Girls, do you find it a con for your boyfriend to have a dog?

[t-8900]

Not an "if" they pay too much attention to it. Not "if" they treat the dog good. Not "if" the dog sleeps in their bed. I mean in general are there more pros or cons in a boyfriend with a dog. asking because I personally am pondering getting another as I'm turning 32 in two days and I'm lonely. But I dont want it to possibly impede me finding someone in the dating market.

Updates

+1 y

I actually can't do cats but not because I hate any animals. I just happen to be deathly allergic to them!

[p043k3j]

I love dogs ❤️ so I’m a little bias lol
I think people with dogs are more compassionate and caring individuals, not all but the majority, so to me it would be a plus.
I have 3 small ones myself. I do think about if the person I’m dating has some too, depending how many … we may have too many to handle but will see.
A few Must …. Not an aggressive dog and grooming it’s super important. Mine are hypoallergenic, don’t shed any hair and I love that.
Hair may me a turn off BUT I think I may adjust. I would help to ensure the grooming is taken care of. I have seasonal allergies so this is my hesitation, but if I really like the guy and I can see a future with him, thats more important to me.

[t-8900]

I love this! I don't have one currently. My baby girl passed away a few years ago. But she's always in my heart and I keep her ashes in my room. We had lots of great memories together. She was a rescue and was likely to be put down. I scooped her up real quick. It's like she knew before I did that we were meant to be. From day one, and I mean literally day one she would not leave my side. I was in a bad place at this time. I was very much broken spiritually and mentally and it was like God had made her for the sole purpose of helping me in a crucial moment. She died after just 3 years but so much happened in that 3 years. I went from being broken in body, mind and spirit to being genuinely happy for the first time in perhaps my whole life outside of the time I spent with my grandparents and dad.

So it was a huge thing for me. When she passed for the next 3 days I would wake up and still feel her on me. It was weird that I could literally feel her whole body resting on my legs. I could feel her chin, her arms, her belly, I could feel the literal weight too. Her soul was with me and I think she actually stayed for a few weeks watching over me before she passed over. I felt this thought going through my head like she had said it was time for me to move on. I took that time to invest into finding myself a bit more. Now I'm out just looking to find someone to spend my life with. And I feel like the series of events that happened were for God to get me ready for that next chapter in my life by giving me someone to nurture me and be ready for my future wife.

[p043k3j]

Oh I’m sorry, I know that must have been hard for you !
We connect with our pets so much it’s unbelievable, they know when you are feeling sad and they work hard to make you smile again. They have kept me sane and given me so much laughter. They were my saviors after my husband passed away two years ago. It’s crazy how much they can just lift you when you are not doing well, I love them so much ❤️
I bet your girl was so thankful for saving her and giving her a great life, that’s probably why she connected with you so fast !
awesome job Sir 🙌🏼

[bannacookies]

Well I think I told you about my a SO a while back about the dog was in the shower and everything. It took a little while but now there's a normal relationship with the dog & my SO and everything is great. So usually I wouldn't fit a problem unless if it gets a little weird you know, like... the SO showering with the dog every day. XD

[t-8900]

thats adorable though XD

[AmandaYVR]

Honestly? Yeah, bit of a con.
I used to be a huge animal lover. Had many pets and they used to be an integral part of my life, so I get it. But especially if it's someone else's dog, they drool, slobber, smell, shit and pee in the house, get sick and get diarrhea, have to be walked three times a day, might sleep on the bed and other furniture, there's dog hair everywhere unless owner is really fastidious, not to mention their behaviour and if the owner spoils them and allows bad habits like jealousy or aggression towards others. And it's a bit like having a child - the parent is sensitive, thinks theirs is the best, and can be irrational about how others are and feel about their beloved baby.
I have a friend who has one and although its personality is great and the dog is adorable, the lvrm smells a lot and the couch is filthy, so it's one reason I don't want to go over there.

[t-8900]

you make a lot of good points here. This is why I'm on the fence currently. Although Thunder never shit or pissed in the house ever. But she sure did shed and if she farted she could clear a room! XD

[SherrieP]

That’s just sign of a bad pet owner

[Aerissa_Jade]

Not a problem here, I have a dog right now.

Someone who isn't a dog lover, it might limit your prospects though.

It also depends on your living situation, I have a small house with a fully fenced in yard and I installed a doggie door. No letting them in and out, I don't have to take her for walks because I go for two runs a day and she runs with me, guards and protects me. Its cute, if she sees a guy coming up she gives a quick "Woof" and points. She gives a different sound if its a woman or a child.

[t-8900]

I love this! <3

[Aerissa_Jade]

She can sense things, how I get nervous around certain people and barks a certain way. If I break down and start crying, she is the best cuddle bud ever.

[TrueConfection]

It all depends on the dog. I love dogs, but my husband's dog might just be the reason we divorce. He's vicious, obnoxious, drools, sheds, destroyed my lawn and garden, and I have to keep baby gates up all over the house. We can't have any company and I used to love to entertain.

If you get a dog, be sure it's none of those things. The problem is that my husband doesn't see the problems, he sees his best friend and thinks he's cute as a button.

😠😠😠

[t-8900]

thats sad... very sad. The spouse should always come first in the marriage. He's doing it all wrong! And yeah I've always been good with dogs. I've only ever had two accidents and that was bringing a dog home for the first time and them being in terror and just losing it. But never with a dog that I had for any length of time. My figuring is that I dont have a dog right now. I can hold off till marriage IF she is okay or wants them too. Otherwise I can leave em if we can at least have some kids along the way LOL.

[TrueConfection]

We have 2 dogs. One is sweet and the other is a rescue. I hired a personal trainer that came to my house for weeks to work with the entire family and the dog. I believe this was a puppy mill dog.

[bones_20]

Well I was gonna answer this by saying how much I love dogs and how they are a big part of my life and how I like my pom more then most people and the more dogs the better, but reading through the comments I noticed you said you don’t like toy breeds. Now I just feel heart broken 😔😔😔

[bones_20]

Forgot to add, your dog is really cute.

[t-8900]

@bones_20 i dont hate them but i have my reasons for it. I need a dog i can REALLY play with. I always enjoyed rough housing with them. They would be thrilled. My friends dog too loved me (boxer/lab mix). I treat dogs just like kids... I dont read to them but I would tuck my baby girl in at night and sing her a lullaby in my sh*tty singing voice lol.

[bones_20]

Lol that’s cute, I just read that you aren’t fond of them and I got so offended because my pom is my world 😔
Regarding the update I’m sorry to hear that. It’s not fair that people have pet allergies, it really fucking sucks actually

[t-8900]

I called her my "little Sherman tank" because she was one! She was a medium sized dog with a XL sized personality, super strong, super loving, super personable. I might have to do a mytake solely on her. I'm going to heavily consider it now that I've just mentioned it...

Yes and Thunder didn't like cats either. She was terrified. She ended up pissing herself at my therapist's office when the cats came out lol.

[DarkCarousel]

I thought you meant a different kind of con….. What kind of trickery is he going to pull with a dog? LOL


No, I love dogs and would definitely think that is a positive thing. You should definitely get a dog! I (most likely) couldn’t be with someone that didn’t find that to be a positive.

[t-8900]

Every dog I've had was a rescue. Very rewarding experiences, all of em! ^^

[DarkCarousel]

I believe it! We had two rescues when I was growing up. Some great childhood memories.

[JosyJosy]

I feel like there are more pros to it.

The only thing I don't like about dogs is their licking and barking, which comes with the standard dog package hahaha. But you can teach them tricks, you can cuddle with them, their excitement is amazing, you can go for a run with your dog, he'll keep up the pace. You have an extra member to protect the house, and dogs seem more loyal than humans so ya

[JosyJosy]

oh yeah they can smell too hahhaha XD
I've only had cats, but I liked the dogs of my friends

[t-8900]

Thunder only barked around other dogs she saw as a threat to me. Or to people trying to enter the home while I was at my computer. Other than that she never barked, ever. She was a little Sherman Tank. A lot of muscle in a small package haha.

[JosyJosy]

at the moment there's only one dog who I get to see regularly, doesn't bark, sits still, but it smells and farts. My friend, the owner is also kind of notorious in our group for his farts so I guess it was a match made in heaven

[t-8900]

lol maybe he's sharing his food with the dog? XD

[JosyJosy]

He does actually

[Hellothere543212]

As many people say, how people treat the innocent and vulnerable reveals so much about them.

As a female, this is something I look at quite a lot… For example, how a man may treat children, animals and the elderly.

I often find that people that treat these people and animals well are pure of heart and are someone I want around. If a man nurtures, loves and cares for his dog - then there is a good chance he will treat you well.

[Ninani]

I visited a guy who had a dog he couldn't control, it roamed around and invaded my personal space. The dog is an extension of its owner. A well-trained, affectionate dog would definitely make him more attractive, but the opposite is a huge red flag.

[t-8900]

Excellent mindset. It would make me attractive then 😂

[Ninani]

Sure, if you're a responsible owner.

[t-8900]

Always have been 👍

[Ninani]

I mean, I even told him that I used to be afraid of dogs and that his dog made me extremely uncomfortable, he just couldn't control it.

[t-8900]

Oh no see I've never been like that. My dogs obey my every command. They always turn to me and wait for instruction, truly. I don't play like that. I'm the alpha of the pack, always.

[Ninani]

Sounds pretty hot tbh.

[t-8900]

I suppose because a man needs to know when to put the foot down. But I'm actually an affectionate person. Just I don't play or tolerate nonsense. Lol

[SherrieP]

If a girl doesn’t like a dog, she’s not worth it. After my husband of 25 years passed, my two dogs were my dating meter. Guys who didn’t like dogs were out, guys my dogs didn’t like were out. My new hubby had just lost his dog and bonus he got a package deal; dogs, tools, truck, and a great woman.

[t-8900]

wins all around! haha ^^

[AnggieGirl]

Dude if u want a dog, and you’re in a position in life to give it the time they require; then get one! Who cares about a relationship perspective added to it 🐕 ❤️

[t-8900]

i respect that a lot. But finding a serious life partner is my #1 priority so it's something I'm weighing if I should wait just in case.

[AnggieGirl]

Then perhaps get a dog, get your mind off it and keep busy in a productive way.

[t-8900]

yeah but she could be the one! but have allergies or something or live a bit out of the way. I don't know i'll think about it. Thanks for the input.

[AnggieGirl]

It’s admirable when a man has the capacity and capabilities to tend and care for something in a responsible way and raise something-someone on his own and not mess it up tho 🤷‍♀️

[t-8900]

I know, I know. But i remember last girlfriend was terrified of pitbulls. Thunder was a sweetheart though. I would cradle her in my arms and sing to her and put her to bed and tuck her in... yes I have this strong urge to nurture and parent lol. its weird i guess. not something you think about with a guy.

[AnggieGirl]

Yeah well I don’t trust anyone when they don’t like dogs.

[t-8900]

lol i get what you're saying. are you a dog owner currently?

[ShaTTeredMasterpeace]

I'm scared of dogs so I tend to not go for a guy that has them because I don't think it's fair to either of us

[t-8900]

dog pictured was my dog that passed away a few years ago. She was an ambassador for the pitbull haters because she loved hugs and she was very derpy lol. If you spent enough time with her you could literally see human traits in her. She would get jealous and that was hilarious. I notice dogs treated well on a reward system act more like goofy kids than dogs not raised on that system XD

[ShaTTeredMasterpeace]

I get that but dogs are very temperamental creatures.

[t-8900]

so am I! XD
lol but I get what you mean

[Cheechee4me]

A big, loud, dirty, stinky dog is yes. If doggy only barks within reason and it’s medium size or less, well taken care of absolutely not. Heck doggo can get on my lap even.

[t-8900]

You can see from the pic I took very good care of her. Bathed often in an oatmeal blend. Had to fight her she always hated getting in the tub 🤣

[Cheechee4me]

Yes she’s a very pretty girl.

[FictionalCharacter]

Dogs shed and track mud/dirt/poop on the couches and beds 🤧.

I know, because I used have 3 Labradors. Till I found out I didn’t have patience for them or any animal. Until I started taking care of my plants 🪴 more.

So I’m a plant 🪴 lady not a animal person.

[cerberusdoll]

I absolutely love dogs so if my partner had one, I would be over the moon! He’d have a tough time trying to get me to pay attention to him, because I’d be paying attention to the dog more haha

[Agape93]

Nope it's a pro, especially if it's well trained, behaved and treated well.

[t-8900]

Thunder (dog pictured) was an angel. She was derpy but she acted a lot like a person. Very much had a personality of her own! She'd get jealous, throw childish tantrums, if she farted she got embarrassed and left the couch and hid LMAO! She was like a little lady AND she always loved when I tucked her in at night. She snuggled up like a little cuddle bug and I would lullaby her to sleep XD

[Agape93]

Awww that's too sweet

[Anonymous]

Yes because I had one for 13 years and I don't want the responsibility again. You have to think of everything you do, they can be destructive as puppies, weird smells, just no. If he was gonna do all the work and had family members to watch while we went out or travelled then fine but otherwise no I don't want my life restricted by someone else's choices

[t-8900]

That's kinda weird how you worded that at the end because from what I understand relationships are about compromise and thus there would be some restrictions no matter what. That's not saying anything about the dog just that it sounds like you'd be also restricting him in some sense. As for me I want kids so right there is some level of restrictions for both partners. And you can't really travel all the time working so you can have someone watch them while away. Dog sitters are a thing. Also you can get dogs already fully house trained that are not puppies. 🤔

[Opinion Owner]

But dog sitters are really expensive so therefore make any trips more expensive. If you don't have a really well paid job then it's adding a lot of money. At times we had to sacrifice things in order and I don't want to make sacrifices for a pet o don't want. Kids for me would be different. My dog when it was old ended up with incontinence and it was stressful. So I would just prefer a guy who realised that having a dog isn't just about him it's an added expense for both partners.

[t-8900]

Hey if she's willing to give me kids I can forgo the dog. But I have a nurturing side that needs to care for something like a child it a dog or something.

[t-8900]

*or a dog

[Opinion Owner]

That's fair enough. For me I'd rather kids than a dog at this point in life

[t-8900]

You and me both. So many women keep saying they don't want kids I'm just like 😐☹️😞😢

[Opinion Owner]

So many guys say the same these days and no one seems to want anything more than hookups so I feel like I've given up hope and just accepted I want have any

[t-8900]

That's BS! Don't give up yet! I know I just cannot. I need that special someone and our kids to complete my life. There's no chance in hell of me giving that dream up. It's the only thing I even want in this life! Everything else is just noise!

[Anonymous]

It’s not a con for me at all. I personally love dogs and have one myself. If I date, I plan to ask guys their views on dogs, because I don’t want to be with someone that has a low/zero tolerance for them. I’m also a veterinary assistant, so I’m around them all day most of the time. I tend to care for them a lot and have a nurture attitude towards them. As long as the dog isn’t aggressive to me, I can pretty much tolerate a lot of what they do. You’re little one is adorable!

[Anonymous]

No, of course not. I am attracted to men who are good to animals. It's a sign of good character. If you want a dog and are able to take care of one, you should get one. Any girl who doesn't like that isn't the right girl for you anyway.

[SherrieP]

So agree! And the same goes for guys who don’t like animals.

[Opinion Owner]

@SherrieP Thanks! Animals are good judges of character. My boyfriend doesn't currently have a dog, but many of our friends do. Whenever we visit them, he is a dog magnet! Dogs love him! It's adorable to me.

[SherrieP]

He’s a good guy then!

[Opinion Owner]

He definitely is!

[KrisPW]

Dog lover here... Not a con for me. But it could limit you if a girl is scared of or uncomfortable with them in the house / on the bed.

[Sirenboobzilla]

Not a con if they can train the dog properly. I love dogs. They're playful and mega loyal. But you really have to know how to correct behaviors

[Beautyforeverybody]

No wayyy. It’s a massive pro. It shows that he is compassionate, friendly and kind. Also , I get to ge a dog mom 🥺

[silvermoon84]

Actually for me, a dog would be a huge plus. I’m a dog lover at heart so I’d probably end up spoiling the dog with as much attention as the guy does

[CaliSixx]

Well my two dogs are my babies and I'd never get rid of them. Boys with dogs are awesome!

[Laura456]

Depends on how clingy the animal is. But there should be more benefits. I mean as a person who has only owned fish, having a boyfriend with a dog would be great.

[t-8900]

so i actually used to have a fresh water tank with a Gar, Jack Dempsey, Bichir, and Spotted Catfish. that was fun times! ^^

[Laura456]

Cool fish you have. I had 22 fish in my fish tank at one point, mainly gold fish, black Moores and angle fish. Don’t know their proper names but dogs are more compassionate, always wanted one

[t-8900]

dogs are great. the one in the picture was mine. she was my best friend and pretty much my child even.

[Laura456]

She looks adorable!

[Prettygurl12]

Not a con. I have a dog. Now we will have 2 dogs. If it were up to me I'd have 10, honestly lol So as long as he's aware that we now have 2, and I'm not giving up my dog... we good lol

[XXblack88]

No that's a pro. I couldn't see myself not having a dog in the house.

[Sam2021]

animals are lovely but i am allergic to them. dogs, cats, rabbits anything with a fur so no pets please.

[loves2learn]

I’m really not a dog person. That would be tough. But if it was a friendly dog and a good guy I think it would be ok.

[Janessa2021]

Not really as long as he takes good care of the dog and his dog is well behaved.

[TacosRAwesome]

In general no but I don't like a certain type of dogs.