Why Your Dog May Hate Your Boyfriend or Girlfriend

Any time the routine of a dog̵7;s life changes, there̵7;s the potential for changes in behavior. Dogs can become scared, anxious, depressed or jealous if they feel someone or something else is interloping on ̶0;their̶1; territory or on ̶0;their̶1; pack. The result can be the perception that a dog doesn̵7;t like a boyfriend, girlfriend or even new visitors to the household.

  1. Change in Everyday Life

    • If you̵7;re embarking on a new relationship, you̵7;re probably changing your schedule more than you realize, going out on dates and spending more time at your significant other̵7;s place. This change in routine, paired with your increased absence, can upset your dog to a point where he is standoffish or anxious. Try to maintain some sort of routine for your dog so he doesn̵7;t feel abandoned. When your significant other is around, encourage him or her to feed your dog, give him treats and interact with him to create a bond of trust.

    Physical Contact

    • Dogs can become jealous of other dogs as well as other people, and the emotion can manifest itself in several negative ways. For example, if you take your dog to a dog park and show attention to a strange dog that comes by, your dog may get closer to you and try to nudge the other dog away. The same can happen when your dog sees you showing physical affection to another person. He may attempt to get between you when you̵7;re on the couch watching television with your boyfriend or girlfriend, or if you̵7;re embracing or holding hands. This doesn̵7;t necessarily mean the dog dislikes the other person, simply that he wants you to himself. Maintain your position as pack leader and reiterate training commands to cease unwanted behavior.

    Intolerance and Abuse

    • Some people just aren̵7;t ̶0;dog people,̶1; and if your girlfriend or boyfriend doesn̵7;t show any interest in petting your dog, playing with him or even acknowledging him, this behavior can turn the dog away from that individual. Even worse, some people who are averse to animals may be abusive toward them when their owner is not in the vicinity. For example, a boyfriend who doesn̵7;t like the dog sleeping on the girlfriend̵7;s bed may throw him off or lock him outside when the girlfriend is elsewhere, or punish the dog in a way the girlfriend doesn̵7;t, like rubbing his nose in an ̶0;accident̶1; or hitting him if he barks or jumps. This behavior can make a dog distrust that individual.

    Solutions

    • Be aware of how your dog is responding to your new relationship and takes steps to assure him of your fondness for him. Reward good behavior, especially when it involves interacting with your significant other in a positive way. Include playtime and attention that̵7;s just between you and your dog. Pay attention if your dog seems scared or cowers in the presence of your friend, as it could signal mistreatment.