The date was going well until my date turned his attention to my dog. I had met Dan on Hinge, and his profile mentioned he was a dog trainer, which I thought would be a perfect match for me and my 12-year-old Jack Russell/Corgi mix, Maggie. We agreed to meet at a pub with our dogs, and I was excited for them to get along.
A Promising Start
At the pub garden, Maggie gave Dan an enthusiastic lick before curling up to sleep on my coat. Dan seemed nervous at first, cracking jokes, but soon we were sharing deeper stories about our lives. By the third drink, he sat next to me and we kissed. I felt like a grown-up, successfully navigating a modern date.
The Turning Point
When I went to the restroom, Maggie stirred and tried to follow me. Dan grabbed her lead and yanked her back, shouting, 'Maggie! Stay!' in a loud, harsh tone. I was shocked by his sudden aggression. He then launched into a lecture about how I needed to train her properly, insisting she was disobedient. I tried to laugh it off, but he was serious.
An Unwanted Lecture
For twenty minutes, Dan berated me about my responsibilities as a dog owner, claiming I was making Maggie anxious by not being a 'leader.' I felt irritated—Maggie had only tried to follow me, not misbehaved. I made excuses to leave, but Dan insisted on walking us to the station, continuing to yank Maggie's lead whenever she walked ahead. I took the lead back and walked on the opposite side.
Aftermath
At the station, Dan said he'd like to see me again, but I gave a brisk hug and left. A week later, he sent a long text explaining I had made him uncomfortable and included a link to a six-week dog training course. I felt annoyed at myself for choosing someone so entitled, but I realized I couldn't control his behavior. I blocked him and moved on.
Reflecting on the experience, I know I deserve better than someone who would police my pet on a first date. Maggie is a sweet, mellow dog who just wanted to follow me. Dan's reaction was a major red flag, and I'm glad I trusted my instincts.
