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Normally I am a pretty rational guy. I do a pretty good job pretending to be a grown up, and in a recent course evaluation, one of my undergraduate students described me as "Wise like Gandalf, but without the grey in his beard". Still, there is one issue that has recently come up where I simply cannot let logic prevail.
I am concerned that one of my dogs is starting to like my girlfriend more than me. My three and a half year old American Bulldog mix (Ninja Lou) is still solidly my girl, but my one year old collie/whippet mix (Tangent Theta) has started down a path of consistent betrayal. I know it should be a good thing for our relationship, but I simply cannot help feeling disappointed every time she leaps off of my lap to find comfort in the arms of my SO.
I don't think I need advice on how to handle the situation, as I realize how ridiculous it is, but I am simply startled by the way I feel about it. Has anyone ever had something similar? Did you ever get over it? Or do I just need to have my office checked for toxic fumes that are addling my brain?
Some dogs just like people other than their owners. Sometimes it's the novelty, sometimes they just click. My buddy's cattle dog - a breed known for its obsessive loyalty - will spoon with me when I visit and completely ignore him. some dogs like one gender better than the other, too. Also, if you are closer to your other dog, the collie/whippet may gravitate towards a person who has more focus on him/her.
So many reasons, but the main reason you shouldn't take it personally? It's a DOG. They have thought processes and ways of thinking we can't even begin to understand. Their motivations are not something we will ever fully comprehend.
Dogs are pack animals. Your dog sees your girlfriend as another member of the family. One she hasn't seen for a while. She's also impressing on you (as the Alpha) that she accepts your girlfriend.
Now..........if she starts peeing on your shoes....................
Now..........if she starts peeing on your shoes....................
Tangent doesn't pee on my shoes, but Ninja will hide my girlfriend's belongings (shoes, wallet, keys, laptop charger, etc) throughout the house. She especially likes pulling up the edge of the area rug and shoving a sandal under, like she's burying a bone and saving it for later. In the winter Ninja would hoard my GF's hats and gloves in her crate.
I still can't figure out why this hurts my feelings so much. I could not be happier with my relationship yet I still find myself fondly remembering the days when I was single and my puppy did not need boobs in order to find a comfortable spot on the couch.
Normally I am a pretty rational guy. I do a pretty good job pretending to be a grown up, and in a recent course evaluation, one of my undergraduate students described me as "Wise like Gandalf, but without the grey in his beard". Still, there is one issue that has recently come up where I simply cannot let logic prevail.
I am concerned that one of my dogs is starting to like my girlfriend more than me. My three and a half year old American Bulldog mix (Ninja Lou) is still solidly my girl, but my one year old collie/whippet mix (Tangent Theta) has started down a path of consistent betrayal. I know it should be a good thing for our relationship, but I simply cannot help feeling disappointed every time she leaps off of my lap to find comfort in the arms of my SO.
I don't think I need advice on how to handle the situation, as I realize how ridiculous it is, but I am simply startled by the way I feel about it. Has anyone ever had something similar? Did you ever get over it? Or do I just need to have my office checked for toxic fumes that are addling my brain?
eh, don't sweat it, when my Husband came into my life Rocky came with him and within about 10 minutes loyalty to my Husband went out the window and Rocky became MY dog. He still loved my Husband and was always happy to see him but when it came to seeking affection Rocky always came to me first, always lay at my feet, always slept on my side of the bed on the floor and followed me around like he was a pup.
Tangent doesn't pee on my shoes, but Ninja will hide my girlfriend's belongings (shoes, wallet, keys, laptop charger, etc) throughout the house. She especially likes pulling up the edge of the area rug and shoving a sandal under, like she's burying a bone and saving it for later. In the winter Ninja would hoard my GF's hats and gloves in her crate.
I still can't figure out why this hurts my feelings so much. I could not be happier with my relationship yet I still find myself fondly remembering the days when I was single and my puppy did not need boobs in order to find a comfortable spot on the couch.
It "hurts your feelings"?? Really?
If this is a serious post, and I'm assuming it is, please do some further soul searching and digging, because Houston, we have a problem.
(engage a therapist if you really can't figure this out on your own)
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