Take your pup out to improve your social life

Taking dogs to the park helps owners boost their social life, experts have observed. According to Melbourne-based town planner Virginia Jackson, those who frequent dog parks form good relationships.

Jackson quizzed 150 dog owners and found that dogs were a conversation starter for almost 95% of respondents while 38% credited their pooches for helping them develop friendships that were stronger than an acquaintance.

"It is inevitable (dog owners) will develop relationships of varying degrees," Sydney Morning Herald quoted her as saying.

"Some will be superficial, others deep, but it's not to say the superficial ones aren't as meaningful - for some (people), it could be the only contact they have during the day," she added.

The Petcare Information and Advisory Service spokeswoman Susie Willis also said: "We have identified a number of events, such as Christmas, that are celebrated at dog parks around Australia and bring communities together.

"One of the most frequently reported benefits of (such) events is that it gives people who don't know many others in their community an 'excuse' to join in and meet new people.

"We find that even non-dog owners attend some parties as a way of meeting or catching up with friends and neighbours."