Dating Apps Hit by New Deception - Dogfishing
Most people have heard of catfishing by now - the act of creating a false persona online to attract or manipulate potential partners. But a newer dating trend is making headlines for being even trickier to spot.
It’s called dogfishing, and according to relationship commentators, it takes the classic dating deception to a new, unexpected level. The term may sound playful, but the behaviour behind it is anything but.
Experts say dogfishing appears in two forms, both increasingly common among young adults, especially Gen Z daters. As modern dating apps continue to shape first impressions, many people are now learning to pay closer attention to what might be hiding behind a carefully crafted profile.
Before looking at the warning signs, it helps to understand the two ways the term is being used. The first meaning has nothing to do with dogs.
Some influencers have described dogfishing as an emotional strategy: rather than lying about their appearance, some individuals exaggerate or fake their values, morals, or intentions. The goal, they claim, is to present themselves as the “perfect partner” and gain emotional influence over someone who believes they’re dealing with a genuinely compatible match.
In this sense, dogfishing is about creating a fantasy personality rather than a fantasy face.
Borrowed dogs are becoming a quick trick to make dating profiles look more caring and appealing.
But the second definition – and the one most people are talking about – actually involves real dogs. Or at least, dogs that appear real on a dating profile. Many users have noticed a growing number of profiles featuring people posing with cute dogs that do not belong to them.
These borrowed pups are used as marketing props, designed to make their owner seem more caring, grounded, and emotionally stable than they may truly be. Since dog owners are often associated with qualities like responsibility, compassion, patience, and devotion, adding a furry companion to a profile has proven to be a powerful attention-grabber.
Dating experts say the trick works. Platforms like OkCupid note that profiles mentioning dogs tend to spark more conversations than those mentioning cats. Tinder has also reported that photos featuring animals generally receive more engagement than regular selfies.
For years, this tactic helped many singles stand out - until people began realising how staged some of these pictures actually were.
Many women now treat the “cute dog” dating photo as a red flag.
Women, in particular, have become increasingly wary. Some now view the dog-in-the-profile pose as a cliché or even a manipulation tactic. One woman explained in an interview that she no longer falls for the “cute dog equals great guy” assumption and pays far more attention to inconsistencies in the rest of the profile.
Another user on Reddit summed it up bluntly: she now treats any suspicious dog photo as an instant left swipe. So how can someone tell if they’re being dogfished? Relationship coaches point to a few common clues.
If the dog appears only in one perfect photo, it’s likely not their dog.
The first sign is the “disappearing dog.” If someone’s main profile photo showcases them with an adorable canine, yet none of their other pictures hint at a pet-owning lifestyle, something may be off. No dog toys, no dog beds, no candid home photos - just a single, perfect shot.
Another clue appears during the conversation. Real pet owners rarely stay vague when talking about their animals. Ask an actual dog owner about their daily routine, favourite parks, or funny habits, and they usually light up with details. Someone who borrowed a dog for a photo, on the other hand, will struggle to offer anything specific.
A third warning sign lies in contradictions. If their profile claims they travel nonstop, party late into the night, or live in an unpredictable routine, the lifestyle may not align with the responsibility required to care for a pet. The mismatch can be revealing.
Finally, check their other social media profiles. People who genuinely adore their dog tend to mention them everywhere - Instagram stories, TikTok clips, weekend snapshots. If the dog appears only on a dating app and nowhere else, the answer is probably clear.
Dogfishing highlights just how creative, and sometimes misleading, modern dating profiles can be. While the tricks may evolve, the core challenge stays the same: figuring out who is truly being sincere.
By taking a closer look at how someone presents themselves and noticing whether their story holds together, it becomes easier to separate real intentions from staged charm. Staying alert to these subtle signs helps protect your time, your trust, and your heart in a digital world where appearances can be carefully engineered.
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