Redditor Plans to Move in with Her BF and Wants Him to Get Only One Dog Instead of Two He Wants Since They're 'Too Hyper'
“Dogs are too hyper, and I don't want all the extra energy inside my home where I crave peace.”
A 28-year-old woman is about to move in with her boyfriend, and the fight brewing in their house hunt is not about paint colors or chores. It is about pets, specifically whether the new home gets one dog or two.
OP says cats are easier to manage, which sounds reasonable until her boyfriend insists he wants two dogs because he thinks cats are not the vibe. The complication is that he labels the dogs as “too hyper,” but still wants not one, not two, and definitely not compromises that feel equal to OP.
By the time Reddit started weighing in on u/Select_Salamander728’s cat versus dog logic, it was obvious this was going to get messy fast.
Original Post
Reddit: r/AmItheA**holeOP thinks cats are easier to manage, but her boyfriend insists on having two dogs.
Reddit: r/AmItheA**holeHere's how the Reddit community reacted to u/Select_Salamander728's post:
Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole
This situation reflects the psychological considerations involved in pet ownership, particularly the need for compatibility within the home environment. Research indicates that a shared vision of pet ownership is crucial for maintaining harmony in relationships.
OP can't use hair as an excuse since cats are just as hairy as dogs.
Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole
OP needs to discuss this topic with her boyfriend before moving in together.
Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole
“This could become a point of resentment for either one of you in the long term...”
Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole
OP tried to justify cats with hair and mess arguments, but commenters clocked that both cats and dogs shed, so her “easy” pitch was not landing.
Additionally, the concept of environmental fit is essential in understanding these dynamics. A study from the University of Michigan emphasizes that individuals thrive in environments that match their energy levels and lifestyle preferences.
Thus, if one partner finds dogs too hyper, it can create stress and lead to conflict, reflecting deeper compatibility issues within the relationship.
The arguments OP used to defend cats don't make a lot of sense.
Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole
“Training is a must for any animal, cat or dog...”
Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole
It depends on the pet's personality.
Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole
When someone pointed out training matters for any animal, the thread shifted from “cats are calmer” to “you still need a plan for dog energy.”
This is similar to the partner who adopted a pet without discussing it first, and the arguments that followed.
Finding Common Ground
Effective communication strategies can help couples navigate these differences.
At least you can train a dog; you can't do that with a cat.
Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole
Both OP and her BF need to learn how to compromise.
Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole
Two dogs can feel like less work than just one.
Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole
The discussion got real about compatibility, because if her boyfriend thinks two dogs are fine but her cats are the problem, resentment is basically already scheduled.
One practical approach is to compromise on the type of dog that fits both partners' lifestyles.
OP and BF need to be on the same page before moving in together.
Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole
This issue could cause problems in the long run.
Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole
It doesn't seem like OP and her BF would make it that far.
Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole
OP can't expect her BF to give up wanting big dogs.
Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole
Cats can be quite messy as well.
Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole
“Pets cause messes. There is no way to get around that.”
Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole
OP's arguments could apply to both pets.
Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole
Two dogs can be better than just one.
Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole
“Yeah, they get hair everywhere, but so do cats...”
Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole
Even the “compromise” suggestions stayed specific, like agreeing on a dog type that matches both their lifestyles before OP signs a lease with two chaos mascots.
OP needs to resolve this issue before moving in with her boyfriend. They both need to learn how to compromise; otherwise, this problem will only continue to cause issues for them.
If you enjoyed reading this, make sure to share it with your friends and check out similar content on our platform.
In the delicate dance of cohabitation, decisions about pet ownership can become a flashpoint for couples.
If OP and her boyfriend cannot agree on one dog versus two before move-in day, the real hyper thing will be the relationship.
Want to see the same cramped-apartment pet fight? Read about refusing to let a girlfriend adopt a new puppy in a tight space.
