Does Your Dog Show Signs of Jealousy?

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     Researchers published a study in 2008 in a journal called the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences revealing that canines experience jealousy. Professional trainers could already attest to that fact. Dogs can be envious of the attention their owners give to other animals, as well as to other people.

In a household with two canines where one exhibits a jealous streak, the other will usually provide plenty of room when their owner is near. This is an attempt to avoid confrontations. If the accommodating animal makes the mistake of failing to steer clear, the assertive one may growl, nudge, or simply stare at the other.

Owners can take steps to minimize this behavior. The training process requires time and the ability to stay alert, but will eventually turn your envious canine into a much more cooperative pet.

How To Correct A Jealousy Problem

Start with the end in mind. The goal is to reach a point where both animals can be in the same room while you direct your attention to only one of them. For a submissive dog, this will not pose a problem. Thus, training should be focused on the bossy one. For clarity, we'll name the submissive one "Abby" and the pushy one "Colby."

When both Abby and Colby are in the same room, and several feet apart, tell Colby to stay. Then, walk over to Abby and pet her for a moment. Keep the visit brief to avoid triggering Colby's envy. Next, walk over to Colby, give him a treat, and pet him. Continue doing this several times during the day.

This will teach Colby that you enjoy them both, and favor neither. The treat helps him associate the sight of your petting Abby with something he likes: food.

Once your envious canine has become accustomed to seeing you spend time with Abby, and can remain calm while you do so, increase the time. Spend a few minutes petting Abby while Colby stays in his spot. Then, walk over to Colby, and do the same. This is a form of desensitization training.

This process offers a second benefit. The normally-submissive dog learns that she can enjoy your attention in the presence of the pushy dog without fear of being chased away.

The next step is to shorten the distance between the two dogs. For example, if Abby and Colby had previously been fifteen feet apart, direct your attention to each of them while they are ten feet apart. As Colby continues to gain comfort, keep reducing the distance between them. If he becomes agitated, and growls, barks, or nudges Abby aside while you're petting her, widen the distance and try again. With time, he will become accustomed to your petting Abby in his presence.

When Your Pet Is Jealous Of Another Person

Sometimes, canines begin to show jealousy toward other people that draw their owners' attention. For example, if you begin to date someone, your pet may feel threatened that his place in the hierarchy of the home is in jeopardy.

First, spend plenty of time with your dog so he knows he still has your attention. Second, keep his normal daily life as consistent as possible. Third, ask the person you're dating to spend time with your canine. This can include petting, walking, or playing with him. These steps are usually all that are necessary to make your pet comfortable with the new person in your life.

To Prevent Jealousy Of An Infant

The introduction of a new baby can also cause anxiety in your pet regarding his place in your home. Before bringing a newborn home from the hospital, give your dog a blanket she has worn. This provides your canine with her scent. The more familiar he is with it, the less worried he'll be when she arrives.

When you come home for the first time with a newborn, ask your partner to hold her while waiting outside. This gives you an opportunity to greet your pet, teaching him that he is still a priority. It will also make him less inclined to jump up on you when you bring your baby into your home.

Jealousy in canines is nothing new. But make sure you're aware of whether the problem becomes dangerous.