I (16F) have been having trouble with my girlfriend(16F)'s dog. Here’s what you should know before I start: I’ve never had a pet like a dog or cat; I grew up with fish, lol, so I’m not really used to animals like that.

Lately, I’ve been struggling to enjoy my time with my girlfriend because of her dog. I spend a good amount of time with her, going to each other's houses after school since we ride together, and we also spend weekends at each other's places. This means I’m often around her dog.

Honestly, her dog is very… annoying. She’s overly clingy, stinks, and has no boundaries. I know that dogs are loving and clingy animals and they have a scent, but her dog is that and MORE. First, about her smell: due to her age (17 in human years) and breed, she has rotting teeth, and the surgery to fix that costs thousands of dollars, so that’s not happening. Another issue is that the dog has medical problems with her anal area, which means she’s always licking and messing with her butt. This makes her breath smell ten times worse, and it’s a big reason I don’t like being around her.

Second, her clinginess: this dog is just way too clingy. I’ve never liked it when anyone or anything is overly clingy with me (unless it’s my significant other, like my girlfriend). I really value my personal space, and that’s a boundary I’ve had for a long time. The dog has no sense of independence. If you’re going to the bathroom, she’s right there with you. If you’re in the kitchen, she’s right at your feet. Want to lay down? She’s right behind you! And don’t think you can just shut the door!

She WHINES and WHINES. I don’t mean the little puppy dog eyes and the “hmm, hmm.” I mean a loud, screeching whine that you can’t drown out, and she just gets louder and won’t stop. So what does my girlfriend do? She lets her in, so now the dog is literally whining to be right up our butt. Don’t forget her smell…and the licking of feet and butt.

I almost forgot about the begging for food. She’ll sit and stare at you while you’re eating, all up in your face, with her breath.

There have been times when I’m lying on the couch or chair with my girlfriend in her room, and her dog won’t leave us alone. I even suggested bringing the dog’s bed into her room so she could be with us but not so close, so we could have our own time. But the dog literally whined and whined until she found a way to jump up and lay directly on me. I was so frustrated that I tried to move, but my girlfriend held me down and said she wanted me to stay.

They let her do whatever she wants; she’s allowed on every couch, every bed, pillows, and even in the bathroom. There’s nowhere you can be that this dog isn’t allowed. I’ve been around family members with pets, and a lot of this behavior isn’t allowed—maybe one specific couch, but no beds, etc. Why does she need to be with me while I’m in the bathroom?

Sometimes we can’t hang out because the dog has to stay with her. So what do I do to accommodate? I go over there, but I feel irritated, even though at least I’m with my girlfriend.

I understand this has been her home for years, and I’m the new one stepping in, but I feel like it’s causing a separation between me and my girlfriend because I’m uncomfortable, irritated, and annoyed. I’m always accommodating to this dog for her, but I feel like there are no accommodations for me. AITAH? What should I do?