Nika Friday - Are you dating the person or their dog? http://ift.tt/1zRp6GC @lnohara95 #blogging

I had planned to do my own post today, as I forgot about Nika Friday, but luckily, Nika, reminded me! Honestly, when I proof-read this post, I was so happy she shared it with me - and now to you. 

Have you ever thought to yourself: "Should I be dating this guy? His dog is over-protective as if it's signalling we shouldn't be together." Well Nika has a great post for you today!

It is both helpful and funny, and is personal to her. Here is her story about her gorgeous dog and how this little critter had affected their relationship in the beginning and how they worked on teaching the little dog all about affection, discipline, but also the love and care it seeks from a new person in its life.

Are You Dating the Person or Their Dog?

Being in a new relationship is always great. Getting to know your significant other, long talks, romantic dinners and butterflies in your stomach is something we have all experienced at least once. If you think that nothing can spoil such an idyllic moment, you are so wrong! For example, I’ve been dating a boy for two months and I have experienced terrible problems with my dog Butters, whose behavior has turned sour. Whenever my boyfriend tried to hug or kiss me, or even when he opened the door, she would greet him with annoying barks of hatred and jealousy. At the very beginning, I thought that I was just imagining all of this, but I soon became aware of how real everything was. This is the story of how I’ve been fighting my dog’s jealousy.

How I noticed it

Well, it wasn’t that obvious from the very beginning, or it was just me trying to ignore this problematic situation. I’ve been living with Butters for about two years and I have always known that she is really protective. She constantly tries to protect me from other pets and people, even babies. I thought that was pretty normal. She’s my friend and her role is to protect me, right? However, when I started dating Ryan, her mood completely changed. Whenever we were alone, she was the sweetest pet in the whole world, and the very moment Ryan tried to approach her, she would start barking and attacking him. She would turn into a green-eyed monster prone to aggression! Once, while we were watching a movie, she urinated across the entire rug (to mark her territory), after which she started whining and scratching the door. I love Butters, but she was becoming too much to handle.

How I solved this jealousy problem?

I must admit, I didn’t manage to completely solve it.  Butters is still showing concerning signs of jealousy, but I think that we’re moving forward. The first thing I did was ask for professional help. My veterinarian explained that dogs are known to exhibit signs of jealousy or even hatred towards our significant others, especially smaller dogs, which are more prone to aggression. Luckily, if we treat them well, they will learn that what they’re doing is wrong.

Since Butters wasn’t only jealous of Ryan, but also other people, COMPLETE STRANGERS, I needed to put an end to such behavior. For example, I used to take her to the store with me - it's on our daily walk route, and she could personally pick whatever food fit her fancy. I have resorted to purchasing dog food online because she is so unpredictably fierce when I approach people.

I’ve also started paying more attention to her. Ignoring your pet in favor of your loved one could make the entire situation even worse - it gives the dog a green sign to compete and fight for your love. I’ve come up with various interesting games, which she really loves. After a couple of weeks, I included my boyfriend in this entire routine. First, I needed to avoid my home and to pick a neutral territory for their introduction. For example, I’ve chosen a nearby park. It’s large and provides us with a lot of space to have fun.

The fact that dogs consider people who smell like their owners friends seemed like a perfect starting point to me. It was really fun - Ryan started using my deodorant, shampoo, shower gel and detergent! The next thing he needed to do was to reward Butters’ good moments with tasty treats. It really helps your pet associate a new person with something good, or in this case, tasty. For example, while we were all playing, he would toss her tasty treats to fetch or give her special bonuses.

Finally, I think that I’ve found the perfect way to balance the entire situation and show my dog that she’s not going to be replaced. On the other hand, I’ve managed to save and improve my relationship, which I was really concerned about because Ryan wasn’t comfortable with Butters’ nasty behavior. It seems that things finally went normal!

On a further note, Ryan and I didn’t last, but it wasn’t Butters who broke us up, but a long distance. I am glad of this, and proud to say that my crazy little pooch has learned to behave herself (more or less) whenever a friend or something more would come over. So it’s a win, right?

Have you ever been affected my your pet when it comes to someone new in your life?

Comment below. I would love to hear your stories! Don't be shy.

Much love, 

Tweet