Dogspotting

 Did you know that “Dogspotting” is considered a popular hobby around the globe? This is when you seek as many different examples of dogs as possible and share them with other enthusiasts. There are several websites and group pages on social media which bring all the Dogspotters together! Members post photos of an incredible diversity of dogs in all sorts of situations from around the world. A person can easily become lost scrolling through the photos, reading comments, and smiling.

Keep in mind that there are certain rules which must be obeyed to participate. In summary, you cannot post photos of your own dog, or a dog that you already know. You cannot take photos of dogs at dog parks or at the vet’s office. Furthermore, you cannot take pictures of service dogs. Be kind and let them work!

The fun part about Dogspotting is that it has its own lingo! Some common words include doggo = dog, sploot = dog lying with all legs splayed, pupper = puppy, and cloud = white fluffy dog!  The lingo and descriptions of the photos make this a super fun activity for all. There is also a points system, with higher points being awarded for spots of unusual dogs or situations. Think about a dog carrying their own leash, or a wild dog (coyote or wolf).

This is a hobby most easily experienced in a city or urban area where seeing “strange” dogs on streets is common. The wide variety of dogs and settings in the photos and the accompanying comments are wonderful remedies for life’s daily stresses. Give it a whirl! You may discover a new favorite hobby!