# Four obvious red flags that someone is 'dogfishing' you as new dating trend takes over Gen Z
Ever matched with someone whose profile featured an adorable dog, only to discover the furry friend mysteriously vanished when you actually met? 🐕🦺
You're not alone - you've just encountered the latest dating trend taking over Gen Z: Dogfishing.
> "It's the modern equivalent of catfishing, but with a furry twist that makes it even more deceptive."
Why does this work so well? 🤔
But here's the good news: There are 4 obvious red flags that can help you spot these dogfishers before you waste your time.
Ready to become a dating detective? Let's dive in and uncover these telltale signs that someone might be faking their furry companion! 🔍
Dogfishing isn't just a few isolated incidents - it's a growing trend that's affecting thousands of daters worldwide.
Key Statistics:
Dogfishing occurs when someone uses photos of dogs they don't actually own to appear more attractive, trustworthy, or approachable on dating apps.
Why It Works:
According to Psychology Today's analysis, this trend exploits our natural affinity for animals to build trust that hasn't been earned.
While anyone can fall for dogfishing, certain groups are more susceptible:
Now that you understand the scale of this phenomenon, let's explore the first red flag that can help you spot these dogfishers immediately.
This is the most obvious red flag and surprisingly, many people miss it. A genuine dog owner will naturally include their pet in multiple photos over time.
Step 1: Review the Photo Timeline
Look for consistency across all profile photos. Does the dog appear in:
Step 2: Check for Photo Diversity
Real dog owners have:
Step 3: Analyze the Relationship
Genuine dog owners show:
Dogfishers typically:
Casually ask: "Your dog is adorable! Do you have any funny videos or recent photos you could share?"
Genuine Response: "Sure! Here's one from our hike yesterday..."
Dogfisher Response: "Oh, my phone's acting up" or "I don't really take many pictures"
This first red flag is straightforward, but the next one requires more detective work in your conversations.
This red flag emerges during your conversations. Genuine dog owners can talk endlessly about their furry friends, while dogfishers struggle with basic details.
Breed and Background:
Daily Routine Questions:
Health and Care Questions:
Genuine Dog Owner:
Dogfisher Responses:
According to Cosmopolitan's investigation, dogfishers avoid details because:
Watch for these patterns:
If you've mastered spotting these conversation clues, get ready for the third red flag that requires some technical detective work.
This red flag requires you to put on your detective hat and analyze the actual photo quality. Dogfishers often use downloaded or stolen images that don't match their other photos.
Lighting and Quality Consistency:
Technical Red Flags:
The Stock Photo Look:
The Internet Download:
Reverse Image Search:
Metadata Analysis:
Ask them to take a spontaneous photo with their dog doing something specific, like:
Genuine Response: Sends a casual, current photo
Dogfisher Response: Makes excuses or sends a suspiciously perfect photo
You're becoming quite the dating detective! But the final red flag is the most subtle and requires real-world testing.
This is the most telling red flag and the one that confirms your suspicions. A genuine dog owner will naturally want to include their pet in your life, while a dogfisher will have endless excuses.
Schedule-Related Excuses:
Convenience Excuses:
Health-Related Excuses:
According to Tyla's research, this red flag works because:
Step 1: Suggest Dog-Friendly Activities
Step 2: Observe the Response Pattern
Step 3: The Direct Approach
After 2-3 date suggestions that exclude the dog, try:
"I'd really love to meet your dog! When would be a good time?"
Genuine Response: "How about Saturday morning for a walk?"
Dogfisher Response: More excuses or changing the subject
When you finally insist on meeting the dog and they:
Congratulations! You've successfully identified a dogfisher and saved yourself from wasted time and emotional energy.
Now that you know all four red flags, here's your complete toolkit to protect yourself from dogfishers and attract genuine connections.
Photo Verification:
Routine Questions:
Care Questions:
Photo Analysis:
Conversation Analysis:
Casual Approach:
"Your dog sounds amazing! I'd love to meet them sometime - maybe we could do a dog-friendly date?"
Direct but Polite:
"I've had some experiences with people using fake dog photos, so I'd feel more comfortable if we could meet your dog early on."
Playful Approach:
"I need to make sure your dog approves of me before we get too serious! When can I meet my potential furry friend?"
Focus on Authenticity:
Build Your Screening Skills:
You now have the skills to:
Remember: The right person will be proud to introduce you to their furry family member, not make excuses to keep them hidden.
Congratulations! You've mastered the art of spotting dogfishers and protecting yourself in the modern dating world.
Your Key Takeaways:
Remember This Mindset Shift:
The right person will be excited to share their life - including their furry companions - with you. Someone who's genuinely proud of their dog will want to include them in your dating experience, not hide them away.
Your Dating Future Looks Brighter Because:
Share Your Success Stories!
Have you successfully spotted a dogfisher using these techniques? Or maybe you've found someone wonderful who proudly introduced you to their real furry friend? Share your experiences and help others navigate the dating world with wisdom!
Ready to put your new skills to the test? Your next match might just be the genuine connection you've been looking for - and their dog will be there to prove it! 🐾
