Can dogs get jealous, and is it the same as in humans?

We know dogs can feel a whole array of emotions; it's one of the many reasons why we love them. But it's not always positive. Sometimes, they can express complex ones like jealousy.

It's a normal emotion for dogs, but sometimes, you need to manage it. Typically, this happens when you get a new dog, give another pet some attention or bring a baby home.

It's important to remember that dog jealousy isn't the same as ours. They have different reasons to express jealousy compared to humans.

So, do dogs get jealous? What should you do with a jealous dog? What's the science behind these complex emotions? We're here to answer.

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Do dogs get jealous?

Yes, and researchers have proven it.

One study in PLOS ONE found that dogs showed more jealousy when an owner showed affection towards a realistic stuffed dog. They compared this to jealousy when an owner showed affection to a non-living object, like a book.

The study found that dogs felt jealous due to a need to protect their relationship with their owner.

Another study, published in Psychological Science in 2021, proved this. Dogs reacted more strongly when the owner petted a fake dog compared to an inanimate object.

The study concluded that social interactions influence a dog's jealousy. It's not just the presence of a "rival"; it's the social situation itself.

But canine jealousy is a bit different to how we experience it. Dogs may experience similar symptoms, like clinginess, but their jealousy comes from a different place compared to human jealousy.

A dog's jealousy is more rooted in simpler motivations like attachment and resource-guarding. Resource-guarding isn't just about food; it can stretch to attention too. Meanwhile, human jealousy comes from complex places like low self-esteem and past experiences.

It may look like jealousy. But a dog's experiences are far different than ours.

Signs of a jealous dog

Signs of jealousy in dogs include:

• Aggression and frustration, like pushing, shoving or nipping

• Attention-seeking, like excessive barking, clinginess and whining. Your dog may also start doing tricks for attention.

• Changed eating habits.

• Destructive behaviour, like chewing furniture.

• Possessiveness, like over-the-top guarding behaviour and inappropriate toileting.

• Stress and anxiety symptoms (pacing and restlessness, changes in body language, excessive tail-wagging).

So, what might these signs look like in a dog? Let's use an example:

Let's say you and your dog are out for a walk and you encounter a new puppy. You start to interact with the owner and give the puppy some attention.

Your dog may push a new puppy away from you (frustration), while barking excessively when you pet them (attention-seeking). Then, at home, they may overeat and indulge in destructive behaviour (stress). Later, when you're relaxing, they can be overly clingy (attention-seeking) and struggle to settle (anxiety).

Every jealous dog is different, but they'll usually experience a mix of symptoms like the above example.

Our guide on fixing common dog behaviour issues can help, as well as our in-depth explainer on dog anxiety.

Can my dog's jealousy symptoms mean they're experiencing something else?

Yes.

Dog jealousy can look like other issues, such as anxiety, boredom and lack of training. It's why it's important to see a behaviourist if you're unsure and symptoms become severe.

Does dog jealousy change depending on their age?

Yes, dog jealousy can change depending on age.

Younger dogs

Typically, dogs of this age will experience jealousy when introduced to a new puppy or other pet. Possible reasons for a puppy experiencing jealousy include:

• Insecurity - Puppies are learning about the world, meaning they can be insecure and scared. This can manifest as jealous behaviour.

• Lack of socialisation - A lack of socialisation experience or training can lead to jealous behaviour when meeting other dogs.

• Learning process - Puppies are still learning about social dynamics and acceptable behaviour. It's normal for them to experience things like jealousy.

Older dogs

Older dogs, meanwhile, may show jealousy due to existing anxiety and resource-guarding behaviour. Older dogs may experience jealousy due to:

• Anxiety - A dog experiencing anxiety will appear more clingy and compulsive, which can look like jealousy.

• Changes - Older dogs struggle to adapt to changes in routine or environment, which can trigger insecurity.

• Cognitive issues - In rare cases, cognitive decline from old age can lead to behaviour changes, like sudden jealousy.

• Resource-guarding - This is a behaviour that looks a lot like jealousy, and it comes from a dog's tendency to guard resources (toys, food, attention). 

Can a dog get jealous of a baby?

Yes. But it's probably more to do with how a baby changes a dog's routine and the amount of attention they get.

A jealous dog may ignore your newborn, sulk, act out and express some of the symptoms we listed above.

How to get a dog used to a baby (and stop jealousy)

Introductions

1. First, get your dog used to the smell and sounds of a baby. You can use a blanket the baby has used, baby products and even sounds.

2. Gradually introduce your dog to your baby. Let them sniff and positively reward calm behaviour.

3. Use positive reinforcement training to associate the baby with positive experiences.

4. Don't force things. Be patient, and always visit a behaviourist or a vet if you're concerned about your dog's behaviour, especially if they're aggressive.

 Routine

1. Keep a consistent schedule and don't upset your dog's usual routine because of the baby.

2. Keep your face-to-face time with your dog, and make sure they get plenty of mental stimulation.

3. Look for opportunities to add enrichment to your dog's day, like playing and exercise.

 Rewarding good behaviours

1. Reward calm behaviour with positive reinforcement.

2. If your dog grabs a baby's toy or food, offer a more desirable alternative. Don't give your dog a fuss or negatively reinforce the behaviour.

3. Ignore negative behaviour. Never punish it, as negative reinforcement and punishing your dog doesn't solve the problem.

Supervision and safety

1. Never leave your dog and baby unsupervised, even if it's just for a little while.

2. Stay vigilant when your dog and child are together.

3. Use gates and pens to limit your dog's (and your baby's) access to particular areas, especially during sensitive times like playtime or your dog's feeding time.

 When to see a professional

You should see a professional if your dog's jealous behaviour leads to aggression. You can also consider professional training to help your dog manage their emotions. 

Our explainer on managing reactive dog behaviour can help, as well as our guide on introducing dogs to children.

We also have a guide on dog and child-proofing your home.

And remember: when addressing jealousy, make sure other pets and individuals are safe too. You should create positive associations with each member of the family and any visitors you regularly have.

How to manage and prevent jealousy in dogs

Managing and preventing jealousy comes down to good positive reinforcement training. This is where you reward your dog for practising "good" behaviour, like not being jealous, so they learn that this is a desirable action.

We recommend:

1. Establishing a consistent routine with regular exercise and mental stimulation.

2. Providing equal attention to all your pets.

3. Making sure your dog has everything they need, like food, space and water.

4. Performing basic obedience and positive reinforcement training.

5. Socialisation training, with gradual introductions to new family members.

6. Avoiding triggers.

One key thing to remember if that you, as the owner, shouldn't reinforce negative behaviours. By giving your dog attention when they're performing jealous actions, you could be reinforcing this behaviour.

Anxious dog training is complicated, so don't put off seeing a behaviourist or vet if you need it, particularly if you dog is showing signs of aggression and severe anxiety.

Are some dog breeds more prone to jealousy?

All dog breeds can experience jealousy. But those who express stronger attachment and more protective instincts tend to get jealous more.

Dog breeds more prone to jealousy include:

• Border Collies - thanks to their intelligence and strong bonds

• Boston Terriers - forms strong attachments

• Jack Russells - like Boston Terriers, this is due to the strong bond they form with owners

• Labrador Retrievers - forms strong bonds with the family

• Poodles - due to intelligence and strength of the bond with owners

• Rottweilers - because of their strong guarding instincts

The role of dog insurance in behavioural care

Dog insurance can help cover behavioural treatment when a vet refers it, which is invaluable.

Our Complete Care dog insurance plan covers vet-referred behavioural treatment up to the vet fee limit, which can help you solve troubling behavioural problems like jealousy. 

This can be a major benefit if your dog needs ongoing behavioural treatment, and remember: behaviour issues aren't solved overnight; you need to practice patience.

Get behavioural cover up to £20,000 as part of your overall vet fee limit, on Complete Care

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