Dogs can strain human bonds in unexpected and tricky ways.

Dogs have a way of slipping into our closest relationships, sometimes making them stronger and sometimes tearing at the seams. People bring their dogs into shared spaces assuming everyone will adore them, but not all personalities mesh. A dog’s bark, possessiveness, or even their charm can shift dynamics between friends who once got along perfectly. It is not always the dog’s fault either—human reactions, mismatched expectations, and lifestyle clashes often magnify small issues into big ones. Suddenly, the friend group changes shape, and all because of a four-legged companion.