Boyfriend's 3 year-old Boston bit me

by Holly
(Sacramento, CA)

I live with my boyfriend and his 3 year-old male Boston, Greg. We've lived together for nearly 7 months now and have had nothing but problems with Greg. My boyfriend has never properly trained Greg and further spoils him rotten - which adds to the lack of discipline.

I've grown up with small dogs (Mini Schnauzers) and feel I usually have a good rapport with them; however, now I'm dealing with a dog who's used to being with his owner - my boyfriend - 24/7, if not snuggling with him all the time, he's right at his side or riding next to him in his truck. Then I come along and compromise that a little - plus, I try and lay down some kind of law so we (me, my boyfriend, Greg, and my 2 cats) can live together peacefully. But Greg still thinks he's the boss.

Let me stress a point here that I have tried everything I can think of for the past 7 or 8 months to get along with Greg... The only thing I haven't done is pay for obedience training; that expense is the responsibility of my boyfriend. One of the major problems with my trying is that my boyfriend does not keep with any consistent schedule or training for the dog, so every attempt I make at training Greg to respect me has failed. Greg does not listen to me and runs from me in defiance (yes, I've tried sweet talking and treats). Now he's becoming very aggressive with me.

Last night I heard Greg growl and snap at one of the cats and I went over to investigate. Greg was eating chocolate, probably something that dropped at Easter, and wanted the cat to stay away. I went over to get the chocolate out of Greg's mouth (dogs and chocolate are a bad combination) and he growled, snapped, then bit my thumb so hard it drew blood and cracked the nail. When I went to pick him up to put him in the garage for that bad behavior he growled and snapped again. My boyfriend blew it off and even took the dog on a car ride this morning like nothing happened.

I don't know what to do anymore. This dog is definitely causing me so much stress I am considering breaking off my relationship with my boyfriend (he refuses to get rid of the dog). I feel like there's nothing I can do and training is a one-way ineffective street that my boyfriend is too lazy to deal with. I guess I am wondering if I would be the worst person in the world to leave a relationship because I can't get along with my partner's dog. Help!

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Boyfriend's 3 year-old Boston bit me

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May 28, 2011
 Greg
by: LindaGalway/Turner ME

I'm afraid it sounds as though your boyfriend is more interested in his dog's happiness than in yours. It's something for you to consider, and only you can make the decision if this relationship is worth more work.

You might try a dominance technique on Greg. Look up information from the Monks of New Skeet who use a technique called the "Alpha-Wolf." You can practice on other dogs you know, even the cats, just to get the hold down right. The important thing is to hold the dog down with the paws very close to the head so it cannot bite you.

I have a very dominant girl; sometimes she gets really rough with my sweet-natured boy. I tell her to stop and if she doesn't, I will usually pick her up and roll her onto her back, stare at her, maybe even show my teeth, until she relaxes and "gives up" trying to be the boss of everyone in the house. When she relaxes and looks away from me, then I know she has finally accepted that I am the boss and she needs to pay attention.
Good luck.
May 20, 2011
 Dog's best Friend?
by: Mary

+
It sounds like you have tried to work things out. It also sounds like your partner is not too interested in working anything out right now. Perhaps you could try living in a separate residence. You will have safety for your cats and a little peace when you need it. Then you can see your boyfriend at your place. If the relationship is a strong one, in time he will see the need to do more training for his pup. Take your time because life is too short for feeling "trapped".

When I think of my husband I think of how much he loves his dog and I don't want to interrupt his joy. I just give him time with Cowboy and then he spends time with me later. He always ends up wanting to come spend time with me. So while he is with the dog, I get some "me" time. I sew and go shopping. Of course, Cowboy and I get some one-on-one too.

I had a boyfriend with a Chow. I just let him spend time with that dog alone and when I came over I didn't look at the dog. That dog respected me and I respected it...we sure didn't like each other, though.
May 20, 2011
 Jealous
by: Anonymous

Greg, is unhappy about sharing his master with you and your two cats. You must remember you and your two cats invaded Greg's domain and he is not going to take this lightly. Boston Terriers are very possessive of the people they are closest to and you or obedience school are not going to change that, so get use to it or move out. My Boston Terrier does not allow anyone to touch me, not even my husband. And I would not trade my B T for no amount of money or nobody.

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