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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To finish with him because of his dog?

34 replies

FarageAndAWay · 25/11/2025 16:48

Boyfriend has a dog, it’s huge and a bit mental. When I go around to his it literally bounces off each wall on the way to me - flys at me barking and mouthing, instantly runs off with my shoes etc

Then the entire evening is dictated by the dog - it goes mental barking at the slightest noise outside, aimlessly wanders around the room whining, parks itself inbetween us and then suddenly loses its head and starts jumping all over one of us (normally me). Drinks get knocked over, you can’t relax as dog is constantly trampling all over the sofa etc

I hate going. I love dogs but this one is just too much, it gets excited over the slightest thing - it’s that bad that if she finally settles I sit there desperately needing a wee because I daren’t get up because if I do, dog will jump to attention and start going mental again.

He asked me if I’d stay there overnight in a few weeks to look after dog whilst he’s away with work and I agreed but now I don’t know if I can handle it, and I don’t know if I can handle said dog’s presence at all anymore - it stresses me out

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omghereistrouble · 13/07/2026 08:57

The 2nd trainer was right your bf is not managing the dogs behaviour properly. To the dog he is having messages he can do what on earth he likes and act how he likes. Yet another story of people having dogs that they cannot manage just because of things like status

SeaAndStars · 26/11/2025 10:10

Your bloke isn't meeting the dogs needs.
Is he going to meet yours?

Snugglemonkey · 26/11/2025 10:08

The dog trainer saud he is the problem. Says it all. He is not partner material. He is not father material. I would end it soon and hive him time to sort dog care.

EineReiseDurchDieZeit · 26/11/2025 09:40

ShesTheAlbatross · 25/11/2025 16:52

Admittedly I am not a dog person. But I’d have ended it after the first time meeting such a badly trained dog.

I’d have run for the hills. I wouldn’t have got through first meeting.

Shinyandnew1 · 26/11/2025 09:11

He asked me if I’d stay there overnight in a few weeks to look after dog whilst he’s away with work and I agreed

You agreeing was the only unreasonably bit! I wouldn't have agreed-it sounds like really hard work.

I would invite your boyfriend round to yours instead going forward.

garlictwist · 26/11/2025 09:06

I wouldn't be in a relationship with anyone with a dog as they always dominate and take over even if they're well trained, so this would be a big no from me.

Screamingabdabz · 26/11/2025 09:05

Why do you sit there politely putting up with it though? Ugh this annoys me. I’d have told him in no uncertain terms to keep the dog under control and that if the man wants my company then the whole dog barking, bouncing around and slobbery mouthing can fuck right off. He should want to prioritise your relaxation and happiness. Not having to sit there with a full bladder too scared to move.

Ablondiebutagoody · 26/11/2025 08:59

I did the same and don't regret it at all. He had two. They were so hectic. Jumping around, slobbering, it was disgusting. Everything was dog this, dog that, vet this, poorly tail that. I hated going to his place and him touching me with filthy dog hands

TheGoddessFrigg · 26/11/2025 08:54

Is the dog a husky? Because they are highly intelligent, hyperactive and need a very very dedicated owner. I would bet a dollar to doughnuts the dog is bored and under exercised,

hididdlyho · 26/11/2025 08:48

Sounds like the dog is bored and the boyfriend isn't bothering to exercise it and provide enough mental stimulation. If he's been told this by trainers and not made the effort to do more, I would say that doesn't bode well for the future.

MightyGoldBear · 26/11/2025 08:47

The dog isn't the problem and would be better off with a new knowledgeable owner. Your boyfriend sounds like he is reactive, inconsistent, unboundaried and reinforcing undesirable behaviour in the dog.

The trainer gave up on your boyfriend not the dog. I'd leave the relationship.
He is lazy now it won't get better.

OneOfEachPlease · 26/11/2025 08:39

If the trainer said that the dog isn’t the problem he is, I would take that as a sign about how he’s gonna be in a human relationship as well!

Zempy · 25/11/2025 18:29

I don’t think you are compatible

Bufftailed · 25/11/2025 18:23

Is dog a puppy? Have you told him how you feel?

Devilsmommy · 25/11/2025 18:22

I hate dogs so I'd have dumped him after the first visit. He's obviously not going to train it properly so you need to tell him exactly why you can't be doing with it anymore

PoppySaidYesIKnow · 25/11/2025 18:17

Sounds like it needs a lot of exercise, how much is it getting?

Silverwinged · 25/11/2025 18:12

The dog needs stimulation, training and long walks. It seems like your boyfriend is not giving this dog what it needs. I can't stand bad pet owners. If he is not prepared to put the work in this dog he really needs to re-home it.

Onetimeusername1 · 25/11/2025 17:32

Is it 7 with an average lifespan of 8-10 years or 7 with a 15 year plus average lifespan...

TimeForTeaAndG · 25/11/2025 17:32

If it's so trainable why has it not been trained to "lie down"?!

I hate jumpy dogs when you're trying to have a conversation or getting toys dropped at your feet to throw about.

FarageAndAWay · 25/11/2025 17:26

The dog is 7 so not a puppy - but it’s more hyper than any puppy I’ve ever known.

He’s had it in training, the trainer ended up giving up. He tried a new trainer - the trainer said dog wasn’t the problem, he was.

Dog is ridiculously intelligent and you can’t relax teach it anything in minutes (I actually trained it to pass me the tv remote in 5 minutes 😂) but you cannot calm it down

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Hoardasurass · 25/11/2025 17:05

He needs to walk the dog more and put some effort into training it from the sounds of things but walking would help most with the running around going mental side of things

Funnywonder · 25/11/2025 17:04

I’d have run for the hills by now. SIL has two untrained dogs who are constantly barking and jumping up and reacting to everything. She lives with her parents, otherwise I just wouldn’t visit her. But I feel I should visit PIL’s for the sake of family harmony. I am honestly on the verge of tears when we first arrive in particular, it’s so loud and unpredictable and chaotic. They bark if anyone drives up the street or anyone walks past or comes to the door. Does your boyfriend have any concept of the idea that this is not how all dogs behave and that he needs to train her? If it’s causing you this amount of upset you need to tell him you can’t spend time around his dog if it’s so out of control and that he should either train it or lose you.

Nincompoo · 25/11/2025 17:02

I love dogs but yanbu, at all.

ginasevern · 25/11/2025 17:01

I'd end the relationship OP. I personally wouldn't want to be responsible for a healthy dog being put to sleep or "rehomed". That's the logical outcome if you give him an ultimatum and it's not fair on your boyfriend and especially the poor dog! It goes without saying that you shouldn't look after it whilst he's away. It sounds like the dog needs more training or exercise but that could take a long time, a lot of effort and even then might not resolve the issue. Is the dog being properly cared for? Sorry, I am rather more concerned about the dog than you to be fair.

ThreeSixtyTwo · 25/11/2025 17:00

You can try to say something - if it goes badly, you'll just split anyway.

Is there any chance the problem will go away in reasonable time frame (old dog, ill dog, beru young dog which was better and now reached some new phase)?

Do you see him realistically changing something about the dog's training and exercising?

Are you willing to put your energy into the training yourself if you planned moving together?

If no-no-no finish it.
If some yes, give it another thought and discuss with him.