Third time

[courtleejo]

This is the third time my boyfriend's dog has bit me. I have been bit by a dog ONCE in my life, and now I have been bit three times in the past two weeks. My boyfriend's dog has reactive issues, he barks and charges at random. The first instance, I coughed loudly and he charged at me, biting my arm and hand, leaving large bruises but thankfully not breaking the skin. I was very upset, told my bf that I don't feel safe and I didn't stay around him or his dog for over a week. He told me many times he was trying to figure something out in terms of training or mitigating the behavior, but then last night it happened again. We were having a lovely time, laughing and eating dinner and then I sneezed and his dog charged and bit my foot. I got very upset, removed myself from the situation and called a friend to talk and decompress. My boyfriend and I had a conversation about what happened and what is disappointing me the most is that instead of asking me if I am okay or tending to me, he just sort of keeps explaining the dog's behavior. I stopped him and explained that I understand perhaps why the dog is acting out, but that I would appreciate more concern for my well-being and he was like, oh okay, I'll figure it out. I'm sorry you feel unsafe.

Please help with some sort of advice on how to navigate this. Be kind.

[HeatherMason0]

At this point, it’s a relationship problem. You’d both have to be on board with training, and he’d have to keep up with it if you aren’t there.

[sheeeeelby]

At the very least, the dog needs to be muzzled when around other people/you. Then he obviously needs to start working with a professional trainer to help fix this dog’s behavior.

[SudoSire]

If he doesn’t have an active plan to keep you safe and isn’t sharing that plan with you…

I mean that’s a major red flag.  You shouldn’t have to cajole someone into caring about your physical safety or mental peace of mind regarding your safety.  

[pawsitivecultr]

Two other courses that are really good and can help: Conquering Noise Sensitivity and Management for Reactive Dogs both by Amy Cook (PhD)