Couples at Odds Over Pets

If you and your mate share a home and have a pet, chances are you may be at odds over the family pet. It is common for couples to get in arguments over the pet, and I know we have all heard the common phrase “It’s me or the dog!”. For some couples, this is reality. So how can you fix it? How do you come to a compromise? I am going to talk about what you can do as a couple to share responsibilities and make your relationship work with a pet!

Men will usually be the ones to buy a puppy or kitten for their loved one as a gift. While some women love it, others feel more resigned about it. The best thing you can do is talk to your partner about what kinds of pets they would want, breeds they like, etc. This should be done long before you purchase the animal. Both of you need to want that animal in the house, and both of you will have to have a role in training as well as disciplining. If you want an animal and your partner doesn’t, you will have to work out a compromise you can both live with.

How do you (as a couple) need to act around your new addition? Well, just as with children, dogs are very perceptive as far as reading your emotions and picking up on your moods. Arguing can be very damaging to your children and it can have a similar effect on your dog. Dogs that sense how tense their owners are will become very anxious and fearful. Some may urinate or vomit if they get stressed out enough. It is important to remember that you are bringing a life home and you have to give it the best possible home.

When you are picking out a dog, it is best if both of you are present. The dog needs to have a bond with both of you, and the only way to know if a dog is truly right for you is to be around her and see her personality. If you are looking for a specific breed, call around to your local animal shelters and breed rescue groups, they may have a dog that is perfect for you!

Now for the hard stuff…….

Should the dog be allowed to sleep in the bed? Well, this really varies from couple to couple. You both have to decide what is comfortable for each of you and stick with it! You can compromise by setting up a sleeping area beside your bed for your dog to sleep. It is very important to stick together on your rules of the house. Rules need to be very clear to the dog or her behavior will not be consistent.

Also, both of you need to be a part of the rule making process. It is important that you are both able to express your opinions freely and let each other know what your expectations are of the dog. Both of you need to make time for training and punishments should be equal. The dog should be on her best behavior for both of you, all the time and it is important that she not have a “favorite”.

Now for the best question of all……WHO SCOOPS THE POOP?

In a perfect world, the answer would be no one….maybe you could teach the dog how to scoop it? Ha, just kidding…..here’s the sad truth to this question: generally who ever is home more takes more care of the dog. That’s just the way it is, if you are home all day, you have to take her outside, feed her, walk her, clean up after her, play with her, and make sure she is safe. What you need to do is have a semi-balanced schedule. If you are at home all day and your significant other is working, you may want to put them to work on one of their off days. Make sure all the details are worked out before you adopt or purchase a dog…..there are already way too many unwanted animals at shelters across the country, don’t add to them!

The most important thing to remember is that you are a couple and your decisions should be made together so that each of you is happy. It may seem silly to spend time talking about your dog, what kind you want, who will do the poop scooping…..but trust me, it is 100% worth it in the end. Each person knows what they are responsible for and taking care of your dog will be much easier!

I currently have an ebook for sale that will help you when you are thinking about getting a dog or puppy. The ebook is filled with great tips and helpful advice and I encourage you to check it out! To read more about “Things You Must Know Before and After Getting Your Dog”, click here!.

Thanks for reading! As always your participation in comments and discussions are encouraged and greatly appreciated!!

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