Dogs are known for their deep bonds with humans, their playful personalities, and their ability to express a wide range of emotions. But do they experience jealousy? Many dog owners would argue that their furry companions do, often based on personal observations of behaviors that resemble envy. Science, too, has started to explore this question. Let’s delve into the signs of jealousy in dogs, what research says, and how you can manage this behavior in a healthy way.
Signs That Your Dog Might Be Jealous
Dogs can exhibit various behaviors when they feel like they are being left out or when their favorite person is paying attention to another pet or person. Common signs of what makes a dog jealous include:
-
Pushy Behavior: Your dog may try to get between you and the object of their jealousy, whether it’s another pet, person, or even an inanimate object.
-
Whining or Barking: Vocalization is one way dogs express their emotions, including jealousy.
-
Destructive Actions: A jealous dog may chew furniture, dig holes, or engage in other destructive behaviors to get attention.
-
Aggression: Some dogs may growl, snap, or show signs of resource guarding, especially if they feel another pet or person is intruding on their space.
-
Clinginess: Your dog may suddenly become excessively attached to you, following you around more than usual.
-
Ignoring Commands: If your usually obedient dog suddenly refuses to listen when another pet or person is around, jealousy could be a factor.
The Science Behind Dog Jealousy
Scientific studies suggest that dogs can experience jealousy in ways similar to human infants. One study conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Diego, found that dogs displayed jealous behaviors when their owners interacted with a stuffed dog, petting and talking to it as if it were real. Many of the dogs tried to push their owners away from the fake dog, barked, or even attempted to intervene aggressively.
Another study published in Animal Cognition explored how dogs react when their owners give attention to another dog versus an object. The results showed that dogs were more likely to show signs of jealousy when their owners interacted with a perceived rival, rather than with an inanimate object.
These studies support the idea that dogs have a social structure where they recognize relationships and feel a sense of competition for affection and attention.
Are Dogs Jealous of Other Dogs?
Bringing home a new puppy or another adult dog can trigger jealousy in your dog as well as other dog behavior, and they may show signs of aggression toward the new addition. Your dog might growl at the new pup, guard your lap, or try to get in between you and your new furry family member. Other animals may create territorial instincts or an ongoing behavior problem.
This could get worse when you show affection toward your newly adopted dog. This aggression may also be worse if the newly adopted dog is of the same sex, or the dogs have clashing personalities and may even lead to a dog fight.
Your dog may feel that their place in the household is threatened and that the newer dog will take all your love and attention, leaving less for them. Two dogs can be a challenge.
Can Some Dog Breeds Be Jealous of Cats?
As cats are also a potential source of competition for a parent's affection, dogs can certainly be jealous of cats. This dog behavior may be exacerbated when cats are allowed certain privileges that dogs are not, like getting up on the bed, couch, or even the counter. Your dog may see your cat as stealing love and attention that they feel should be directed at them.
Reasons For A Dog's Jealousy
Introduction of a New Human Family Member
It's not just a new puppy that can create jealous feelings. New family members may also trigger feelings of jealousy in your dog.
When a new baby arrives, your dog may feel like all the attention they once got is now divided or has even been completely redirected toward the infant. You may also notice jealousy when introducing your dog to a new partner. Your dog may not want to share your affection with your new partner and could act out in turn causing unwanted behavior or even a possessive dog.
It is important to stay in tune with both the physical and emotional needs of your pet and perhaps even give them more attention during this time.
Go slow with introductions. Start with a piece of clothing or bedding with a new pup or human’s smell on it. Allow the first meeting to be short and sweet, and gradually increase the amount of time your dog must interact with a new household member. In the beginning, never leave your dog unattended with a new dog or baby.
Learn more about "Introducing Your Dog to Your Newborn Baby" in the PRIDE+GROOM BLOG.
Change in the Home Environment
Any time there is a major change in your dog’s environment, it can cause feelings of uncertainty and jealousy.
When you move to a new home, your attention is likely focused on cleaning and boxing up all your things. This can be concerning to your dog—they are not sure why things are changing and worried about your distracted attention.
They may feel jealous that your focus is diverted to other tasks and that their role may not be the same in your life. Routine changes may also trigger these feelings of upset and uncertainty, like if your work schedule changes, or when kids go back to school after the summer.
Being the New Pup in Your Home With Other Dogs
After getting a new puppy, you may find that they quickly become jealous after you bring them home. Finding a new forever home can be a very emotional time. Sometimes, a newly adopted dog becomes jealous because they crave your attention, touch, and voice as a comfort during this time of change.
They may also feel that any shared attention could mean that you might replace them with another dog, and they fear losing their new home.
Pet Parent(s) Interacting With Another Pet
Dogs exhibit jealous behavior by trying to prevent their pet parent from giving attention to another pet. While some dogs are only jealous if they feel their relationship with you is threatened, other dogs are less secure and become jealous of all other people or animals.
Separation Anxiety
While jealousy in dogs can sometimes manifest behaviors that might appear similar to separation anxiety, a dog's jealousy itself is not directly causing separation anxiety; however, if a dog is already prone to separation anxiety, their jealousy can exacerbate those feelings and make their anxiety worse when they feel neglected or left out.
How to Handle Jealousy in Dogs
If you notice signs of jealousy in your pet or other problematic behavior, it’s important to address the behavior in a positive and constructive way. Here are some tips:
-
Give Equal Attention: If you have multiple pets or a new person in your life, make sure your dog still gets plenty of attention and affection.
-
Use Positive Association or Reinforcement: Reward your dog for calm and non-jealous behavior with treats, praise, or playtime. You should not reward a dog for jealous behavior or attention seeking behavior. In fact, scolding a dog for being jealous can actually give it more attention, which is what it wants. Good behavior is the only kind that should be rewarded.
-
Encourage Socialization: Gradually introduce your dog to new pets, people, or objects that might trigger jealousy, using rewards to reinforce positive interactions.
-
Set Boundaries: Teach your dog that they cannot always have your attention on demand. Training commands like “stay” and “wait” can help reinforce patience.
-
Avoid Encouraging Jealousy: If your dog barks or whines for attention, don’t immediately give in. Reward them when they are calm instead.
-
Provide Distractions: Giving your dog engaging toys or puzzles can help keep their mind occupied and reduce feelings of jealousy.
-
Seek Professional Help if Needed: If jealousy leads to aggressive behavior, consulting a professional dog trainer, obedience training professional, or behaviorist can help address the issue. Veterinary medicine may even be suggested depending on the dog behavior problem.
Final Thoughts
Dogs (and other types of pets) are deeply emotional creatures, and while their jealousy may not be exactly the same as a human’s, they do exhibit behaviors that suggest they feel a form of envy. It's animal instinct.
By understanding the signs and science behind dog jealousy, you can take proactive steps to ensure your pup remains happy, secure, and well-adjusted while creating a strong bond between all parties. With proper training, attention, and positive reinforcement, you can help your dog feel confident and loved, even in the presence of other pets or people.
If you’re not seeing the results you’d like at home, or your jealous dog is struggling with aggression to the point of attacking, seek assistance from your veterinarian, a certified veterinary behaviorist, or certified animal behaviorist to help with your dog's actions or health issue.
WHO IS PRIDE+GROOM?
PRIDE+GROOM was born because a group of New York City dog lovers wanted the same level of grooming products for their dogs that they themselves enjoyed. They looked (hard) but nothing was up to snuff. Or sniff. Like so many, we love our families and take pride in our homes, and we consider our pets to be integral parts of those entities. That said, we could not find an effective way to coif them that was on par with the way we tended to our children, our homes, or ourselves. These beloved pets are allowed on the furniture and in our beds, and yet even when fresh from the groomer, we knew they did not smell or feel as good as they could.
With the development of our coat-specific shampoos, conditioner and deodorizing spray, we think we found just the way to say thanks for being the best and the sweetest MVP of the house.
PRIDE+GROOM is the first dog grooming brand launched under a beauty platform, with formulas made in a clean beauty and scent lab. We know beauty is not only skin deep. We did a ton of research to create the entire line. Each product is formulated with its own unique blend of essential oils sourced from around the world.
IN DOG WE TRUST
Shop our entire line: www.prideandgroom.com
