4 Telltale Signs Your Dog May Not Like Your Partner

When you start dating someone and decide to bring them into your life, there are a few tests they need to pass. First, there’s the friends test, where you see how well they fit in with your friend group and whether they can join your monthly Jackbox game night. Next is the family test, to find out if they’ll compliment your kid sister’s Taylor Swift Eras Tour friendship bracelet or rave about your mom’s pot roast. But perhaps most importantly, there's the dog test — the one that determines if your fur baby approves of them.

So, other than covering your potential sweet baboo with kisses and wagging their tail like crazy how do you tell if your pup approves? And most importantly, what can you do about it if it seems like your dog doesn't like your new boo?

To help owners determine if their pets approve of their romantic partners, pet-sitting platform TrustedHousesitters worked with veterinarians to identify four telltale signs that a pet may not be fond of a partner, including what owners should do to foster a healthy relationship between their pets and partners.

Pets Vs. Partners – How To Tell If Your Pet Approves

· Nearly 4 out of 5 pet owners would stop seeing someone if their pet didn’t like them.

Over three-quarters (78%) of pet owners would end a relationship if their pet didn’t approve of their partner, and 17% admit to breaking up with someone because their pet didn’t like them, according to a TrustedHousesitters survey of pet owners.

“The first step is not to take it personally,” said Rebecca MacMillan (BVetMed BSAVA PGCertSAM MRCVS). “With pets that are prone to stress or anxiety, any new person spending increasing amounts of time on their territory could cause upset. However, it is important not to ignore your pet’s behavior. You should take steps early on to improve the situation otherwise things could spiral.”

Here are four ways your pet may be telling you they don’t approve of your partner:

1. Excessive Marking or Soiling Indoors

“The common signs that your pet doesn’t approve of your partner include inappropriate toileting in the house and other destructive behaviors like chewing or scratching furniture,” said MacMillan.

MacMillan explains that pets may mark or urinate in the presence of a partner to establish their territory or communicate their displeasure.

“Never punish your pet for their behavior. Instead, reward all positive interactions and look more widely at other steps you can take to make your pet’s life happier. For example, using calming appeasing pheromones, more walks or play sessions, and maintaining a consistent daily routine.”

2. Body Language

When a pet tucks its tail or lowers it, it may be a sign of fear, anxiety, or discomfort around your partner. In addition, if your pet's ears are consistently pinned back when your partner is around or if they have a hunched body posture, it can be a sign that they are feeling uneasy or scared.

3. Aggressive or Avoidance Behaviors

If a pet displays aggressive behavior such as growling, hissing, or baring teeth towards a partner, it may indicate that they are not comfortable with the partner. If a pet consistently avoids being near a partner or refuses to engage in activities they usually enjoy, like playing or cuddling, this could also signal that they are not happy with the relationship.

“Some pets may attack your partner if they get too close to them, and some may attack if your partner is too close to you. The latter indicates a protective or guarding-type behavior that should be taken seriously and managed carefully,” said MacMillan.

Related: Parody of How To Win Over Dog Mom on a Date Is Making the Internet Chuckle

4. Stress-Related Health Issues

If a pet starts displaying signs of stress-related health issues such as excessive grooming, vomiting, or diarrhea when a partner is around, it could be an indication that they are not comfortable with the relationship. Pet owners should consult their veterinarian for advice on how to address these issues and reduce stress for their pet.

“Forcing your pet to interact with your partner against their will could make the situation worse. It will increase their anxiety levels and could reinforce a negative perception of your new significant other,” said MacMillan. “Instead, interactions should be on their terms, keeping things short and positive to begin with.”

To help encourage a healthy relationship between your pet and a new partner, experts recommend the following:

· Introduce them gradually and allow your pet and your romantic partner to meet each other in a calm and controlled environment.

· Encourage your partner to engage in activities with your pet that your pet enjoys, such as playing with toys, going for walks, or cuddling.

· Encourage your partner to participate in daily pet care tasks, such as feeding, to help your pet see your partner as a caregiver and increase their bond.

· Reinforce good behavior by rewarding your pet with treats when they interact positively with your partner.

“Thankfully, I was in a fortunate position when my dog first met my partner,” said MacMillan. “My dog was a bouncy, happy-go-lucky type, so we didn’t encounter any issues. However, we still handled the situation sensitively by introducing my dog to him on neutral territory to begin with, followed by increasing lengths of time at my home. We also made sure to keep all interactions positive with plenty of fuss, walks, and play.”

For more information on ensuring an enjoyable environment for your pet, visit the TrustedHousesitters blog. To learn more about the TrustedHousesitters platform, visit https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/