I think my dog wants more people around

[Jen W]

My dog LOVES people.  I realize this makes her different from exactly no other doodle.  But anyway, I am single and live alone in a new city where I don't know a lot of people.  She seems so energized when people come over or when I take her somewhere where there are lots of people, even if it's just one other person.  I am starting to feel really guilty about the fact that she doesn't get as much human interaction as she probably wants.  At least once a week she goes to doggy daycare where she gets to play both with other people and other dogs and once a week we go to my mom's house where she gets to play with grandma and possibly one of my nieces/nephews.  But that's it.  Otherwise it's just me.

Does anyone else out there live alone with their dog and feel this way? 

Should I adopt a child so she isn't so lonely?  (I"M KIDDING!!!....but she really does love kids)

[Lynda Kamrath]

Actually getting your dog out more is great for you and for her.  I meet people all the time when I am walking with my dogs.  We get out almost daily and everyone wants to talk about my dogs.  Find ways for both of you to get out more often.  You will find you are getting more exercise and she will be happier also.  How about some classes for you and your dog in the evenings.  We always meet lots of people at the behavior and obedience classes we have attended.

[BG and Gavin]

Do you think she has the other requirements it takes to be a therapy dog?  Loving attention and wanting to meet every person they see is certainly a necessary quality.  Once certified you can meet her needs with volunteer work meeting all kinds of people :)

[Jen W]

I think eventually she will be a great therapy dog and her trainer agrees.  But for right now she is 15 months old and still loves to jump up on people. The trainer thought by the time she is 4-5 we could work towards certification.  Thanks!

[Miss Ellie]

Sounds to me like you are already socializing her quite well...I wouldn't worry about it at all:)

[Sally S Miles]

Your dog is gorgeous.  My doodle is sixteen months and a total people freak - sometimes it's downright embarrassing how happy she is to meet people - but she's very very good when it's business. think my doodle would sit on street corners and pet strangers all day long....   She turns down food for people, but after a while she insists on her chill time.    Until someone else shows up - -  :)     

Having  a dog is a sure fire way to meet people in a new city.  Sounds to me like you have it well in hand, but there are always places to take the dog where you can do both. Parks and classes and supply shops, vet's, groomers, ball fields and consider going for a walk at different times to see how the scenery changes.