The Dog Lover's Guide to Dating

The film begins by introducing Alex, a disciplined dog trainer who lives a highly structured life, preferring the company of her dog, Radar, over humans. Her sister Sarah frequently pushes her to date, but Alex remains cynical due to her father abandoning their family when she was a child. In a local park, Alex encounters Simon, an advertising executive who is failing miserably to control a small, anxious dog also named Simon. The dog belongs to Chloe, a successful fashion designer Simon is trying to impress. Simon eventually tracks Alex down and proposes a trade: he will help her create professional marketing materials for her shelter dogs if she trains him to win over Chloe's dog. Alex reluctantly agrees, beginning a series of lessons where she teaches Simon that dogs respond to confidence and trust rather than 'try-hard vibes.' As their training progresses, they learn that the local animal shelter run by Jen is facing eviction because the landlord is selling the building. Simon suggests a high-end gala fundraiser and uses his corporate connections with 'Good N Happy' dog food to secure sponsorship. During their time together, Simon introduces Alex to 'human food' like gourmet sandwiches, challenging her habit of eating only 'efficient' power bars. A romantic tension develops, especially during an axe-throwing outing where Simon encourages Alex to loosen her rigid control. The plot takes a serious turn when Alex's dog Radar falls ill with a painful cyst. Simon proves his reliability by staying with Alex at the vet's office all night, while Jacob, a local vet and shelter volunteer, performs the surgery. At the fundraiser gala, the team successfully raises enough money to purchase the shelter building. Chloe, observing the chemistry between Alex and Simon, realizes that Simon has fallen for his trainer and gracefully ends their brief pursuit. However, Alex's fear of abandonment causes her to push Simon away, assuming he will leave now that the 'job' is done. After a heart-to-heart with Sarah, who reveals she also struggled with their father's departure but found happiness in her own engagement, Alex decides to be brave. She meets Simon at a scenic overlook and confesses that while she is terrified of people walking away, she is in love with him. Simon reciprocates, and the film ends with the two of them as partners, with Simon even moving in as Alex's 'new roommate' and Radar's co-owner.