Meeting a new guy's dogs--what treat to bring?
July 13, 2010 2:35 PM Subscribe
About to meet a pair of dachshunds (belonging to the guy I've been out with a couple of times) for the first time. I'd like to bring them a special treat. I know nothing about dachshunds--what are good dog treats for them? Also open to bringing a toy.
Additional considerations: we've been dating about a week and have gone out twice. It's gone extremely well, and I'm smitten and pretty confident he feels similarly about me. Is it a good/bad idea to bring something for the dogs?
Dogs are two female doxies, both around 4-5 years old.
Would an edible treat or a toy be better?
Bonus if you can recommend a place in NYC (East Village or Williamsburg) to buy said treat. I live right near Whiskers and Puppy Love Kitty Kat in the EV.
Thanks! (and I'll post a pic in the comments if I can get one)
Additional considerations: we've been dating about a week and have gone out twice. It's gone extremely well, and I'm smitten and pretty confident he feels similarly about me. Is it a good/bad idea to bring something for the dogs?
Dogs are two female doxies, both around 4-5 years old.
Would an edible treat or a toy be better?
Bonus if you can recommend a place in NYC (East Village or Williamsburg) to buy said treat. I live right near Whiskers and Puppy Love Kitty Kat in the EV.
Thanks! (and I'll post a pic in the comments if I can get one)
Best answer: Don't bring food. People are really particular about what their baby animals eat. A toy that does not make sounds would be great.
posted by 2bucksplus at 2:40 PM on July 13, 2010
posted by 2bucksplus at 2:40 PM on July 13, 2010
"I'd say you should bring a toy" is what I meant. Apparently thinking about treats just got me too excited for proper grammar.
posted by verbyournouns at 2:40 PM on July 13, 2010
posted by verbyournouns at 2:40 PM on July 13, 2010
I think bringing something for the dogs would be bizarre.
posted by lizzicide at 2:41 PM on July 13, 2010
posted by lizzicide at 2:41 PM on July 13, 2010
Best answer: Why don't you ask your date? Some dogs have dietary issues, or training ones.
Also keep in mind that some people give treats to their dogs "just because", and some people don't. My dog has to work for his treats, and people who give him treats without making him do *something* for it quickly discover a very pushy dog wanting more! more! more! so that's not something I encourage as a dog owner. But even just asking for a "sit" is enough.
posted by ambrosia at 2:42 PM on July 13, 2010
Also keep in mind that some people give treats to their dogs "just because", and some people don't. My dog has to work for his treats, and people who give him treats without making him do *something* for it quickly discover a very pushy dog wanting more! more! more! so that's not something I encourage as a dog owner. But even just asking for a "sit" is enough.
posted by ambrosia at 2:42 PM on July 13, 2010
I wouldn't bring anything for the dogs yet. Just be super nice to them.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 2:44 PM on July 13, 2010
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 2:44 PM on July 13, 2010
I don't know if I'd go as far as bizarre, but it certainly doesn't seem necessary, and maybe would be a little weird unless the dogs have been a significant part of your conversations to date. It might make more sense to meet them first, then bring them a treat the second time around.
And yeah, I'd say probably a toy at that point (waiting might have the additional advantage of giving you an idea for what to bring them).
posted by nickmark at 2:44 PM on July 13, 2010
And yeah, I'd say probably a toy at that point (waiting might have the additional advantage of giving you an idea for what to bring them).
posted by nickmark at 2:44 PM on July 13, 2010
I would consider this to be weird, if it's out of the blue. Now, if he's made some form of comment about you meeting the dogs with regards to it being important, then maybe. But you don't need to buy their love like you would a small child.1
However, if you think it's a big deal meeting the dogs, then yes, get a toy (not food), and definitely not a squeaky toy.
1: Instead, plop right down and play with them, if they're friendly. As a former dog owner, that is a good sign.
posted by Lemurrhea at 2:44 PM on July 13, 2010
However, if you think it's a big deal meeting the dogs, then yes, get a toy (not food), and definitely not a squeaky toy.
1: Instead, plop right down and play with them, if they're friendly. As a former dog owner, that is a good sign.
posted by Lemurrhea at 2:44 PM on July 13, 2010
I have to disagree with lizzicide. In the absence of other weird gestures ("Hi, I brought my toothbrush! Where's the medicine cabinet?") bringing a toy or treat for the dogs sounds sweet. A toy is definitely the safe bet. Rawhide bones always seem to be a hit, but they can be messy.
posted by lore at 2:45 PM on July 13, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by lore at 2:45 PM on July 13, 2010 [2 favorites]
Best answer: The biggest treat you can bring a dog is attention returned once the sniffing has ceased and you get the "all cool" look.
posted by adipocere at 2:48 PM on July 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by adipocere at 2:48 PM on July 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
Is it a good/bad idea to bring something for the dogs?
Not at all. If you're going to be spending time together, you definitely want the dogs smitten with you too and there's nothing like bribing them with food. Check with the guy to see what's ok.
posted by new brand day at 2:48 PM on July 13, 2010
Not at all. If you're going to be spending time together, you definitely want the dogs smitten with you too and there's nothing like bribing them with food. Check with the guy to see what's ok.
posted by new brand day at 2:48 PM on July 13, 2010
Rawhide bones always seem to be a hit
Actually, rawhide can be bad. It can have lots of bad chemicals (I forget which) and isn't great for being in their tummies.
Sorry not to be more help. I know that our dogs never get rawhide for some good reason.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 2:49 PM on July 13, 2010
Actually, rawhide can be bad. It can have lots of bad chemicals (I forget which) and isn't great for being in their tummies.
Sorry not to be more help. I know that our dogs never get rawhide for some good reason.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 2:49 PM on July 13, 2010
Best answer: If you get rawhide bones or strips (my dachshund loves these) make sure you get the plain, unbasted kind. The basted kind leaves marks on carpeting.
The new floppy toys without stuffing are great for dachshunds. They flop around really easily, allowing a dachshund to grab the toy and violently shake it. Dachshunds really like to do that since they were bred to kill small animals.
There are also toys where you can insert an empty plastic water bottle inside, allowing the dog to really "crunch" into it. They like these types of toys as well.
posted by Ostara at 2:50 PM on July 13, 2010
The new floppy toys without stuffing are great for dachshunds. They flop around really easily, allowing a dachshund to grab the toy and violently shake it. Dachshunds really like to do that since they were bred to kill small animals.
There are also toys where you can insert an empty plastic water bottle inside, allowing the dog to really "crunch" into it. They like these types of toys as well.
posted by Ostara at 2:50 PM on July 13, 2010
Best answer: Wait until the second dog-date so that you can see what your smitten already has/prefers for his puppas, and so the puppas can get used to you, too. Then go crazy with the toys! Maybe a small light-vinyl-type frisbee?
Yes? Who's a good puppa? You? Go get the frisbee! Whatta puppa.
posted by not_on_display at 2:53 PM on July 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
Yes? Who's a good puppa? You? Go get the frisbee! Whatta puppa.
posted by not_on_display at 2:53 PM on July 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
Rawhide gives my dog astonishingly foul, room-clearing gas, and thus rawhide is banned from our house. Just saying.
Really, I think just being friendly to them ought to be enough for the first meeting.
posted by ambrosia at 3:01 PM on July 13, 2010
Really, I think just being friendly to them ought to be enough for the first meeting.
posted by ambrosia at 3:01 PM on July 13, 2010
I don't have a dog, so maybe this is a dog owner thing. If a date brought cat toys over I would think it a little weird.
posted by cj_ at 3:07 PM on July 13, 2010
posted by cj_ at 3:07 PM on July 13, 2010
Best answer: I don't think you need to bring anything at the moment, but I think the way you greet his little girls could have an impact.
A beautiful diagram.
posted by The ____ of Justice at 3:08 PM on July 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
A beautiful diagram.
posted by The ____ of Justice at 3:08 PM on July 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
Cut up some cheese or pepperoni, wrap well - 2 layers of ziplock ,or get some small milkbones. Ask if the dogs are allowed the treats. I'd think it was sweet if a date brought my dog a treat, but checked on the nutrition 1st. Just remember, the dogs are smart, cute, adorable, etc. It's like babies; even the smallest bad thing said about my kid or my dog is remembered forever.
posted by Mom at 3:26 PM on July 13, 2010
posted by Mom at 3:26 PM on July 13, 2010
Response by poster: OK, thanks so much for your quick responses! I think I'll hang on until the next time I see them, so I can scope out what they like and what they already have as far as toys go. I have cats myself, and if someone brought them a toy I wouldn't think it was weird but it would be wasted as mine are too old/too fat to care about playing with anything.
Anyway, this is the first time I've dated someone who also has pets and the dogs are clearly a big part of his life so I thought it would be a nice gesture. And it will be--next time.
Thanks again!
posted by Fuego at 3:33 PM on July 13, 2010
Anyway, this is the first time I've dated someone who also has pets and the dogs are clearly a big part of his life so I thought it would be a nice gesture. And it will be--next time.
Thanks again!
posted by Fuego at 3:33 PM on July 13, 2010
Depending on how they deal with strangers, it might not be a bad idea to bring treats, actually, but I'd check with your date and not have that be a surprise.
posted by emkelley at 4:13 PM on July 13, 2010
posted by emkelley at 4:13 PM on July 13, 2010
Dogs love cheese -- but it affects their digestion in negative ways. A little bit is fine. A lot will give them constipation.
The new floppy toys without stuffing are great for dachshunds. They flop around really easily, allowing a dachshund to grab the toy and violently shake it. Dachshunds really like to do that since they were bred to kill small animals.
Yeah, this. Dachshunds are varmint hounds. The reason for the strange shape is that they're bred to go into holes and kill what's inside, whether it be rats or rabbits or badgers. The strong shoulders, thick neck, and big jaws are so they can get a good jaw hold on what they find. Then they shake it violently until it stops moving. (The short legs are so they can be strong and still fit in the hole.)
That's why "shake the rag" is the most fun game for dachshunds. And why they will love toys that permit them to do that.
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 4:49 PM on July 13, 2010
The new floppy toys without stuffing are great for dachshunds. They flop around really easily, allowing a dachshund to grab the toy and violently shake it. Dachshunds really like to do that since they were bred to kill small animals.
Yeah, this. Dachshunds are varmint hounds. The reason for the strange shape is that they're bred to go into holes and kill what's inside, whether it be rats or rabbits or badgers. The strong shoulders, thick neck, and big jaws are so they can get a good jaw hold on what they find. Then they shake it violently until it stops moving. (The short legs are so they can be strong and still fit in the hole.)
That's why "shake the rag" is the most fun game for dachshunds. And why they will love toys that permit them to do that.
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 4:49 PM on July 13, 2010
I was in a situation (walk briefly inside a house to get access to my 3rd floor apartment) where I need to quickly make friends with resident dogs who seemed to hate me.
My solution, endorsed by the dog owners, was to cut a few very thin strips of salami and keep them in a plastic bag in my pocket. High flavor low mass treats quickly won them over.
Plus after I won them over and no longer carried treats they would still run up to me I would greet them and say:
"Are you glad to see me or is that just a salami in my pocket"
posted by MonkeySaltedNuts at 7:31 PM on July 13, 2010
My solution, endorsed by the dog owners, was to cut a few very thin strips of salami and keep them in a plastic bag in my pocket. High flavor low mass treats quickly won them over.
Plus after I won them over and no longer carried treats they would still run up to me I would greet them and say:
"Are you glad to see me or is that just a salami in my pocket"
posted by MonkeySaltedNuts at 7:31 PM on July 13, 2010
I think your instinct is good. Bring a treat or a toy, but give it to your date not the dog. If you give it to the guy then he can decide if and when to give it to his 'girls'.
If anybody came to my house with a present for my dog they'd automatically get a gold star in my book. Even if it was a toy she'd never play with. And I'm one of those people who makes her work for treats.
Bring a dog lover a present for his dog and you'll earn serious brownie points. Just make sure it's something relatively small and inexpensive so that it doesn't look like you're trying to hard.
posted by TooFewShoes at 8:17 PM on July 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
If anybody came to my house with a present for my dog they'd automatically get a gold star in my book. Even if it was a toy she'd never play with. And I'm one of those people who makes her work for treats.
Bring a dog lover a present for his dog and you'll earn serious brownie points. Just make sure it's something relatively small and inexpensive so that it doesn't look like you're trying to hard.
posted by TooFewShoes at 8:17 PM on July 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
Not weird at all. I would totally bring something for the dog.
On the other hand, I stock both cat and dog nibbles in my pantry, and when dogs come visiting, I always haul out the treats (with permission, of course).
I'd go for the toy given that you're not sure what kind of treats your date allows his dogs to have. It doesn't matter what kind of dog toy you get, so long as it is not potentially dangerous and isn't huge. It is a token gesture, one that conveys what I assume is your intent: I find you interesting, and am interested in the things you care about. I also like dogs.
Bring a small toy! If it seems awkward, keep it stowed in your pocket, but I say go for it.
posted by arnicae at 11:00 PM on July 13, 2010
On the other hand, I stock both cat and dog nibbles in my pantry, and when dogs come visiting, I always haul out the treats (with permission, of course).
I'd go for the toy given that you're not sure what kind of treats your date allows his dogs to have. It doesn't matter what kind of dog toy you get, so long as it is not potentially dangerous and isn't huge. It is a token gesture, one that conveys what I assume is your intent: I find you interesting, and am interested in the things you care about. I also like dogs.
Bring a small toy! If it seems awkward, keep it stowed in your pocket, but I say go for it.
posted by arnicae at 11:00 PM on July 13, 2010
Yeah I guess if his dogs were a big part of your connection on your first date, it'd be less weird. I retract my "this is weird" comment. It'd only be weird to me because I don't think I'd be bringing up my cats with a date. That's just me though.
I still think you should wait on toys/treats for the practical reasons mentioned already (diet, etc.)
posted by cj_ at 1:24 AM on July 14, 2010
I still think you should wait on toys/treats for the practical reasons mentioned already (diet, etc.)
posted by cj_ at 1:24 AM on July 14, 2010
I suggest you wait a bit. When you do meet them, let them approach you and try not to be so big (from there perspective), get low.
Also wiener dogs love to kill small animals (at least they do in theory), it is their imaginary passion. For toys I would suggest anything that squeaks that they can tear apart (I had a wiener dog for 16 years and he lived to demolish these sorts of toys), tennis balls are usually appreciated, but they would like you just as much if you gave them one that was already theirs.
Also, fyi pigs ears are like crack to dogs, but they tend to stink. Just remember that wiener dogs are chewers.
posted by BobbyDigital at 7:02 AM on July 14, 2010
Also wiener dogs love to kill small animals (at least they do in theory), it is their imaginary passion. For toys I would suggest anything that squeaks that they can tear apart (I had a wiener dog for 16 years and he lived to demolish these sorts of toys), tennis balls are usually appreciated, but they would like you just as much if you gave them one that was already theirs.
Also, fyi pigs ears are like crack to dogs, but they tend to stink. Just remember that wiener dogs are chewers.
posted by BobbyDigital at 7:02 AM on July 14, 2010
You should absolutely bring something. If a date didn't show some kind of care and affection for my dogs that would be a deal breaker. I agree with the idea that a toy is best in case there are some dietary restrictions. The sentiment expressed above that bringing something for the dog would be bizarre is bizarre.
posted by vito90 at 12:23 PM on July 14, 2010
posted by vito90 at 12:23 PM on July 14, 2010
Response by poster: So, an update:
I met the girls last night. They are incredibly sweet and absolutely adore me. So much that one kept jumping into my arms and wouldn't let me put her down as I was leaving. They both let me pet their bellies and snuggled up on my lap. I think I'm in! Unfortunately, I didn't get any photos. Rest assured, they are the most adorable little dogs ever.
And their owner seems to like me pretty well too. Squee!
I got a look at their favorite toys and will probably pick something up for them next time I'm buying food for my cats. They seem to love those nylon bones, so something like that or their worn out stuffed squirrel will probably be what I get.
Thanks, everyone, for your help!
posted by Fuego at 8:16 PM on July 14, 2010
I met the girls last night. They are incredibly sweet and absolutely adore me. So much that one kept jumping into my arms and wouldn't let me put her down as I was leaving. They both let me pet their bellies and snuggled up on my lap. I think I'm in! Unfortunately, I didn't get any photos. Rest assured, they are the most adorable little dogs ever.
And their owner seems to like me pretty well too. Squee!
I got a look at their favorite toys and will probably pick something up for them next time I'm buying food for my cats. They seem to love those nylon bones, so something like that or their worn out stuffed squirrel will probably be what I get.
Thanks, everyone, for your help!
posted by Fuego at 8:16 PM on July 14, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by verbyournouns at 2:39 PM on July 13, 2010