Why Does My Dog Refuse To Walk With Husband/Wife?

Yes, it’s true that dogs only have one master. Most of the time, he’ll spend more time with that person. But, if your pet’s accustomed to all your family members, he won’t have a problem spending his time with them if you’re not around.

But what if your dog refuses to walk with husband or your wife? It means that they might not have given your pup a good impression. If so, he would not only refuse to walk with your partner, but he’ll growl, bark or even try to bite your partner at times.

When the puppy’s growing up to be a big boy, yet you haven’t changed his mindset on your spouse, it will become a significant problem. Let me tell you a secret.

Maybe, your puppy is jealous of your partner because he/she’s spending more time with you. It will look like you’re reducing the attention you give your pet. Think about it.

Why Does My Dog Refuse To Walk With Husband Or Wife? 

In a nutshell, your doggo sees you as a resource that he should guard. Just like how he tries to protect his food, treats, and favorite toy, now he’s trying to protect you too.

But, sometimes, this could shake up the whole relationship dynamic you share with your spouse. Because of the continuous rejections coming from your pet, your spouse might reject the pet altogether. 

But, there are more possible reasons. Has your spouse shouted at you in front of your pet? If so, I highly doubt that his objections started on that day. Your dog is like your private security guard.

He’s with the constant need to protect you. Therefore if he ever notes down your partner as a potential threat to you, he’ll start rejecting them, the dog will refuse to walk with husband, or your wife will be the start. 

The same thing might happen if your better half showed aggression towards your pet. But regardless of the tainted past, your doggy still can learn to trust and bond with your mate.

There are numerous stories of how pets and partners bonded strangely and strongly after an immense cold war between them. 

Why Is My Dog Attached To One Person? 

Generally, the pet forms a strong bond between himself and the person who shows the most love, attention, and affection towards them.

It could simply mean the person who gives him daily food (highly likely) goes on walks and coos with him all the time. 

Therefore, it’s normal for a dog to be closer to one person than the rest of the family. But, if you pair up this fun with your beloved another half, you could still initiate a bond between these two.

It might take some time, but still, it’s not impossible to change this around.

How Do You Re-Initiate A Bond Between The Dog And The Spouse? 

As I said before, building a bond between the disliked spouse and the canine is not impossible.

You can do it. True, you won’t be able to create this bond overnight. It will take a few weeks to sometimes even months. 

And by the way, by doing it, don’t ever think that your pet will move away from you and get closer to your partner or that you’re trying to force something that your pet dislikes.

Helping him build trust and socialize with other people will make him love you even harder. 

Yet, how do you do this? Where do you start? Let us tell you that;

• Step 01 – Ask Your Spouse/Partner To Be Nice

However much the doggo rejects your other person, or your dog refuses to walk with husband or wife, ask them to be nice to the pooch. It is vital.

Do not ever let them retaliate against each other. Love could conquer anything. so ask them to show love and praise your doggo all the time. 

• Step 02 – Make Things More Fun When Husband/Wife Is Around 

Show your fluff ball that he could enjoy his time far better when the disliked partner is around.

If you could get them to enjoy their time around each other, your pet won’t have a reason to dislike him/her. But let the fun go down whenever they are not around. 

Also, try group hugging. If your pet is getting angry out of jealousy, showing him that you spend time with the pet too will positively influence the doggo. 

• Step 03 – Teach Him A New Trick 

Let your partner teach your best friend a new trick. If you have already completed the second step perfectly, the doggy and the husband/wife must now be on a neutral basis.

So to spice things up a bit, make your partner teach a new game or a trick to your puppy.

And most importantly, don’t forget some tasty treats when he succeeded in catching up with the trick and engaging with your partner.

• Step 04 – Exchange The Leash On The Walk

So you have not let the disliked partner walk your fluffy. Now’s time to check the waters before jumping straight in. take your pet on walks.

Don’t forget that both of you need to be going with him. But, during the walk, exchange the leash with the partner. Don’t be discreet; your friend should see who’s leading him now. 

Suppose he continues fine with no problem, then praise him and give him a treat. Also, be verbal on why you’re praising him. 

• Step 06 – Let Them Go On Walks Alone 

If the previous step turned out to be a success, you could let your puppy and partner go on walks by themselves.

Make the first time short and much better if you could trail behind discreetly. But if the dog refuses to walk with the husband or your wife during the fourth step, roll back to step 01.

How To Train Your Dog To Walk With Any Family Member?

It primarily depends on how much you let the dog socialize. Your pet must feel secure and loved by all your family members.

Try the above 5-step method since he’s a puppy, so he’ll be comfortable around your family members. 

Don’t let your pet be aggressive toward any of your family members. If it is not, many serious conflicts are not that far away. 

Hence, make sure that you bring the puppy home only if all your family is ready for a pet.

Moreover, the dog’s personality should match all of you to have a comfortable environment when everyone’s together.

So act accordingly to make your pet feel welcomed by everyone and vice versa. Stay tuned with Jack Russell Owner for more.