Back to Situations

Initial Pet Introduction

Two dog owners meet for the first time, introducing their dogs to each other and discussing their breeds and temperaments.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Sarah (Female)
Oh, your dog is so cute! What kind of breed is he?
2
James (Male)
Thanks! This is Buster, and he's a Golden Retriever. He's still a puppy, just turned one. What about your dog?
3
Sarah (Female)
This is Luna, she's a Labrador. She's a bit older, almost five. They look like they'd get along well!
4
James (Male)
They do! Labs and Goldens usually have great temperaments. Is Luna friendly with other dogs?
5
Sarah (Female)
Yes, absolutely! She's generally very calm and loves to play. Buster seems pretty energetic. Is he always like this?
6
James (Male)
Haha, mainly when we're at the park. He's super playful, especially with dogs his size. He's very gentle though.
7
Sarah (Female)
That's good to hear. Luna can be a bit shy at first, but once she warms up, she's happy to run around. Looks like they're starting to sniff each other out.
8
James (Male)
Perfect! Should be a fun play session for them. Nice to meet you, and Luna, by the way.
9
Sarah (Female)
You too, James! And Buster. Enjoy the park!

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

cute

Means something is adorable or attractive in a charming way, often used to describe animals or babies. In the dialogue, Sarah uses it to compliment James's dog.

breed

Refers to the type or variety of a dog, like a specific kind such as Golden Retriever. It's a common word when talking about pets.

puppy

A young dog, usually under one year old. Buster is called a puppy because he is still young and playful.

temperament

The personality or behavior traits of an animal or person, like being friendly or calm. James mentions it to describe how Labs and Goldens behave.

friendly

Means kind and willing to interact positively with others. Sarah says Luna is friendly with other dogs, meaning she gets along well.

energetic

Full of energy and activity. Buster is described as energetic because he is lively and full of movement at the park.

playful

Enjoying play and fun activities. James says Buster is super playful, especially with other dogs his size.

gentle

Mild, kind, and not rough. It's used to describe Buster's behavior, meaning he is careful and not aggressive.

shy

Nervous or hesitant in social situations. Sarah explains that Luna is a bit shy at first but warms up quickly.

sniff

To smell something closely, often what dogs do to greet each other. In the dialogue, it shows the dogs are starting to interact.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

Oh, your dog is so cute! What kind of breed is he?

This is a friendly way to start a conversation by giving a compliment and asking a question. Use it to break the ice when meeting someone with a pet. 'What kind of' is a common pattern for asking about types.

Thanks! This is Buster, and he's a Golden Retriever.

A polite response to a compliment, introducing the dog and its breed. The structure 'This is [name], and [description]' is useful for introducing people or pets in casual settings.

This is Luna, she's a Labrador. She's a bit older, almost five.

Introduces the speaker's dog with additional details like age. 'A bit older' means slightly more mature, and 'almost five' shows approximation. Great for sharing personal info naturally.

They look like they'd get along well!

Expresses a positive prediction about the dogs' interaction. 'Look like' means 'seem like,' and 'would' is used for hypothetical situations. Useful for commenting on potential friendships.

Is Luna friendly with other dogs?

A yes/no question asking about behavior. 'Friendly with' means gets along well with. This pattern is common for inquiring about someone's pet's personality.

Yes, absolutely! She's generally very calm and loves to play.

Strong agreement with 'absolutely,' followed by description. 'Generally' means usually, and this sentence uses 'and' to connect traits. Use to describe habits positively.

Buster seems pretty energetic. Is he always like this?

Observes behavior with 'seems' for impression, and asks if it's typical with 'always like this.' 'Pretty' intensifies 'energetic.' Helpful for commenting on and questioning actions.

Haha, mainly when we're at the park. He's super playful, especially with dogs his size.

Laughs to respond lightly, then explains with 'mainly' meaning mostly. 'Super' means very, and 'especially' highlights a condition. Use for casual explanations of behavior.

That's good to hear. Looks like they're starting to sniff each other out.

'That's good to hear' shows relief or positivity. 'Looks like' expresses observation, and 'sniff each other out' is an idiom for dogs greeting. Practical for real-time comments.

Nice to meet you, and Luna, by the way.

A polite greeting at the end. 'By the way' adds something casually. Includes the dog to be friendly. Use this to end introductions warmly.