A DogGeek.com exclusive by Teresa Barker
4 Internet sites connecting dogs and dog lovers
Whether you live in Denver, CO or Dover, TN there is a group of dog lovers just waiting to meet you! From dog park meet-up groups to dog and human hiking clubs there is a myriad of social networking to be done and found right from your laptop. Socializing is an important part of keeping your dog healthy, and it’s good for us, too. Finding your neighborhood dog park is a great first step, but there’s other creative ways that dog owners are finding each other online.
- Meetup.com
Meetup.com is a fantastic website to connect people with similar interests all over the country. It’s a site that is easy to use and to navigate and there are tons of dog lovers on the site. From dog hiking clubs to puppy playgroups, the options are abundant. If you don’t find the kind of group you are looking for in your area, you can quickly and easily just start your own dog-related meet-up group! - Dogbook on Facebook
Dogbook is an extension of Facebook designed specifically for dog connection and information sharing. It is down right ridiculous fun to see photos and profiles created by dog lovers all over the world. It works the same way Facebook does, allowing you to post information, photos, updates, and acquire friends. Dog friends, that is! - Google search (breed+city+playgroup)
A quick and easy Google search with the kind of dogs you are looking to socialize your dog with along with your city and the term “playgroup” can reveal all kinds of groups just waiting for you to join! It doesn’t have to be breed specific, either. Puppy playgroups are popular during the early stages and a great first step before graduating to the dog park, where the big kids play! - DogGeek.com shelter list
Your local animal rescue organizations are a great way to meet dogs and dog lovers. There are literally thousands of shelters and they all do fundraisers. Attending a fundraising event, or even volunteering is a great way to meet other dog owners and make new friends. There are also many fundraising events that are created for dogs to attend with their owners. If you’ve never attended a fundraiser for a shelter, do yourself the favor and go! A big party of people who love dogs and want to help is the perfect place make a friend.
From dressage clubs to senior dog meet-up groups, there are plenty of options for dogs and dog lovers to connect and socialize that are easy to find on the web. Joining a group can be a great way to get to know people and to share information and get referrals. You’ll also find yourself tickled when you notice a friendship develop between your dog and another dog. When the anticipation of seeing their buddy makes their tail wag like crazy, you know you found the right group!
