Lisa O
It’s not uncommon for a dog to dislike someone, even if that someone is your boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, or wife. People often wonder, “Why does my dog hate my partner?” Well, there could be a few reasons. Some dogs feel a natural urge to protect, while others might have had a tough past and struggle to trust your partner. Here are the signs that your dog doesn’t like your partner!
Protective Pooch
If you’ve got a Rottweiler or another guard dog like a German Shepherd, chances are they’re wired to be protective. Some dogs, regardless of breed, are just naturally territorial and take time to warm up to new folks in the house. If your furry friend seems wary of new people, be patient—it might just be their thing. And you can also chat with your vet for tips on handling this behavior.
Body Talk
Dogs are body language pros – that’s how they talk and figure out what we’re up to. Your body language around a new person is like a big clue for your dog. Do they get all jittery when your partner tries to pet them? Do they avoid making eye contact? While these actions might mean other things, keep an eye out for repeating patterns in your dog’s behavior.
Vocal Warnings
Dogs don’t just talk with their bodies; they use sounds, too! If your dog isn’t feeling your partner, it might whine, growl, or bark in a way that shows it’s not comfortable or aggressive. Pay attention, especially if you hear low growls or snarls—that’s a sign to give some space. These are warnings that your dog might go from feeling uneasy to nipping, biting, or even attacking.
Stress-Induced Messes
Destructive behavior is tricky for many reasons. Dogs aren’t mean or sneaky – they don’t ruin your things just to get back at you. But if they start chewing up your stuff or making messes, it could be a sign of anxiety triggered by things like your partner. They’re feeling really stressed or frustrated and try to calm themselves down by wrecking your super important stuff.
Attention Seeker
Imagine you’re cozy on the sofa with your partner when, suddenly, your dog jumps up and squeezes right between you. It’s like they’re saying, “It’s just us three or nothing!” When your dog won’t let anyone else get close without barging in, it’s a clear sign that it wants all your attention. Pushy behaviors like this aren’t just about frustration or jealousy—they’re cries for more love and attention.
Unexpected Performances
When your dog shows off its tricks without you asking, it’s not just for show—it’s got something to say! Your dog might feel a bit left out and jealous, especially if you’re giving all your attention to something else, like your partner. So, if your furry friend suddenly starts performing their favorite moves, it’s a sign they want some love, too.
Indoor ‘Protests’
Sometimes, dogs start avoiding going outside to do their business because of different reasons, like stress, changes in their routine, getting older, or even health issues. They might also feel jealous of your partner. Your furry friend understands the rules, but this behavior isn’t just about breaking them as a protest. When their jealousy builds up, they might think doing something that upsets you is the only way to get your attention.
Excessive Grooming
Here’s another sneaky sign that might be linked to your dog feeling jealous of your partner. If your furry friend suddenly starts spending a lot more time cleaning themselves, there could be a few reasons behind it. Dogs use grooming to cope with feelings of insecurity or when they’re not getting enough love. Normally, self-grooming isn’t an issue, but experts say it can become excessive when your dog is stressed, bored, or super frustrated.
Withdrawn Behavior
Dogs have many ways to show jealousy, but each pup has its own style. Instead of being all in-your-face or getting between you and your partner, some dogs might just step back and keep to themselves. If your usually cuddly dog has been keeping its distance or hanging out alone more than usual, it could mean it’s feeling left out because of your partner.
Intense Stares
Keep an eye out for dogs giving your partner the stare-down, even if they’re not doing anything else. In doggy talk, there’s a big difference between a “hard stare” and a “soft stare.” A hard, intense look signals aggression – you might notice their brow is all furrowed. Seeing the whites of a dog’s eyes or a “side eye” means they feel uncomfortable with someone.
Masters of Ignoring
Is your dog giving your partner the cold shoulder? Are they acting like your partner doesn’t even exist—ignoring calls and avoiding any interaction? These are clear signs that the pup isn’t connecting with your partner and would rather make a quick exit. No matter how much effort your partner puts in, if your dog isn’t feeling the friendship, they’ll act like your partner is invisible.
Territory Marking
Dogs don’t hold back when it comes to expressing their thoughts on new friends, and sometimes, they go back to basics – by peeing or pooping on the person’s stuff. If your dog keeps marking your partner’s clothes where they sit or sleep, it could mean they’re not entirely comfortable with this new addition to their space. This can also happen when there are new dogs in the house.
Touch Aversion
When your dog doesn’t snuggle up or lean in for pets, it’s a sign that it might not feel the love. Most dogs dig cuddles or some physical affection from humans. But if your dog isn’t into your partner, it might dodge physical contact altogether, just walking past without a second glance. It could be feeling anxious, stressed, or having had a rough experience that’s affecting how it acts.
Playtime Rejection
If your dog isn’t up for playing or hanging out with your partner, that’s a clear sign they might not be besties. When dogs choose alone time over playtime, it could be their way of saying they’re not thrilled about your partner being around. There’s also a serious note—this behavior might indicate that your partner is mistreating your pet. People might harm animals for various reasons, such as making money or following religious rituals.
Treat Turn-Down
When your furry friend snubs treats or meals from your partner, it’s like they’re sending a message: “Not interested!” It’s a clear sign they’re not exactly thrilled about your partner. They might only nibble if your partner tosses them a treat, then make a quick exit, feeling more comfy. Dogs can be picky eaters for many reasons – changes at home, stress, and even a queasy tummy.