Dog being weird with new roommate

Need advice because I can't figure out exactly what's going on and the best way forward. Had someone move in to my spare room after it had been just my dog and I for almost a year, 18 month pitty x. He absolutely loves people, they're his favourite thing, so he's always excited when roommate comes out of his room. Roommate set very firm boundaries that dog isn't allowed in his room and he won't just sit on the couch and hang out or play with dog etc until dog calms down. I did fail my guy and not socialise him enough, don't have enough friends who could come over regularly to get him used to it so he's always over excited and stimulated.

It's been 2 weeks and my dog won't go back to his usual routine and is being weird about eating. He used to sleep from about 6pm til bed time and another nap sometime in the arvo but will barely nap while roommate is home (often just stares down the hall to his room) and he will no longer eat his food in the living room, I have to take him to my bedroom to get him to eat (treats are no problem). Yet he always excited to see roommate wanting pats/play or his food. When roommate isn't home he will eat and nap like normal

Roommate also hasn't listened about giving firm commands (he's been very quiet and soft) so dog doesnt listen much to him. I've suggested roommate do some play time outside (with me there) to help build the bond because the food thing suggests the dog is uncomfortable but I don't know what else to do? Will it just take time?

Posted Dec 4, 2025, 2:40 AM UTC

28
Loading comments…