The Golden Bachelor star Gera got up-close-and-personal with a pooch during Monday’s episode.

The West Australian business owner, 52, whisked off to a playful puppy yoga date with Barry ‘Bear’ Myrden.

However, as the date commenced, Gera seemed more interested in cavorting with the cute puppies than with her potential new beau.

Speaking to camera, Gera held one of the playful pups in her hands and was not afraid to let the pooch affectionately lick her ample lips and the inside of her mouth.

‘For me, this is the dream date, puppies and exercise,’ Gera said to the camera.

As he watched Gera bond with the basket of adorable dogs, he sensed that he may have to work extra hard to get Gera’s attention.

The Golden Bachelor star Gera (centre) has copped some criticism from fans after getting up-close-and-personal with a pooch

‘Are you worried they [the dogs] might be cuter than you?’ a producer asked the 61-year-old reality star.

‘I think I’ve got competition on my hands,’ he replied with a laugh.

It wasn’t too long before Bear also became enchanted by the dogs – a fact not lost on Gera.

‘Seeing the puppies crawl all over Bear was cute,’ she said. ‘This big muscly man, having all these little puppies… that melts my heart.’

Bear admitted that he was also enchanted by Gera’s affinity with the animals.

‘The puppies were adorable, but seeing the way Gera fell in love with them was even better.’

The pair soon got very close as they were guided through a series of yoga poses, and the sparks really flew when they sat down to get to know each other better.

They retired to a romantic lakeside setting for an idyllic picnic, with two of the pups tagging along.

Gera held one of the playful pups in her hands and was not afraid to let the pooch affectionately lick her ample lips and the inside of her mouth

Gera seemed more interested in cavorting with the cute puppies than with her potential new beau

Bear admitted that he was also enchanted by Gera’s affinity with the animals

Going into the picnic, Gera admitted to feeling nervous, worried that she might not be what Bear was looking for.

In an intimate moment, Gera revealed that she had made the decision, in her 40s, not to have children.

‘I was with a partner, and then we separated and I got older and thought I want to do the things that I’ve wanted to do because I’ve always worked,’ she said.

‘I can tell she has a lot of love to give,’ Bear revealed to camera before admitting to  Gera that he loved her eyes and her playful nature.

The date was enough for Bear to realise he wanted to get to know Gera better, as he offered the brunette beauty a rose before going in for a tender kiss.

‘I really felt a deep connection today,’ Gera cooed.