The 24-year-old was on Wednesday sentenced to at least nine months' jail for a string of drunken attacks on his girlfriend in central west NSW in recent months.
Despite a pre-sentence report finding the man's risk of re-offending was low, Magistrate David Day said choking and threats to hurt animals were internationally recognised red flags for domestic homicide.
The woman was attacked in her own home and the man's actions were a breach of trust, Mr Day said.
"It's very cowardly, violent conduct towards his partner," he told Orange Local Court.
The man, who has not been named to protect the victim's identity, pleaded guilty to 11 domestic violence charges, including assault, intimidation and destroying property.
During one attack in February the man wrestled the woman to the ground and lay on top of her, according to a statement of facts before the court.
"The accused put his right hand on the victim's throat, holding down with pressure," the document said.
"The pressure caused the victim to make a gasping sound for air."
The man also held the woman's throat and applied "slight" pressure during an earlier argument, when he brought up her past relationships.
One night in May, the woman went out with friends but had to return home when the man started sending her "jealous" text messages.
While she was asleep in bed next to her dogs, the man ripped the blankets off and shooed the animals away.
The man said: "I hate the dog, I'm going to kill the dog"
One dog was locked in a room while he held the other on a couch, refusing to hand it over for some time.
In other incidents, he spat on the woman's face as she tried to sleep, smashed her television and a jewellery box and pushed her head against a wall.
Defence solicitor Mason Manwaring said the man was receiving treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol abuse, having recognised the gravity of his crimes.
The man was discharged from a civilian role at the army after a drink driving incident, the court heard.
"He's a young man, he's 24, it's his first offending, first time before a court," Mr Manwaring said.
"Your Honour can see what he's done to address his underlying issues."
But police prosecutor Chris Brien said the offences were serious enough to warrant a custodial sentence.
"A clear message needs to be sent about violence against women and jealous behaviour is just not acceptable," Sergeant Brien said.
The man was immediately taken into custody, sentenced to a maximum term of 18 months' jail.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Lifeline 13 11 14
12°C