A man is more likely to get a woman's phone number if he is accompanied by a dog.
Men With Dogs Get More Phone Numbers, Science Confirms
If you've ever wondered whether bringing your dog to the park might improve your dating prospects, science has some good news: it absolutely does. Multiple studies confirm that men accompanied by dogs are significantly more likely to get women's phone numbers when approaching them.
The most compelling evidence comes from a 2008 French study by researchers Guéguen and Ciccotti. They had an attractive 20-year-old man approach 240 women in an urban area, compliment them, and ask for their phone numbers. He did 120 approaches alone, and 120 while walking a dog. The results? The dog dramatically increased his success rate. The simple presence of a four-legged companion turned rejections into connections.
Why Dogs Work as Wingmen
This isn't just about dogs being cute (though that certainly doesn't hurt). Psychologists believe the effect taps into deeper social signals. When someone sees a person caring for a dog, they make unconscious assumptions about that person's character.
Dog ownership signals reliability. Taking care of a dog requires daily commitment—feeding, walking, vet visits, cleaning up messes. It's not something flaky people stick with. Women viewing a man with a dog may subconsciously think: here's someone who can handle responsibility.
It also suggests resources and stability. Dogs cost money and time. If you can provide for a dog's needs, you likely have your life together enough to be a viable romantic partner. Plus, the nurturing behavior required to care for another living creature hints at emotional capacity and empathy—traits highly desirable in long-term relationships.
The Digital Age: Dogs on Dating Apps
The wingman effect has made a smooth transition to modern dating. A 2024 study from St. Mary's University in Canada found that eight in ten men seeking serious relationships include a dog photo on their dating profiles. They're onto something.
Survey data reveals that 63% of singles are more likely to swipe right on profiles featuring dogs, with women especially responsive to men's dog photos. Another survey found that 71% of women are more likely to match with men who have dogs in their profiles. Even just mentioning your dog in conversation makes 63% of people more likely to connect with a potential match.
The modern dating landscape has essentially confirmed what that French study proved years ago: dogs are scientifically validated wingmen. Whether you're approaching someone at a coffee shop or crafting the perfect Hinge profile, having a canine companion in the picture measurably improves your odds.
The Trust Factor
There's also a simple trust mechanism at work. A man walking a dog seems less threatening, more approachable. The dog serves as a conversation starter and a social buffer—it gives both parties something neutral to focus on, reducing the awkwardness of a cold approach. In essence, the dog transforms a potentially uncomfortable interaction into a friendly encounter.
So if you're single and struggling in the dating world, you might not need a personality overhaul or a gym membership. You might just need a dog. Just make sure you're adopting for the right reasons—dogs are 10-15 year commitments, not disposable dating props. But if you're ready for that responsibility anyway, well, science says your dating life might get a welcome boost as a bonus.