Help! My partner's dog needs rules.

[Nickyhorse89]

I've been with my partner for a year now and we're hoping to move in together. Only problem is I don't think I can live with his dog. He has a big dog that is very energetic and destructive. He constantly begs for food (which my bf gives him from his plate!!!!) and attention and the endless barking gives me a headache. If I'm left alone with him he'll bark at me non stop and try to use me as his personal chew toy. He can be a sweet dog and I do enjoy us all going out for walks in the countryside.

I guess the main problem is my boyfriend hasn't really laid down any rules for his dog. I have my own animals and they know what they can and can't do.
How do I approach this problem as I don't think I can cope.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

You will need a serious talk with your partner. It will then be up to him to either organise training for his dog or rethink his future. I am with you, I couldn't live with a badly behaved dog, either. But I wouldn't put up with it barking and chewing me when I was alone with it and would have started some training with it by now.

 

[HEM]

I agree with Pearlsasinger, I can't imagine that he enjoys his behavior but more likely doesn't know how to control it or just can't be bothered (which was the exact problem with my OH ) I ended up training said dog, it is still a pain in the butt sometimes but is a lot easier to live with now.

Can you mention it to your boyfriend and see if he minds if you do a bit of training with him. It doesn't even need to be formal. Just don't let the dog get away with whatever he wants when he's with you.

 

[Nickyhorse89]

I did actually train my ex's dog cause that liked the mither so taught it a few tricks to keep it occupied. My current bf's dog is big and can easily knock me over.

I honestly don't think my OH sees his dog's behaviour as a problem. I can try and mention it but my animals are my life so if he is like me I would put my animals first. This is why I'm hesitant to say anything as I don't want to ruin our relationship.

 

[AmyMay]

To be frank, if you’re worried about mentioning the dog’s behaviour and also not really prepared to move in with him unless it’s addressed the relationship is on rocky foundations as it is.

Just be honest with him 😉

 

[D66]

"I am not moving in with you until you train your dog to behave while I'm around." Should cover it. If he doesn't address training the dog, and it sounds like he will have to go to classes because he hasn't a clue, don't make any further plans to move.
If he cares enough for you he will deal with the dog.