My boyfriend and I live together. We got two small dogs together a few years ago. One is mine, one is his. The dogs are outdoor dogs and I ensure they are well looked after.

Boyfriend doesn't pay much attention to our current dogs. I never really minded but it's a source of guilt for him. They were more or less my idea so I am willing and capable of taking complete care of them.

So recently boyfriend discovered a very large dog for sale. I didn't particularly want another dog, much less one so large, but boyfriend was insistent and promised to be the main owner so I didn't really mind.

So, predictably, boyfriend stopped paying attention to big dog a few days after we got him. Big dog revealed himself to be very strong and very very energetic. The first few days he knocked me down a few times. He didn't hurt me but he was out of control. I am now terrified of him, even though I know he's really a sweet dog.

I don't know what to do. I can't take care of this dog. I'm too scared to train him properly. He picks up on my fear and freaks out himself. Boyfriend admitted to being a little scared of him too but resolved to work on it. It's been weeks but so far I haven't seen him so much as pet the dog. The dog needs a firm owner, and boyfriend is more than capable but he just won't step up.

I don't want to ask him to rehome the dog because we both believe animals are for life, but I don't know what else to do at this point. Is there even a good way to tell him to get this dog under control? I believe he is capable but at this point he is really guilty for letting it go on this long and is stuck in a spiral of procrastination. If I can kick him into gear he will be fine with the dog, it's just a matter of how to do it.

Any suggestions are most welcome