Engaged Couple Facing Conflict Over Pet Aggression, Differences in Walking Methods Lead to Dispute

In the KBS 'Dogs Are Incredible' broadcast on December 20, 2021, the story of an engaged couple experiencing conflict ahead of their marriage due to their pet dog's aggression issues and differences in attitude between the guardians was revealed. They are an engaged couple scheduled to marry on December 11, and they live with three Maltese (Omo, Jori, Bongja) previously raised by one of the guardians, showing differing opinions on pet parenting methods. The video clearly showed the sudden behaviors of the pet dogs and the resulting psychological pain of the guardians.

Aggressive Dog 'Dori' and Differences in Walking Methods

One of the guardians was experiencing difficulties during walks due to the aggression, lack of socialization, and timid personality of the pet dog 'Dori'. During walks, Dori frequently showed aggressive behavior or rushed toward people or other dogs, requiring the guardian to intervene. Additionally, the two people had diverging opinions regarding the walking methods for the dogs. One guardian judged that it would be better to walk the dogs one by one separately, but the other guardian insisted that it is better to go out together even if briefly, citing limitations in time and physical strength, leading to conflict. In particular, the groom-to-be expressed a firm refusal to walk them separately, showing the difference in stance between the two.

Physical Accidents and Emotional Conflict Due to Pet Aggression

The decisive cause of the conflict was an accident where the pet dog 'Dori' bit a guardian. In the video, the groom-to-be expressed that when Dori bit him, he felt great self-reproach and a sense of betrayal because his girlfriend seemed to take Dori's side. He stated that despite warning about Dori's aggression in advance and requesting caution, once the accident occurred, he felt a difference in values, believing that humans should be prioritized over pet dogs, which led him to seriously contemplate the marriage. The psychological shock was so great that he even said, "Is there a reason I should get married," and after the accident, he actually lived apart for a while after receiving a text from his girlfriend suggesting he stay in Seoul for a while.

The Impact of Pet Parenting on Life and Psychological State

Living with the pet dogs was having a double-edged effect on the guardians' psychological states. One guardian mentioned having suffered from depression in the past but received enough help through the dogs' affection that their symptoms improved to the point of stopping medication. However, the sensitive reactions of the pet dogs are becoming another source of stress. Behaviors such as the dogs barking intensely at small noises or making bathroom mistakes on mattresses despite having a potty tray became factors that induced a 'panic state' in the guardians. Furthermore, behaviors such as the dogs making heavy breathing sounds while sleeping and disturbing sleep, or wandering around in the early morning to defecate, also appeared as hardships experienced by the guardians in their daily lives.