If your girlfriend pays more attention to her dog than you, you’re not alone.
It’s incredibly frustrating to feel like your partner loves their pet more than they love you, but it’s a common relationship issue.
Luckily, there are ways to create a healthy balance between your partner and their pet where everyone is happy and can live harmoniously!
Why Do Some Women Love Their Dogs More than Their Partners?
It’s not necessarily the case that some women love their dogs more than their partners.
People can have strong emotional bonds with their pets and may show them a lot of affection, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they love their pets more than their partners.
It’s also important to note that every relationship is different and it’s not fair to make generalizations about how people feel about their pets and partners.
Some people may have a closer bond with their pets because they have more time to spend with them, or because their pets are more consistent and dependable in their affection.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that your girlfriend loves her dog more than you.
It may even simply be that your relationship is new and your girlfriend has had her dog for many years.
If you’re not a dog person it’s hard to understand the bond people can have with their pets and it’s easy to feel left out or jealous.
However, it is possible to create a healthy balance between you and your partner’s relationship with their dog if you and your girlfriend are willing to communicate openly.
Related – Here’s why some people choose their dog over their relationship!
What Should You Do if Your Girlfriend Gives Her Dog More Attention than You?
If your girlfriend is giving her dog more attention than you, it’s important to communicate openly and honestly with her about how this makes you feel.
Try expressing your feelings to your girlfriend and let her know that you feel like she’s giving more attention to her dog than to you.
Pet owners often aren’t aware of how their actions are making those close to them feel, so it’s essential that you open up.
It may also be helpful to go out of your way to spend some quality time together doing activities that you both enjoy, and to make sure that you’re both giving each other the attention and affection that you need in the relationship.
If the situation continues to be a problem and you’re not able to resolve it on your own, you should consider seeking the help of a therapist or counselor.
They can help you and your girlfriend work through any issues and improve your communication and relationship.
It’s Not About Giving Her an Ultimatum
No matter how bad your situation is, you should never try to give your girlfriend an ultimatum or make her choose between her dog and you.
That’s never going to end well.
Instead, focus on communicating your feelings and helping her to understand why this makes you feel neglected.
By understanding each other’s needs better, you can compromise if necessary and work to create a healthy balance where everyone is happy.
Her dog is here to stay, so it’s essential that you both find a way to coexist peacefully!
Why Do Dogs Cause Relationship Problems?
Dogs and any pets can cause serious relationship issues.
You have to keep in mind that each relationship is unique and the reasons why a dog might cause problems in a relationship vary from couple to couple.
However, some of the most common reasons why a dog might cause problems in a relationship include:
1. One partner becomes overly attached to the dog and the other partner feels left out;
2. One partner spends more time caring for the dog than they do interacting with their partner;
3. The dog barks or whines excessively, preventing the couple from getting any peace and quiet;
4. The dog jumps up on furniture or guests, which can be seen as rude or unsanitary;
5. The dog poops or pees in the house, which can create a lot of extra work for the couple.
If any of these issues ring true for you and your relationship, don’t give up or hold any resentment toward her and/or the dog!
It’s possible to address them with either a pet behavioral expert or through good communication with your girlfriend.
Related – How to compromise when your husband loves his dog more than you!
10 Signs You Come Second to Your Girlfriend’s Dog
Just so you know that you’re not being unreasonable or overreacting, here are 10 classic signs that you are coming second to your girlfriend’s dog:
- Your girlfriend spends more time with her dog than with you.
- Your girlfriend seems to prioritize her dog’s needs over yours.
- Your girlfriend shows more affection to her dog than to you.
- Your girlfriend talks about her dog more than she talks about you.
- Your girlfriend spends more money on her dog than on you or your shared activities.
- Your girlfriend makes plans and decisions based on what’s best for her dog, rather than considering your needs.
- Your girlfriend puts her dog’s comfort and happiness above your own.
- Your girlfriend gets upset or angry if you don’t show enough interest in her dog.
- Your girlfriend ignores or dismisses your concerns about her relationship with her dog.
- Your girlfriend spends more time and energy on her dog’s social life than on your relationship.
If you’re reading those points thinking, “Yep, that sounds like our relationship,” it’s time to talk to your girlfriend and make sure she knows how her actions are affecting you.
It’s possible that she simply doesn’t realize how her relationship with her dog is impacting your relationship, and that a few simple changes can make a huge difference!
Something to keep in mind is that no matter what happens, remember to stay calm and approach the conversation with empathy.
It’s important to remember that her dog is a part of her life and that it’s natural for her to prioritize her pet’s needs.
It’s also going to go a long way if you make a special effort with her dog, even if you’re not a dog person or a pet lover.
Her dog is clearly important to her, so showing her that you’re making an effort to meet her in the middle will only help to improve your relationship.
At the end of the day, remember that communication is key!
Image credits – depositphotos.com/free-stock-photo-couple-love-husky-dog-posing
Phil lives in England, UK, and has around 20 years experience as a professional life, career and executive coach. He started this blog to help others find and define their own self development journey. Blogging about a wide range of topics to help facilitate a better future.