To worry partner smacked dog?

[Swanderland]

My partner and I adopted a puppy earlier this year who is an absolute joy. I love this dog, she has a lot of energy and can be a complete pain in the little puppy behind sometimes, but she’s a real sweetheart and I know with time and more training she’ll be an amazing companion. My partner is less enthralled. It was a joint decision to get a dog, but since about day 3 of having her he’s made grumpy comments about how he didn’t realise it would be such a big commitment, how she smells, etc and he now very rarely comes on walks or will sulk and give me the silent treatment when he does.

I’ve put up with this because I’ve always thought he’ll eventually come round. But on a recent walk the pup went to grab a ball from my bf’s hand and rather than saying no and asking her to sit, he smacked her. It wasn’t that hard, but it shocked me. He said it’s not something he normally does but didn’t seem that bothered. And I’ve noticed that the dog isn’t as affectionate with him as she used to be, so I don’t know if this really was the first time.

My bf and I have been together 8 years but I’m seeing a really different side to him since we got the puppy and I don’t like it. AIBU to be annoyed about his behaviour, or do I just need to accept that maybe he just doesn’t like the dog?

But people discipline their children and smack them. I'm not saying it's right either way but if people smack children why is smacking a dog any worse? Surely it's both just as bad

@Myla2

But people discipline their children and smack them. I'm not saying it's right either way but if people smack children why is smacking a dog any worse? Surely it's both just as bad

It's not worse - you've said it, it's just as bad.

There's no excuse for hitting any human or animal, unless it's in self-defence.

He isn't a good person, he just isn't. Anyone who lashes out with violence is not someone to be around: they either did it because they lost control in which case you aren't safe with them, or they were in control and chose to do it, in which case you're not safe with them.
Please carefully consider your future with him.

One day that ddog will associate a raised hand with abuse and fight back. The hand raisied may be a dc going to stroke it....

Aside from the dog (which is bad), the breaking stuff and kicking walls tells you this is a man with little self control or insight into his own behaviour.

As others have said, DO NOT have children with this man.

There's never any need to smack a dog, they don't learn from it, they don't understand it. All they perceive is violence, and they are likely to bite back and then he'll be complaining your dog is violent. Dump the partner. He's showing you a side you don't like, take notice. I hope you and your puppy move on to a happy life together!

You can judge a man very accurately by how he treats those smaller and weaker than he is.

He would be out the door with my boot up his arse if he raised a hand to my dog. She's only a puppy ffs, how will he deal with a toddler or baby who is doing his head in? Will he smack them too?

How anyone could purposely hurt or hit an animal or child that relies on them 100% is beyond me. The fact that you think he's done it before and the puppy is now wary and afraid of him is awful. It’s no life for the puppy or any children you might have

Based on your update I would get rid of your DP. Hitting walls etc is intended to be threatening behaviour. It's effectively saying "this could be you". Lots of red flags here.

If you don't kick this POS out op you're as bad as he is. I'd make sure he was picking his teeth up on the way out the door if he had touched my animals. Fucking vile.