Pet dog is source of friction, what can we do?

[Anonymous]

We have a dog, small white dog. Two adults two teenagers. Everyone except me, the dad, loves the dog. I not keen on him and i don't like him lounging in living room and kitchen all day which he does. So i always put him outside. And the children keep him in... He hides behind them and I'm unable to put him out.

How to reach common ground? There was talk of re homing the dog but of course that was met with resistance.

It's creating serious situations in the house.

Updates

+1 y

I forgot to mention, he has his little house out the back where he is comfortable. Not like he's in the cold and rain.

[Bricealan]

You either like and accept the companion animal or you don't.

Not easy for me to understand you're not "keen' on him "lounging in the living room and in the kitchen all day' What is he supposed to do, clean house? He's a dog for gods sake!. Take him out and walk him, he needs to be exercised daily.

Not easy to understand your resistance and why "Its creating serious situations in the house" That makes no sense to me, as a person that likes a companion animal.

Why did you get a dog in the first place feeling that way?

[Asker]

It's not my dog
It was bought by me for my daughter. I didn't like him then.
I find your inability to understand s bit odd. I didn't always dislike the animal, it was gradually thing especially during covid when i was at home a lot.
I don't expect the dog to hoover or do the laundry. But what i find is he always wants to be indoors unless there's food outside. When he's in the kitchen, he wants to be in the living room sitting on the new sofa. Then he wants to be upstairs on a bed.
It's a constant move towards comfort and food, nothing else.

[Bricealan]

It's an animal, what would you think?

[Anonymous]

I was in a similar position. Unfortunately, unless you are prepared to act alone and remove the animal, you're going to have to tolerate it. They don't live forever.

But perhaps you can discuss the situation with your wife and find some middle ground. It will probably need her support and you'll take flack from the kids but maybe it's worth it.

It's your life. It's your house. Make your choice.

[Asker]

Ye i don't think i would take him to a dog's home behind their backs. It would upset my daughter.

It's particularly galling when he hides behind then when i try to put him out. And then it becomes impossible.

Authority was always lax , the kids are allowed to do whatever they want
And in fairness they turned it very well, balanced and confident.

Middle ground yes
I would hope that i can put him out when i want. That my opening demand in the negotiations🙂

[Opinion Owner]

It's not unreasonable so stick to your guns. And good luck

[Bricealan]

Oh yeah, just wait until the dog gets sick for some reason, and then let it die ?
After all..."they don't live forever" ... Maybe have a tornado in your area and just abandon the dog in the street... like many other of the brainless do.

[AI Opinion]

Navigating the tricky waters of pet preferences in a household can be as complex as a telenovela romance, but fear not, we've got some tips to help ease the tension. First off, communication is key, just like in any good relationship. Sit down with your family and have an open-hearted discussion about your feelings towards the dog. Explain your perspective but be prepared to listen to theirs too. It's all about finding that sweet spot of compromise.

Consider setting specific areas where the dog is allowed and times when he can roam freely in the common areas. Perhaps introduce some dog-free zones that cater to your comfort while ensuring the dog still feels like part of the family. Exploring a schedule might also help everyone understand when it's time for the dog to enjoy some outdoor space and when it's cuddle o'clock indoors.

Rehoming should be the last resort, so try to work together as a team to find solutions that cater to both your needs and those of the furry family member. Remember, it's not about winning; it's about weaving that love, understanding, and a sprinkle of compromise into the fabric of your family dynamics. Keep the dialogue open, focus on the love you all share, and you might just find a way to coexist happily with the little fluff ball.

[Asker]

Good points, there could be rules

Currently the only rule is that he's not in the living room when I'm in living room.

And he's generally not allowed upstairs.

But yes there could be a rule that he's outside until 9pm, hard to swing that one.

[Redstang88]

It’s a dog, what’s he supposed to do? Go grocery shopping and do the dishes?

[Asker]

That's hilarious
But not the point
What i said
And said again to that very point is i prefer the dog in the garden not sitting on the new sofa
You get it now?

[Redstang88]

Get a dog bed then? Little dogs really aren’t meant to be outside dogs, and none are gonna do well just tossed outside with nothing to do

[Bricealan]

@Redstang88 ... Thank you for that, my sentiments exactly! I simply do not understand the attitude of people like this ! Good Gog. My father had the same kind of moron mentality. He had hunting dogs, and house pets and when they got sick he simply let them die... what a disgusting human being.

[Bricealan]

@Redstang88 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 I sincerely believe what you and I both have said is only COMMON SENSE. Took me a while to adopt to a new pet, (my wife's dog, but I was quick to love the animal and would NEVER part with her)