avatarKiki Wellington

Summary

The article discusses the impact of a partner's dog on romantic relationships, revealing that many dog owners prioritize their pets over their human partners and that conflicts related to the dog can strain relationships.

Abstract

The article titled "Pet or Partner? Why Your Partner’s Fur Baby May Put Your Relationship in the Doghouse" explores the dynamics between romantic partners and pets, particularly dogs. It cites surveys indicating that a significant portion of dog owners would choose their pet over their partner, and that a dog's approval can be a decisive factor in the development of new relationships. The piece also highlights common sources of tension between couples, such as disagreements over dog-related chores and training issues, which can lead to frequent arguments. The article suggests that the bond between dog owners and their pets is profound and can significantly influence the course of their romantic relationships.

Opinions

  • Dog lovers may prioritize their pets over their human partners, with some choosing their dog in a hypothetical scenario where they had to pick between the two.
  • A dog's liking of a potential partner is crucial for many dog owners, with a significant number ending relationships if their partner does not get along with their pet.
  • Couples experience an average of three dog-related arguments per week, primarily concerning the division of responsibilities such as walking and cleaning up after the dog, as well as issues like giving too many treats or the dog's behavior in the home.
  • Wag! CEO Hilary Schneider acknowledges that dogs play a significant role in their owners' love lives, with their opinions of other people influencing their owners' romantic decisions.
  • Despite the potential for conflict, the strong bond between dogs and their owners underscores the importance of pets in the family structure and the need for compatibility in relationships where pets are involved.

Pet or Partner? Why Your Partner’s Fur Baby May Put Your Relationship in the Doghouse

In a catfight for your partner’s affections, the dog will usually win

Photo by izakowski on DepositPhotos

If you’re in a relationship with a dog lover and you think the pooch gets more of their love than you do, chances are, you’re probably right.

In fact, in a survey of 2,000 people in Britain, about 30 percent admitted they would choose their dog over their partner if they had to, and 40 percent said they are more affectionate toward their beloved pooch than they are toward their partner. Another survey of 3,500 dog owners, which was conducted by the dog-walking service Wag!, found the majority of respondents admit that not liking their pet is a complete turnoff and 86 percent of them will end a relationship with someone who doesn’t like their dog.

“It comes as no surprise that dog parents place a premium on their dogs’ opinions of other humans and that this plays a deciding factor in their love lives.”

And if you’re not in a relationship with a dog lover yet, you may not fare much better unless you work as hard to impress the canine as you do the potential love interest. That’s because 38 percent of people said if their dog doesn’t like someone they’re dating, the budding new romance will never get the chance to bloom. Pets may also get in the way of love blossoming because 42 percent of dog owners say their fur babies will break up any hugs their humans get from a potential partner they dislike.

“It comes as no surprise that dog parents place a premium on their dogs’ opinions of other humans and that this plays a deciding factor in their love lives,” said Wag! CEO Hilary Schneider.

Dog Disputes Cause Ruff Spots in Relationships

So you’ve gotten over the hurdle of getting in good with your partner’s dog and your relationship is growing. Maybe you and the dog even love each other. But that doesn’t mean your new best furry friend won’t cause problems in your relationship. Researchers found that couples have three arguments every week related to their dog — most of which are about chores. The most common dog-related fight topics were:

  • Who should walk the dog
  • Who should clean up after the dog
  • Giving the dog too many treats
  • The dog tracking mud into the house
  • Having to walk the dog alone
  • Who gets out of bed to let the dog out in the morning
  • The dog stealing partner’s space on the bed or couch
  • Whether or not the dog belongs on the couch
  • Dog training issues
  • Partner plays too rough with the dog

More from Kiki Wellington:

Sources:

Melore, C. (2020, June 29). Ruff love: 1 in 3 dog owners would choose their pet over their partner. Study Finds. https://www.studyfinds.org/ruff-love-1-in-3-dog-owners-would-choose-their-pet-over-their-partner/

Renner, B. (2018, May 28). 86% Of Adults Would Break Up With Partner Who Doesn’t Get Along With Their Dog. Study Finds. https://www.studyfinds.org/most-people-break-up-with-partner-doesnt-get-along-with-dog/

Relationships
Pets
Dogs
Animals
Conflict
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