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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

I cannot handle my boyfriend's dog anymore

548 replies

Applecake123 · 25/03/2024 23:25

Hi everyone, I hope you are all fine!
I'm in urgent need of advice, first of all, I want to highlight that I love all kind of animals, and I don't have anything specific against any breed.

I'll tey to make it short and explain the situation, I meet my boyfriend a year ago and we had a long distance relationship, we'll visit each other each month and I must say I am happy with him, he's hard working, he's a great person, and the most important, we incredibly connect.

Two months ago we took the desicion to move together, since I discovered I got pregnant. Everything has been wonderful, he bought a house, were we are both living together, bit here is the issue;
I have two cats, who are we'll trained and have never bitten or misbehaved. My boyfriend has a 10 years old pitbull who's not trained and, unfortunately (I did not noticed this before) not very well maintained, worse part the dog is incredibly aggressive towards other animals. Until now we did try to introduce them, and my cat's are really into getting close to the dog, but everytime the dog sees the cats he just wants to run towards them and attack them.

I'm terrorised that the dog will hurt my cats, and we are into the limit were it's either the dog locked downstairs, or my cats locked in the room (which makes me terribly angry, my cats spend days and nights locked in the room with me, without access to their litter box, because the dog cannot behave).

Plus point; the dog pee and poop everywhere in the house, it doesn't matter if you just walked her for 30 minutes, she will come back, rest and pee. She did her necessities in the couch, in the bed from downstairs, and the other couch.

Maybe here I am a bit not tolerant, but I was always very high demanding with myself and how clean my house was, plus now I am pregnant and I smell things five times more, so for me is like living in a house were it constantly stinks of dog pee, poop or just dog smell (yes, my boyfriend doesn't bath the dog, so it smells terrible, I can't even eat while the dog is near me, it just makes me sick).

This whole situation is making my life miserable. I know I sound extreme with this situation, bit I just cannot continue living this situation, seeing my cat's locked In a room because the dog cannot behave, but first of all, I cannot think of my child playing on the same place were the dog did her things.

I have tried to help my boyfriend as much as I could, I understand that this whole situation is also stressful for the dog, and it's been a month we are here, but all I do is clean every day 2 or 3 times the dogs pee and the poop. (My boyfriend is working, so technically is me cleaning it or being miserable with the smell)

I get it maybe the dog is not walking enough, and I have considered walking the dog myself to fix the issue, but the problem is that the dog pulls so much when walking, that I cannot control it, this dog goes crazy when he sees an other animal, and its so strong I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to control it, and I don't want the dog killing an other animal, I am not even allowed to walk the dog (it's a dangerous breed, so it's supposed to be walked by my boyfriend only) and I'm pregnant, I don't want the dog to make me fall or have an accident.

It's just like, the dog doesn't want any solution but just to be an ass hole, she broke two dog muzzles, so the idea of introducing the dog to my cat's using a muzzle is non existent, and I won't take the risk of just letting them be and having one of my cats killed.

Now, I don't want to ask my boyfriend to get rid of the dog, it's been with him for 10 years, I deeply love my animals, and I couldn't imagine giving up one of my cats, but I am stuck.
I know it's completely impossible to train the dog, she's too old, I'm pregnant and cannot really help (I barely stand to survive my own sickness) Andy boyfriend doesn't have time to train the dog, he works all day and comes back home extremely tired.

Any ideas of how to survive this? I'm literally crying every night thinking I will lose my boyfriend and my baby will lose growing with he's dad. I don't want that, but I don't want to live a miserable life, or force my cat's to live locked in a tiny room.
I need help desperately.

OP posts:
JMSA · 25/03/2024 23:47

AdamRyan · 25/03/2024 23:41

Did you not realise the issues with his dog/house before you got pregnant?

Well, exactly. It seems he hasn't been open with the OP at all.
I don't know, this whole set-up just sounds to me like an accident waiting to happen.

Applecake123 · 25/03/2024 23:48

AdamRyan · 25/03/2024 23:41

Did you not realise the issues with his dog/house before you got pregnant?

No, he used to walk the dog, (before he was not working and had the time to walk her) she will sometimes pee in the house, but maybe once per week, I am more than happy to tolerant that, it's an animal, and 10 years old, I cannot expect it to be perfect.

I never saw it interact with other animals, so no, I didn't know it was so aggressive, and with other people and children is a extremely sweet dog, the problem is with animals.

I honestly did not expect this

OP posts:
Mumoftwo1312 · 25/03/2024 23:49

I'm astonished anyone would vote yabu.

Op is pregnant. She is going to have a newborn baby.

She's currently living in unsanitary conditions with a dangerous dog, and has no choice but to keep her cats separated from their litter trays.

All this and her prince of a boyfriend (not husband) doesn't see the need to improve the situation in any way.

Op, return to your family's country so you and your baby can be safe, healthy and comfortable. Don't worry about your baby not having a dad. Having no dad is better than having a dad with no care at all for their welfare

stayathomer · 25/03/2024 23:49

Op hope things work out somehow

WhereYouLeftIt · 25/03/2024 23:50

"Now, I don't want to ask my boyfriend to get rid of the dog, it's been with him for 10 years,"

Seriously? You don't want to ask? I wouldn't be asking, I'd be bloody demanding!

What is your boyfriend doing about it, whilst his dog (the dog he couldn't be bothered to train) pees and shits all over the house? Anything? Or just expecting you to put up with it?

You cannot bring a baby into this house. Even apart from the hygiene, the dog goes for the cats. Do you seriously think it won't go for the baby?

Ivee · 25/03/2024 23:53

I’m sorry OP this is a very difficult situation with no easy answer. To help clarify your thinking, I am summarising your options here.

  1. Ask your boyfriend to rehome the dog.
  2. Move back to your original country / to wherever your family/ friends/ support network are.
  3. Stay where you are, rehome the cats, and be extremely careful to keep that dog away from your baby. I feel very worried that this untrained dangerous dog will harm your baby.
  4. Leave everything as it is now.
  5. Dog lives in garden in a purpose build heated kennel, is kept separate from the main house / cats by a strong fence, and your baby never ever goes near the dog.

If I was in your situation I would choose option 1 or 2.

Congratulations on the baby and best wishes for whatever future you choose.

Anothnamechang · 25/03/2024 23:53

Your boyfriend is neglecting the dog! So the dog toilets in the house, on beds and sofas etc… has he had the dog at the vet to ensure there are no underlying conditions? Doesn’t bathe the dog who soils and potentially lays or at least walks over the mess? That can wreck havoc with the dogs skin. Then the aggression, has your boyfriend looked into actually training the dog? The dog has a high prey drive likely and hasn’t been exposed and trained in the correct manner to live amongst other animals. As for the introduction to the cats, they have moved into the dogs house, that can take a bit of getting used to, had the dog been adequately trained this could have went much smoother. Locking your cats in a room without access to the litter tray is going to encourage them to soil in the house! Get a hooded litter tray for whatever room you’ve got them in.

The guy can’t care for a defenceless animal, how is he going to nurture your baby?

Upallnight2 · 25/03/2024 23:55

Well you can't have a baby in a house with dog crap/piss and an aggressive pit bull can you??

Either he gets rid of the dog or you need to move

Maray1967 · 25/03/2024 23:55

The dog is a pit bull - a dangerous breed. It will be a danger to your baby who it might well regard as a threat to its position in the house. You need to make it clear that the dog has to go.

WellThatEsculatedQuickly · 25/03/2024 23:55

You can't stay there. It is dangerous for your baby's health and safety. It is dangerous and cruel for your cats. You need to get out anyway that you can. Are you in the UK? Go to your local council housing department. They may not be obligated or able to provide you with an alternative home, but they will give you advice. They may have information or suggestions that can help you, your baby and your cats. You need to do this.

Anotherparkingthread · 25/03/2024 23:56

That dog could maim, permeability disfigure or even kill your baby.

How on earth do you think it's safe to have a child around it? Your poor cats must be terrified. You need to move back in with family if he won't get rid of the dog. It will not end well if you stay. It's literally only a matter of time before something you could have prevented happens.

Applecake123 · 25/03/2024 23:57

WhereYouLeftIt · 25/03/2024 23:50

"Now, I don't want to ask my boyfriend to get rid of the dog, it's been with him for 10 years,"

Seriously? You don't want to ask? I wouldn't be asking, I'd be bloody demanding!

What is your boyfriend doing about it, whilst his dog (the dog he couldn't be bothered to train) pees and shits all over the house? Anything? Or just expecting you to put up with it?

You cannot bring a baby into this house. Even apart from the hygiene, the dog goes for the cats. Do you seriously think it won't go for the baby?

I'm close to ask him to get Rid of the dog, but I know this will be extremely hard for him.

I also know I have less patience since I am pregnant.
As well, I have no idea about dogs behaviour, I don't know if this whole pee and poop situation is due the dog being jealous, or the new house, and it's a matter of time to be used to the situation.

That's why I posted it here, I don't want to be not tolerant, but as well I need to know what's the limit.

I have been struggling with the pregnancy and I'm extra irritable with everything, and I don't want to force someone to get rid of an animal (I'm terribly against it, a pet is for life) if it's me that I'm not being patient enough and giving the time to adjust to the dog.

OP posts:
saltinesandcoffeecups · 25/03/2024 23:58

MaloneMeadow · 25/03/2024 23:37

That does not make refusing to properly train a dog acceptable, especially a dangerous breed. Can’t be bothered to do things properly then don’t get a dog. It’s really quite simple. The man is a walking red flag

Because having a new person plus 2 cats move in has never stressed an animal 🙄

The OP knew what she was moving into and no either needs to make it work or move out.

Anothnamechang · 25/03/2024 23:58

Also with the dog being a banned breed plus showing aggression the likelihood is the dog will be pts. I may be wrong but I don’t think you can rehome a banned breed.

Which if this happens, it is not on you. It’s on your boyfriend for his neglectful handling of the dog.

allgrownupnow · 25/03/2024 23:59

The dog needs to go.
I am amazed at the number of people who are prioritising an old dog over a child having a father in its life and telling op to leave. It is truly mind blowing.
It is a very simple solution- bye bye dog.
And op, I hope you are not also dealing with the cat poo as toxoplasmosis, which is spread in cat poo, is very dangerous for embryonic babies.

saltinesandcoffeecups · 26/03/2024 00:01

It’s not a banned breed (besides that fact that the concept is cruel and inhumane as a whole) where she lives (and in most places that haven’t a pearl clutching reaction to life).

chailatte8 · 26/03/2024 00:01

Disgusting that you think that's an acceptable life for your cats.
Doesn't sound like a safe place for a child either.

MaloneMeadow · 26/03/2024 00:03

saltinesandcoffeecups · 25/03/2024 23:58

Because having a new person plus 2 cats move in has never stressed an animal 🙄

The OP knew what she was moving into and no either needs to make it work or move out.

A dangerous breed is terrified of a pair of cats? Yeah right. Other way round.

saltinesandcoffeecups · 26/03/2024 00:03

So you lost your job… moved in…got pregnant accidentally… and now want him to get rid of his dog.

Yeah ok Op…🙄

RawBloomers · 26/03/2024 00:07

Now, I don't want to ask my boyfriend to get rid of the dog, it's been with him for 10 years, I deeply love my animals, and I couldn't imagine giving up one of my cats, but I am stuck.

He’s had a dangerous dog for 10 years without socializing or training it. Can you imagine doing that? Now he is about to become a father and his dog is not in any way suitable to have around a baby. If your cat was unsuitable to have around your baby, if your cat might kill your baby, could you imagine giving your cat up? I bet you could, though it would be painful. Because that’s the situation your boyfriend is in. He’s been lazy and made poor choices in the past and it’s going restrict what he can choose now. You can’t have both the dog and the baby in the house.

TedMullins · 26/03/2024 00:07

OP did you move to the US? I remember another poster whose boyfriend was American, was making all kinds of sexist and unreasonable demands and had a pit bull. They posted several threads about it and everyone unanimously advised to ditch the man (who sounded awful) and not move to be with him. Was that you?

Applecake123 · 26/03/2024 00:09

allgrownupnow · 25/03/2024 23:59

The dog needs to go.
I am amazed at the number of people who are prioritising an old dog over a child having a father in its life and telling op to leave. It is truly mind blowing.
It is a very simple solution- bye bye dog.
And op, I hope you are not also dealing with the cat poo as toxoplasmosis, which is spread in cat poo, is very dangerous for embryonic babies.

I am aware of toxoplasmosis, and I do take cleaning very serious. This is one of the reasons why I cannot put their litter in my room.
And my cat's will cry if they are not with me.

OP posts:
Notmyuser · 26/03/2024 00:11

saltinesandcoffeecups · 26/03/2024 00:03

So you lost your job… moved in…got pregnant accidentally… and now want him to get rid of his dog.

Yeah ok Op…🙄

Not to mention her boyfriend being out of work and a model dog owner until suddenly OP lost their job and then moved in with him and then he got a job and started neglecting the dog. All at once.

saltinesandcoffeecups · 26/03/2024 00:14

Notmyuser · 26/03/2024 00:11

Not to mention her boyfriend being out of work and a model dog owner until suddenly OP lost their job and then moved in with him and then he got a job and started neglecting the dog. All at once.

Animated GIF

It’s either the start of every tragic mumsnet thread or a piss take of epic cliche proportions.

what’s sad is the amount of people with no empathy to a mythical living creature running to the OMG THINK OF THE CHILDREN side.

Applecake123 · 26/03/2024 00:16

TedMullins · 26/03/2024 00:07

OP did you move to the US? I remember another poster whose boyfriend was American, was making all kinds of sexist and unreasonable demands and had a pit bull. They posted several threads about it and everyone unanimously advised to ditch the man (who sounded awful) and not move to be with him. Was that you?

Oh, no, it was not me.
I moved to Spain with my boyfriend. I know he had not trained his dog properly, and had not made the right decisions, but he is definitely not a horrible person. Yes, I would never adopt a dog or a cat if I don't want to train them and dedicate time to them, but this guy had helped me in so many other ways, I won't get into details, and again, im not saying he took the right decisions with the dog, but I also never saw him hitting him, he walks as much as he can with the dog, before and after work, and I do know he loves the dog.

OP posts: