Have you ever noticed your dog pushing their way between you and another person, or acting out when you're giving attention to someone else? You're not imagining things – your furry friend might indeed be experiencing jealousy. Recent scientific research has confirmed what many dog parents have long suspected: dogs can and do experience emotions that closely resemble human jealousy.
Content:
- Do Dogs Get Jealous of Other Dogs
- Do Dogs Get Jealous of Cats
- Do Dogs Get Jealous of Babies
- My Dog Gets Jealous of Humans
- Final Thoughts
Do Dogs Get Jealous of Other Dogs
The answer is a resounding yes. A groundbreaking study published in PLOS One by researchers at the University of California, San Diego, provided the first experimental evidence that dogs exhibit jealous behaviors. Dogs exhibited significantly more jealous behaviors (e.g., snapping, getting between the parent and object, pushing/touching the object/parent) when their parents displayed affectionate behaviors towards what appeared to be another dog as compared to nonsocial objects.
When dogs encounter other dogs receiving attention from their parents, they may display various jealous behaviors, including:
- Physically pushing between the parent and the other dog
- Whining, barking, or vocalizing
- Attention-seeking behaviors like performing tricks unprompted
- Resource guarding their favourite spots or toys
- Staring intensely at the perceived rival
For dog owners who want to monitor their pet’s behavior and location when introducing new dogs or during social situations, tools like the Petcube GPS Tracker can be invaluable. This device enables you to track your dog's movements and activity levels, helping you understand when they may be feeling stressed or exhibiting jealous behaviors in various environments.
Do Dogs Get Jealous of Cats
Dogs can absolutely get jealous of cats, especially when felines are allowed certain privileges that dogs aren’t. As cats are also a potential source of competition for a pet parent’s affection, dogs can certainly be jealous of cats.
This kind of jealousy is likely to stem from a perceived unfairness in treatment. Dogs are highly observant and quickly notice when a cat receives different treatment, such as:
- Being allowed on furniture that’s off-limits to dogs
- Receiving treats or attention without performing commands
- Having access to higher perches or special areas
- Getting away with behaviors that would be corrected in dogs
Do Dogs Get Jealous of Babies
One of the most common scenarios where dog jealousy emerges is with the arrival of a new baby. Adding a new baby or a dog to the household can change a dog’s daily routine. It could also mean sharing attention and space with another new being – and they may not like that very much!
Dogs may view babies as competition for their parent’s attention and resources.
Signs that your dog might be jealous of a baby include:
- Trying to insert themselves between you and the baby
- Acting out with destructive behavior when the baby is present
- Showing attention-seeking behaviors like excessive barking or whining
- Displaying anxiety or stress signals around the baby
- Regression in house training or obedience
It’s crucial to prepare your dog for a baby’s arrival and ensure they continue receiving adequate attention and positive associations with the new family member.
My Dog Gets Jealous of Humans
Human jealousy in dogs is perhaps the most relatable form of canine envy for pet owners. Whether it’s a new romantic partner, friends, or family members, dogs can become possessive of their favorite humans.
According to Dr Geoffery Broderick, a veterinarian in Huntington, New York, "Sometimes, just like people, they can feel insecure. They require individual attention, plenty of cuddling, and engaging activities to keep them occupied and prevent boredom. Sometimes, our pets just want us, and they don't want to share us with another pet or person.”
One Reddit user shared their experience: “My dog whaps me with her paw when I pet other dogs, especially her siblings. She will whap her siblings if they come over to get pets if I'm already petting her. I'm clearly 'hers.' Lol.”
This type of behavior is incredibly common, demonstrating how dogs form strong emotional bonds with their parents.
For owners who want to monitor their dog's behavior when they are not home, especially during transitions like introducing new people into the household, a Petcube Cam 360 can provide valuable insights. These devices enable you to observe how your dog reacts to visitors and whether they exhibit jealous or anxious behaviors in your absence.
Common signs of human-directed jealousy include:
- Blocking physical affection between family members
- Demanding attention when you’re focused on someone else
- Showing aggressive behaviors toward the ‘rival’ person
- Following you obsessively when certain people are around
- Performing attention-seeking behaviors like tricks or vocalisations
Research from the University of Auckland found that dogs exhibit jealous behavior when their human companion interacts with a potential rival, and dogs, like humans, can mentally represent a situation that evokes jealousy. This suggests that dogs not only feel jealousy in the moment but can actually imagine scenarios that might make them jealous, even when they can’t see what’s happening.
Managing dog jealousy requires patience and consistent training. Rather than punishing jealous behavior, experts recommend positive reinforcement techniques that reward calm, non-possessive behavior. Creating structured routines, ensuring all pets receive equal attention, and gradually introducing new people or animals can help reduce jealous responses in pets.
Final Thoughts
Scientific evidence now confirms what dog parents have long believed: dogs do experience jealousy in ways remarkably similar to humans. This complex emotion stems from their deep bonds with us and their natural desire to maintain those important relationships and prevent interference by a third party.
Understanding and recognizing jealous behavior in dogs is the first step toward effectively addressing it. With proper management, training, and plenty of love and attention for all family members – both human and animal – it's possible to create a harmonious household where everyone feels secure and valued.
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