Pexels/Reddit
Blending families and pets can create unexpected tension.
In this story, a woman was about to give birth to a new baby with his partner.
However, she’s concerned that her partner’s dog’s aggressive barking behavior will disrupt the baby and their household routine.
When she asked him to reconsider the dog’s living situation, the conversation quickly turned into a heated disagreement.
Do you agree that he should rehome the dog? Read the story below to find out more.
AITA to ask my partner to give up his dog?
I (34F) have been with my partner (35M) for 2 years. I have an 8-year-old.
I share 50/50 custody with my ex spouse. When we divorced, he took our cat. I took our dog.
I am currently 5 months pregnant with my partner’s first child. He has no other children.
He shares “custody” of his dog with his ex fiancé. She lives in another city. They do alternating months.
This woman’s dog is very well behaved, unlike her partner’s dog.
They broke up 4 years ago. The dog was a puppy at the time.
His dog has severe separation anxiety. She barks incessantly.
My dog is very well behaved. I invested a lot of time and money in training.
His dog often negatively affects mine in that regard. His dog is difficult in general.
She’s worried the other dog’s barking might constantly wake up her newborn.
She will not come inside. You have to pick her up to bring her in.
She eats a very specific mixture of food at specific times. She has been known to nip at little kids.
But my biggest concern is the barking.
I am worried about having a newborn and dealing with constant dog barking waking them up.
I told him he needs to figure out what to do about her behavior.
She asked her partner to give the dog to his ex full time instead.
He could also ask his ex to take the dog full time.
We argued because he said it is no different than asking me to give up half time of my child.
It dissolved quickly into us arguing about children not being the same as pets.
So now, we are at a standstill. We are not speaking.
Any advice for how to move forward? Am I unreasonable in asking him to make a permanent decision with his dog?
Uh oh! Aggressive dogs and newborn babies rarely mix well.
OP’s concerns about a newborn and constant barking are understandable, especially in an already busy home.
I think her partner should be more understanding and open-minded about how to deal with the situation to help ease the tension.
Let’s read the responses of other people to this story.
This user shares their personal thoughts.
Here’s an honest opinion.
Another one chimes in.
If you enjoyed this post, check out this story about a woman who got family pushback after gifting jewelry to her stepdaughter.
This one has a few questions.
Finally, here’s a valid point.
Caring for a pet and the love for a child shouldn’t have to compete.