What to do if your dog hates your new partner

We all love our dogs, but not everyone gets along with pets. Here are some tips to help a frought relationship between your pet and partner.

No one wants to think of their partner not getting along with their pet, but in reality, this happens more than we might think. Rather than choosing to leave your significant other or dog behind, there are ways you can work with both to help ease a tense situation.

Loving pet parents hold their four-legged family members in high regard, but dogs are not always the victim in a frought pet-partner relationship. Often, Fido is the antagonist in these scenarios, even if his owner cannot see it. Some dogs are overly protective of their humans and will guard their esteemed owner against all others —including a significant other. Other animals engage in problem behaviors such as sitting in laps, chewing shoes, or eliminating inside, causing rifts when a new person enters the home and expects different behavior. Don’t be blinded by your love for your pet—but pets are not always to blame in difficult situations. Some people simply love animals more than others, and if you and your partner do not see eye-to-eye on this issue, it can cause a tricky relationship between him or her and your beloved canine. When pets and partners butt heads, the first thing to do is ensure humans, and then animals, are safe. If your dog has a history of biting, for example, warn anyone before they enter your home—including, but not only, your new partner. One you have ensured everyone is safe, the next step Is to stop enabling a poorly behaved pet. If Fido is overly protective of you, it may mean you need to step back and let your partner take over feeding your dog meals, taking him out for walks, and engaging in other activities your dog loves. This allows your dog to form positive associations with your significant other and learn to rely on other people. While this can a be a major challenge for any attached pet parent, it is a temporary step that can result in a bond between your partner or pet, or at least their peaceful coexistence.

If the animosity in your frought pet-partner relationship is stemming from your significant other, however, you will need to talk to him or her. In a two-sided relationship, he or she should be open to this discussion and recognize your dog’s important role in your life. Even if your partner is not a “pet person,” he or she should be open to attempting to bond with your dog through the methods above, or at least coexist peacefully. Remember, any relationship takes time, so be patient with your dog and partner as you work to reconcile a tense situation.