Being a step-parent to children can be challenging enough, but moving in with your partner’s pet can put a strain on your relationship.
If you’re worried about moving in with a partner’s pet, take a look at the following advice to help make things go smoothly.
Discuss The Issue Before Moving In
While your partner’s pet might adore them, they may have a very different attitude towards you. Their owner is a member of the clan and someone that they can trust: you are not.
Before becoming a pet step-parent, point out to your partner that their pet will likely treat you differently. Their dog may resist your inclusion in the family, leading to behavioural problems, barking and other aggressive tendencies.
Learn More About Your Partner’s Pet
If you want to get on with anyone, you first have to understand them. The same is true of your partner’s pet: if you want a healthy relationship, you need to know what they like, and what they don’t.
Finding the best dog treats UK can help if you want to get your partner’s pooch on your side. Giving them a tasty treat will help them to associate you with feeling good.
If possible, you should also read up on dog behavioural experts to find out how you can integrate yourself into the family without unleashing hell. You don’t need to be an expert in dog psychology to understand what you should do. Often, all it takes is a couple of behaviours that show that you won’t be intimidated, and you’re all set.
Discuss Responsibilities Before You Move In
Even if your partner’s pet welcomes you with open arms, the task of looking after them remains. Somebody is going to have to give them food, take them for walks, and clean our their litter tray.
How much of this work that you take on depends on the negotiations with your partner. If you don’t want to do any of the work, say so – after all, their pet shouldn’t be your responsibility. It is a good idea to make boundaries clear before moving in and changing your entire life.
Be Empathetic To The Pet
If the pet develops behavioural issues soon after your arrival, try where possible to be empathetic and compassionate. Remember, your partner’s pooch isn’t trying to make your life a misery; it’s just scared and wants to defend its territory. The longer it sees you as a threat, the more the problem behaviour will continue.
Being kind, calm and gentle with the animal can go a long way to getting it on your side. While it might be an uphill struggle for the first few weeks, things will improve steadily over time.
Both Agree Before Making Big Changes To Your Dog’s Life
It’s a bad idea to make unilateral changes to the life of your partner’s pet. You could hurt your relationship with their pet and with them. Instead, work together on strategies that you can both agree are a good idea. This way, you can build a unified approach to your dog that avoids confusion.
