What kind of dog? Male or female? I have a fixed German shepherd female, she’s calm enough, but no rough play is allowed including between the two cats, and despite me spending more time with her she will always stand by moms side.

dogs are pack animals. In Tank's pack, you are the alpha b____ (top ranking female dog) Dogs will naturally protect any other member of the pack from a *perceived* threat. If you get rough with your boyfriend, Tank doesn't view that as a threat. If your boyfriend gets rough with you, Tank wants to protect you.

He might be your boyfriend's dog. But in Tank's mind...you are just as much of his "pack" as your boyfriend is.

It all makes sense, if Tank has fully accepted you as a member of his pack. Tank thinks you are FAMILY.

if the dog isn't fixed he may well just be trying to become the pack lead.

I use to have a dog like this. He would all Was bark at my husband

That's sweet tbh.

His dog's the dad he never had