Last week, Angela dog-sat her friend’s dog, Sammy, in her own home. Sammy and her own dog, Bella, got along reasonably well, but Bella had a limit to her hospitality. Bella was not entirely happy to share her human. Sometimes, Bella physically blocked Sammy’s access to Angela and even growled her disapproval! Was Bella jealous? Some dog experts would say, yes, Bella was jealous. Others would say that dogs don’t experience jealousy as we do and that this was a matter of pack hierarchy or resource guarding. But in either case, the jealous behavior is an issue that pet parents must address.
What Is Jealousy?
Human Jealousy
In humans, jealousy is an elaborate set of negative emotions mingling together. For example, a person perceives that someone else has something they want but don’t have (e.g., a happy family, a great job), or someone may take something valuable from them (e.g., their mother’s attention). These feelings can grow in intensity and provoke reactions from mild to dangerous. The complexity of jealousy is an ideal resource for endless storytelling in books, movies, and television shows with deep conflicts and intricate plot twists. Indeed, this must be much too complex for dogs to experience, right? Well, jealousy may contain an element of a survival trait where rivals compete for coveted resources — relationships, a spot on the football team, or anything else one values. Perhaps this is where the human and simpler canine versions of jealousy intersect.
Dog Jealousy
Dogs’ version of jealousy is sometimes called primordial jealousy. It requires no complex social considerations, only what happens here and now. Some experts believe that dogs experience something similar to human jealousy, although not identical. The complexity of jealousy raises questions about dogs’ ability to engage in such an intricate level of thought. Some may say calling what dogs experience “jealousy” is simply a matter of anthropomorphism — projecting human characteristics onto dogs. We do this often with our pets. 
Our dogs view life in terms of the hierarchy within their pack. We are the ultimate resource of other valuable resources, such as food and shelter. They’ll guard their resources, including us, against other dogs as if to say, “Don’t touch my stuff! This is my person. Be gone from them!” You and your dog have developed a bond, and they are loyal to you. They have also become attached to their toys, bed, and other possessions. Anything they believe gets in the way of these relationships will threaten them. This rival is taking over their place in your pack!
What Research Says About Dog Jealousy
Research supports the view that dogs do experience a simpler form of jealousy. One study conducted at the University of California San Diego showed that dogs tried to disrupt their humans’ interaction with a fake dog. A jealous dog is influenced by territorial instincts — if another person or dog enters their world, a dog will observe how you relate to them and feel envious if it seems you like these others. According to other research, 80% of dog parents said their dogs get jealous when the parents pet other dogs. Another study suggested a dog’s jealousy can be based on resource guarding. Your dog may guard you and other resources to prevent losing them to the newcomers. In sum, dogs experience jealousy, but not in the complex way humans do. Instead, it is more a matter of their place in the pack hierarchy and a possible threat to their resources here and now.
The Telltale Signs of a Jealous Dog
Every dog is different, but there are everyday situations where dogs may get jealous and act out.
Getting Your Attention
A jealous dog wants to get your attention back, even if that attention is negative. They may perform tricks without asking them to do so. They may constantly lick and groom themselves because they’re stressed. You may also find that they have ignored their potty training and relieved themselves on your living room floor. Or they will simply leave the room when the target of jealousy is with you.
Showing Aggressive Behavior or Guarding
Some jealous dogs become unusually disobedient and destructive. Your table leg or shoes may pay the price. If you’re petting another dog, your dog may try to push the other dog away from their human. When they feel their resources — toys, food, bed — are threatened, they will guard them. Some dogs may even become aggressive and go as far as biting. 
What Triggers a Dog’s Jealousy, and What Can I Do About It?
What triggers dogs’ jealousy depends on their perception that something valuable may be taken away. Many cases of dog jealousy come from something new being introduced into their typical environment — a person, a dog, a pet, or a change in their usual routine.
A New Dog or Puppy
When you bring home a second dog, you must give them extra attention to help them acclimate to their new home. This is more important in the case of untrained puppies. They have no manners, no sense of boundaries, and tend to play roughly and chew on anything within reach. Your first dog must now share their home territory with this little ball of energy and fluff. And they’re supposed to tolerate seeing you give affection to and play with them. It’s essential to introduce a new pet gradually. Start in a neutral area away from your home. Walk them together, then slowly transition from outside to indoors. Get the other dog or puppy their own toys, crate, and beds. Include them both in fun activities and praise them for good behavior. Reassure your first dog with plenty of attention.
A New Family Member
Did you start a new relationship recently? Did you get married last month? Does this person visit all the time? Did they move in with you and your dog? What is your dog, whom you’ve had in your life for years, thinking about this major change in your life? This new person is now taking away much of your attention and time. The dog now has to share you, but in your dog’s mind, you belong to them, not that intruder! Not that person who is not a member of the pack! To reassure your dog, plan some activities you and your partner can do with the dog or your partner can do alone with them. Make sure there are plenty of treats involved. Over time, your dog will associate this new person with treats and attention. That new person will become a part of the pack!
Bringing Home a New Baby
This can be a particularly gnarly situation for your dog. This little being evokes from you intense emotions that your dog can’t miss. You radiate a deep sense of love and a need to protect. And a baby will get a lot of your time and attention that used to go to your dog. Before you bring your baby home, bring home something with the baby’s scent, like a blanket. Let the dog sniff and give them praise and treats so they’ll associate the smell with good things. When you bring the baby home, you must decide how close you want the dog to get. Can they remain calm? Even if you need them to keep a distance for safety, you can involve them by talking to them when holding the baby. We recommend consulting your veterinarian or professional trainer to ensure your baby’s safety. 
Looking for an Expert Dog Trainer? K9 Basics Can Help!
Some dogs need extra help, and so do pet parents. We at K9 Basics are ready and waiting to help you wade through the raging river of jealousy with your dog. As the pack leader, it’s up to you to ease the dog’s worries and to avoid potentially serious problems with other people or dogs. Sometimes, a refresher with obedience training can do the trick. It’ll help get them back on track, and they will enjoy your attention. It will also help to re-establish daily routines and give your dog a chance to become familiar and comfortable with the target of their jealousy. Associate the target with good things, and be careful not to unintentionally reward bad behavior with attention. Contact us for an appointment. We will help you sort through it all and emerge on the other side with a dog that is once again secure and happy. Give us a call at (866) 592-2742 or, if you’re from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, or New York, visit us at 131 Kenilworth Road, Marlton, New Jersey 08053, to learn more about our dog training services. Also, browse our blog and social media for various topics about dogs and their lives with us!