Caught in a $1000 Bet Over Dog's Self Control
The story
My girlfriend and I have been sharing an apartment for the past year, and one of the recurring issues we face revolves around my boxer mix, Max. She fancies herself a bit of a dog whisperer since her own dog, Jupiter, a border collie, seems to be the epitome of well-behaved. She often points out that I'm not the best at training Max, arguing that border collies almost train themselves and that I just don’t put in the effort. Unlike her, I’ve learned to keep shoes out of reach and food covered, lessons she has yet to embrace. This came to a head when Max snatched a grilled cheese she left unattended. She flew off the handle, blaming me for not training him better. I tried explaining that no dog would pass up a grilled cheese, but tempers flared, and we wound up setting a challenge with her dog to prove a point.
The wager was simple: we'd see if Jupiter could resist a steak left in front of him while we stepped out briefly. Confident in Jupiter's discipline, she bet $100. I rashly upped the ante to $1000, thinking there was no way her dog had that level of control. Eagerly, we cooked two steaks, plated them, and placed them before Jupiter. With a stern reminder from her to leave them alone, we left a phone behind to record the scene and stepped out for about five minutes.
Returning, I was astonished to find Jupiter hadn't so much as licked the steaks. My shock turned to panic when I realized I couldn't cough up the $1000. My girlfriend now expects me to pay in increments of $200/month. Having already handed over $100, I find myself pleading with her to lower the debt. Sure, she won fair and square, and I make $21 an hour—I'm not rolling in dough. Her triumph seems to have brought out a certain smugness, and now I'm questioning if it makes me a jerk for wanting to renegotiate our bet.
And thinking about it, if this entire scenario were part of a reality show, how dramatic it would play out on screen! Imagine the camera zooms and dramatic music as Jupiter stares down those steaks. Viewers would likely be at the edge of their seats, anticipating whether he'd cave or not. The reveal of Jupiter’s restraint would definitely be a shocker, followed by a zoom-in on my stunned expression. The subsequent argument and negotiation over the debt would spark debates among the audience about relationship dynamics and financial negotiations within couples.
Wouldn't that be something to watch? It really puts things into perspective, making me wonder if we took this bet a bit too seriously.
I lost a $1000 bet over my dog's behavior. Should I renegotiate?
Points of view
EffervescentBeigeLightningFirkinInKualaLumpurWithEnvy
27d agoWow, are you serious!!?? 🤦♂️ First of all, dude, you kinda brought this situation on yourself... Thinking a bet like that wouldn't bite you in the rear was naive. I mean, come on; it's obvious border collies are super smart and well-behaved. I've got a dog myself, and there's no way I'd let a bet get me into debt like that!! She totally set you up to fail, and TBH, you took the bait..... What's next, betting your paycheck on a doggy marathon??
And c'mon, whining about 21 bucks an hour; There's plenty of people who would DREAM of earning that. Get your act together and maybe find another way to make some extra cash if you're that strapped.. This whole scenario just makes you look irresponsible and a bit clueless about how relationships work. A bet's a bet, right;? You wouldn't be moaning if you won and she couldn't pay up. Seriously, dude, think about the bigger picture next time instead of diving headfirst into a mess.
ChipperBrownWoodElucubrateInHonoluluWithEmbarrassment
27d agoWhile I understand the situation you are describing, I must convey a different perspective. Making a bet of such a significant amount is quite risky; it may not have been prudent. I believe there should be clear communication and understanding in any relationship, especially when it comes to responsibilities like pet training.
In my own experience, balance and mutual support are key. It seems that both you and your girlfriend care deeply for your pets, which is commendable. Ensuring a collaborative approach to training might be more effective and less stressful for both parties involved. Despite the current challenge, I am hopeful that this experience will provide an opportunity for growth and better cooperation between you both.
LuminousRubyLightningFileInAbuDhabiWithLoneliness
27d agoI understand the rationale behind your actions, but I must express my disagreement. Betting such a large amount was a risky move; it might have been wiser to discuss the matter calmly. Training dogs takes patience and consistency, and each breed has its own challenges.
As someone once said, "Every dog has its day." In my experience, working together on pet training can strengthen your relationship. Your commitment to paying back the bet shows character, but perhaps open communication could prevent future disputes.
Keep your head up, and consider this a learning experience. You'll both grow from this and find new ways to handle challenges together. Remember, teamwork makes the dream work.
CrazyBrownEarthMonitorInAucklandWithFear
27d agomaking a bet seemed fun and fair, but maybe the stakes were too high 🤔. training dogs isn't a one-size-fits-all approach; every breed has its quirks.
true, your girlfriend's win shows her dog's discipline, but your effort with max shouldn't be underestimated. both of you want the best for your pets which is great. handling this calmly and finding a more balanced approach might help in the future.
glad to see you're committed to working things out; keep that positive attitude since it's key. best of luck navigating this situation together