Dog person vs. Non-Dog person
My bf and I have been in a relationship for about 2 years. We have been living together for about 1 year. He has a beautiful large breed dog. But she is causing me so much stress! She is well behaved but is just so constant and I never intended on ever being a dog owner. Don't get me wrong, I love animals, but I like OTHER peoples dogs. She is loud, everything smells like dog, there is hair everywhere, and I feel constrained by her. We always have to follow the dogs schedule. I just do not enjoy her company the way my bf does. I see her as more of a burden than a loving companion. But this is the exact opposite of how my bf feels about the dog. I get so stressed by her that there are days I will spend the entire day in our bedroom just to have peace, quiet, and calm. My bf understands this and never pushes, but I feel like this is going to become a hugh strain on our relationship, which I do not want to happen. We are great together! The only things we have ever argued about in two years is the dog. What can I do?
I wanted to give an update :) My boyfriend and I have been talking. He said that he also sometimes has a hard time dealing with the dog, so he can understand how I feel. He said that when I start to feel this way, he will try to take the dog on a walk, or even just to a different room in the house. He said if he doesn't realize that she is bothering me, simply for me to let him know, and he will do what he can. He also said that he plans on letting her be our only dog. That after she passes, he does not intend to get another dog. And if we ever want another pet, that we will make choice together. While I'm not sure all that much is changing, I feel a lot better knowing that I have his support and that he understands the struggles I am having.