Now I'm all for having a dog, so long as you can take care of it and love it, but how can having a little (or big!) ball of fluff around affect a relationship? We find out!
Relationships on Female First
You would think that their impact is minimal- but actually- forget other women- there is a new threesome affecting lots of couples out there- an affair of a different kind, according to Vetsure Pet Insurance. They have found that 75% of dog owners favour their dogs over partners.
We talked to Jed MacEwan of ErgoFlex UK and asked him just how much negative impact a pet can have on a relationship; 'there can often be resentment from a partner. If a dog is the apple of the partner's eye then jealousy can get in the way if they feel second best. If you give more attention to your dog, then don't be surprised if your partner sometimes feels a bit left out.'
59% of Brits spoil their dogs with presents every month, compared to 25% who buy nothing for their partners. And forget your partner being your best friend- dogs are taking up that role too. In their defence, they say that they are an important part of the family- although that might be true- are dogs worth sacrificing your relationship for?' The beauty of having a dog is that their love is unconditional. Dogs tend to act like you're the most amazing person in the world. Do our partners always do that? Occasionally maybe, but for the majority of us; I'd suggest it's not as consistent. When was the last time you had an argument with your dog?' says Jed.
There is a mutual loyalty among dogs and their owners- show them love and they will likely show it back- but let's not forget that our partners also need nurturing too. Letting your dog sleep in bed with you could be affecting your sex life, like for 14% of the nation who admit that their bedroom antics have taken a hit because of their furry friend. Having a great big dog in bed between you doesn't exactly scream- 'come here to me!' does it?
But are dogs better bed companions? 'Dogs tend to be smaller than people, so space is definitely a factor. Snuggling up to your dog at night can be reminiscent of having a hot water bottle in bed that doesn't cool off. Even the rhythmic breathing of a dog can provide a comforting sense of security for some owners. A duvet-hogging, snoring or fidgeting partner on the other hand doesn't tend to offer the same level of calming relaxation', says Jed .
We asked Jed, if people's sex lives are taking a turn for the worst why do they continue to still sleep with their animals?; 'A habit, especially one that results in deeply restorative sleep night after night, can be difficult to break. If sex is important for both partners then this would be an unusual one to justify, but perhaps in a lot of relationships, one partner might be keener than the other. In which case 'the dog is watching' might seem a more valid excuse than 'I have a headache'.
Ashley Gray, vet and founder of Vetsure Pet Insurance says: "This research highlights that the special relationship we have with our dogs is becoming ever closer and more complex. As dog owners we are benefiting more and more from our pets on an emotional level - in ways that our 'non-furry' loved ones just can't replicate. Dogs don't judge us; they are incredibly forgiving of our faults and usually give more than they get from the relationship. How can any partner compete with that?!"
Clara Guzzardi lives with her husband, five dogs and two cats in Surrey. The findings certainly reflect the goings on in her household, Clara says : "I'll call the dogs the love of my life and my husband says are you talking to the dogs or me?! Our affections go towards the animals, then whatever we have left to each other! When I have spare money, I often spend it buying the dogs treats. The dogs are also on a specific diet which is only available in a few shops, so sometimes I get the dogs food but haven't got anything for us to eat!"
So we ask the ultimate question- can dogs and partners live in harmony, without it making a detrimental effect on the relationship? 'Dogs provide love and companionship for millions of people and with such widespread pet ownership; I don't believe it should affect relationships to such a degree that it becomes a real problem. A balance should be easy enough to establish. Maybe have a dog's basket at the foot of the bed? Or, shutting the bedroom door might be easier. You try telling them where to sleep! If the situation becomes particularly troublesome for your relationship, then it's likely time to set some boundaries and make alternative sleeping arrangements for your dog.'
tagged in Relationship Pets