfortable
- Dogs can help build both friendships and romantic connections through shared interests
- Caring for a dog supports mental well-being and routine, which can improve social engagement
- Always consider your dog’s personality and comfort level in social settings
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do dogs help you meet new people?
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Dogs create natural opportunities for interaction during walks, at dog parks, or in training classes. They also give people an easy topic to start conversations, making socializing feel more approachable.
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Can having a dog really improve confidence?
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Yes. Research shows many dog owners feel more confident talking to others. Having a dog can ease social anxiety by providing a shared interest and shifting focus away from yourself.
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Do dogs help with dating?
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They can. Dogs often act as conversation starters and help establish common ground. They may also signal traits like responsibility and warmth, which can support early connections.
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What if my dog doesn’t like social situations?
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It’s important to respect your dog’s comfort level. Some dogs may feel stressed in crowded or unfamiliar environments, so choose settings that match their personality and needs.