Do dogs get jealous?

We all know that dogs are very intelligent creatures. But do they have the same emotions as us? Can dogs get jealous, and if so, what makes for a jealous dog? Let’s look at the truth behind canine jealousy, what causes it, and most importantly what you can do to make sure that your canine companion always feels loved and valued.

Do dogs get jealous?

Can a dog get jealous? Absolutely, dogs can feel a little green with envy! And if you’ve ever experienced jealousy, you know how horrid it can be. But don't worry, there are simple ways to help them feel loved and secure.

Much like with people, if dogs feel like they aren’t getting enough attention, they can start to feel jealous. Especially if they’re used to getting a lot of fuss and cuddles which then suddenly stops - for example, it's common for dogs to experience jealousy when a new baby arrives into the family home.

If you’re worried that your dog might be feeling jealous, there are plenty of things you can do to help make sure that your furry friend knows they’re loved and welcome in your home, which can help stop unwanted behaviors. First, though, let’s look at what might be causing your dog’s jealous streak.

Why do dogs get jealous?

Dogs are pack animals. They are biologically programmed to live in a group setting, which could explain why feelings of jealousy surface when dogs feel like they are becoming a less important part of the pack. Some people theorize that jealousy is linked to survival instinct as dogs would have to vie for food and other resources. 

Whatever the original root of jealousy in dogs, you might notice your dog getting jealous if they aren’t getting as much attention as other animals and people in your household. Whether it’s a survival instinct or just a craving for more belly rubs, dogs can display jealous behavior when they feel left out.

Can a dog be jealous of a spouse?

Your spouse will, occasionally, steal the focus of your attention. When this happens, your dog could feel that they aren’t getting enough of your time and focus. So, yes, dogs can be jealous of a spouse or partner.

Do dogs get jealous of other dogs?

If you have multiple dogs, it’s entirely possible for them to get jealous of one another. This can happen if one of your dogs is getting more attention than the others, though dogs could become jealous of each other even if they both get plenty of attention. 

It can also happen if you welcome a new dog into the family. Having to suddenly share the attention that they used to get can be difficult for our four-pawed pals, and you might find that your dog’s behavioral signs suggest something is wrong.

Dogs can also be jealous of cats or any other pets that they might have to share your attention with, including any animals that stay with you temporarily. You should always check for signs of jealousy if you have someone visit with animals - we’ll explore some of those common signs of jealousy a little more further down below.

Do dogs get jealous of babies?

Adding a new baby to your family can be a huge cause of jealousy in dogs. Just like adding a new pet, this means that your dog will have to start sharing your attention with the new baby - and we all know how much time and focus babies need. However, if you handle it right, then dogs and babies can become close friends and you can remove feelings of jealousy.

Dog jealousy signs

There are a few different signs of jealousy that you can keep an eye out for. Some of the main signs that your dog is experiencing jealousy include:

• Demanding more attention: your dog might follow you around or rub up against you more often to try to get attention.
• Getting between you and others: your dog might try to physically insert themselves between you and anyone else who you are spending time with. They might also whine or bark while doing this.
• Being possessive: guarding their beds, food, or toys to keep them away from other dogs or children is another telltale sign of jealousy.
• Marking their territory: jealous dogs can start urinating in the house, especially where other dogs might smell it.
• Aggressive behavior: your dog might growl, bark, or even bite at the person or animal you are focusing your attention on.

Luckily, with a little extra love and attention, you can easily manage these behaviors.

How to stop jealousy between dogs

Stopping jealousy is important to make sure that all your furry friends feel loved. One of the biggest steps is making sure that all your dogs feel loved and cared for. Some of our top tips to help pet parents are:

• Build a routine where all your dogs get equal attention.
• Make sure you have time playing with your jealous dog - but try to keep it the same length of time as you spend with your other dog(s).
• Socialize your dog at the dog park to get them more comfortable with other dogs in general.
• Practice positive reinforcement for good behavior, such as when your dogs play well together or share space comfortably.
• Create a safe and comfortable environment for all of your dogs, so that they can have alone time when they need to.
• Introduce new puppies slowly so that your current dogs can get comfortable with them.
• Make sure that younger dogs are not playing too roughly or too energetically with older dogs with appropriate puppy training.

With patience and positive reinforcement, your dogs can become the best of friends, ensuring a happy, harmonious household.

If you are concerned your dog is exhibiting jealous behaviors, or if signs of jealousy persist despite trying the steps above, visit a vet or contact our 24/7 Vet Advice Line.

How to stop jealousy of family members

If your dog displays jealousy towards your partner or a baby, you can do things such as:

• Buy extra toys and enrichment to keep your dog entertained.
• Give your dog treats or positive attention for interacting well with the person in question.
• Where appropriate, try to ensure that all family members spend time with your dog.
• Do not reward or reinforce behavior such as barking, jumping, or growling.
• Include your partner or child when walking your dog.
• Encourage your spouse to have some one-on-one time with your dog, and spend some time with your dog by yourself as well.
• Make sure the dog’s crate or bed area is a suitable quiet space for them to retreat to.

Meet our veterinary expert, Liam

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Liam Bullock BVSc (Hons) MRCVS.

As a small animal vet, Liam has spent time working in both first-opinion and referral-level practices. After gaining a strong affinity for educating owners about their pets, Liam decided to dedicate some of his non-clinical time to tutoring students, who were preparing for exams or struggling at school. By combining a passion for teaching others, and a keen interest in raising awareness about animal health issues, Liam decided to begin writing veterinary content. This now also allows him to raise awareness of important animal health issues outside of the consultation room.

If you have to go away on a trip, especially with your spouse or anyone else that the dog is jealous of, putting your dog into a kennel can increase the feelings of jealousy. Getting a sitter can help make all the difference. With TrustedHousesitters, your in-home dog sitter will make sure that your furry friends get all the love and attention they’re used to, to help ease any jealousy.