- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Does your dog whine and push their way into the middle of your hugs with loved ones? Maybe they growl on your lap when another dog (or a person) walks by. Yes, dogs get jealous, but not in the same way humans do.
Instead, jealousy-like behaviors in dogs stem from inherent dog behaviors, like resource guarding or reactivity (redirected excitement), says Alexandra Bassett, CPDT-KA, Lead Dog Trainer and Behavior Consultant at Dog Savvy. Regardless of the underlying cause or feeling, these behaviors can and should be addressed. Read on for expert-approved tips to help restore harmony in your home.
Signs of Jealousy In a Dog
When a dog is “jealous” they will display mild to severe behaviors to keep you, their food, or a favorite toy all to themselves. These behaviors can look like:
- Blocking behaviors: Your dog might try to physically come between you and someone or something they perceive as a threat.
- Biting or nibbling to redirect attention: This may include aggressive behaviors such as growling, barking, lunging, snarling, or biting.
- Wary eye contact: They might stare or show the whites of their eyes.
- Sudden stiff body language: A stiff posture, lowered tail, or flattened ears can all point to anxiety or insecurity.
- Clinginess: They may seem extra attached or frequently nudge you for attention.
- Attention seeking: This might include excessive licking, whining, or destructive behaviors like chewing or digging.
Is jealousy the right word?
According to Dr. Julia Espinosa, a National Science Foundation postdoctoral fellow, experts don’t yet understand the full complexity of a dog’s range of nonhuman emotions. She studies how genes, the brain, and life experiences influence fear and reactivity in dogs at Harvard University’s The Canine Brains Project.
“It can be helpful to use words like ‘jealousy’ to conceptualize and relate to dogs’ feelings,” she says. But if we assume that our dogs feel emotions in the same way we do, we run the risk of missing some of their signals that could be a better indicator of their emotional state.”
That said, dogs do have strong feelings that may require some support from you—whether those feelings relate to jealousy as humans experience it or to deeply ingrained dog behavior.
Cause of Jealousy or Insecurity in Dogs
Resource guarding
Often, “jealousy” is more about natural behaviors like resource guarding and food or After all, most dogs will try to bury their chews and bones in the sofa or stash things like toys in their crate or bed at some point. That’s a mild form of resource guarding, Bassett says.
“Sometimes, working dog breeds typically used as guard dogs, like Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Schnauzers, and Dobermans, tend to resource guard, but this isn’t always true,” she says.
A change or disruption in routine
Dogs can show behaviors that resemble jealousy anytime their routine or perceived “place in the pack” is disrupted. These disruptions can happen when there is a:
- New baby, puppy, or kitten
- New person living in or visiting your home
- Change in the primary caregiver
- Change in schedule or environment, like new home
“Adding a new baby or a dog to the household can change a dog’s daily routine,” Basset says. “It could also mean sharing attention and space with another new being — and they may not like that!”
Trauma or instinct
However, temperament and life experiences can play a role. Bassett says dogs with a cautious temperament may be more prone to “jealous” behaviors.
If dogs had a troubled past with a lack of food, they might not understand that resources are now plentiful. As a result, they react by protecting what they have.
How To Discourage Jealous Behaviors In Dogs
If your dog seems stressed when you give attention to others, these supportive strategies can help.
1. Check in with your vet
If your dog’s behavior changes suddenly, a visit to the vet is always a good idea. This is especially true if the new behaviors include signs of underlying illness or pain, such as:
- Changes in bathroom habits
- Loss of interest in regular activities
- Lack of appetite
2. Use positive reinforcement, not punishment
Bassett says punishment could make your dog feel more anxious, and they may ramp up their guarding, reactive, or otherwise jealous tendencies.
Instead, use positive reinforcement training to teach your dog that sharing is rewarding.
- Spot or bed training: This gives your dog direction for what to do when sharing space with others. When they do, reward them with praise and treats.
- Trade up: When you need to take something away, like a toy that belongs to the baby, offer something more appropriate yet rewarding, like a favorite toy or treat.
- Reward the behaviors you want: In general, rewarding the behaviors you want your dog to show helps them understand the perceived “threat” isn’t a threat at all. It also reassures them you still love them and will reward them, regardless of the change.
3. Provide separate spaces and resources
You can help each pet feel secure and loved by providing separate spaces and special belongings.
- Separate feeding areas can prevent competition and create a calmer mealtime.
- Using individual crates or playpens for chews and bones can help manage resource guarding.
- Strategically placed baby gates can help keep everyone safe and prevent unwanted interactions.
- Giving your baby and dog their own appropriate toys and using the “trading up” technique can help keep everyone happy.
4. Maintain a routine
Maintaining a routine with a new baby, puppy, or roommate can be tough. But Bassett says it’s worth the effort.
“Very often, resource guarding is unintentionally provoked by humans when they get a new puppy and shower the puppy with attention because it’s so cute, or when a new baby or significant other enters the picture,” she says. “But then they end up neglecting the “OG” dog and their routine.”
If you have established walks and playtime, try your best to keep them consistent and aim to feed your dog at the same time each day. As you include the new baby or significant other in your routine, take care to give your dog plenty of affection to help them feel secure and loved.
Takeaway
It’s natural for dogs to want to protect their belongings—which is why you’ll often notice them carrying a favorite toy around.
However, if your dog’s behavior escalates and they hate being around other dogs or babies, you’ll want to address it right away. Training can often help your dog feel more secure and comfortable sharing. You can also ask a professional for help.
Pro-Tip: If your dog is comfortable with a pet sitter, it’s important to let them know of any jealous habits surrounding toys or people. Consider working with a trainer prior to booking a boarding stay.
However, if training and professional support don’t reduce your dog’s aggression, this could mean your dog will continue to have a hard time sharing their space. In these cases, Bassett says it may be best to find your dog a new, quieter home where they’ll stay the only pet.
