Do Dogs Get Jealous? Signs and Solutions

Dogs can experience a wide range of emotions—from happiness to anger—but more complex emotions may leave you wondering if furry friends can experience those, too.  

Yes, dogs do get jealous—and for many of the same reasons we humans get jealous! But just because we share this emotion with our furry friend doesn’t mean we react to it in the same way.  

Learn all about what makes your dog feel jealous, signs they experience it, and how you can help ease your dog’s jealousy. 

When Do Dogs Get Jealous? 

Dogs often get jealous in response to anything they may perceive as a social threat, such as introducing other pets, a significant other, or a new baby into the household.  Your dog may notice the new arrival receiving more affection or attention than them, prompting them to intervene (or even act out!) to compete with the new presence and reestablish the original social order. 

Dogs can even get jealous of other dogs! This kind of envy is quite common—especially if your first pup has spent a while as the only dog in the household. 

Signs of Jealousy in Dogs

Dogs don’t always express jealousy the same way humans do. These signs may indicate your furry friend is feeling envious. 

• Showing aggression: If you notice your dog nipping or biting, they could either be trying to regain your attention or attempting to inform the new pet or person of the preexisting social hierarchy. 
• Going potty indoors: Pets can’t communicate as easily as humans can, which makes reading dog body language all the more important. If your dog is having potty accidents indoors, this could be a sign they’re upset. However, it’s not the best way to confirm, especially if they are just experiencing typical incontinence issues. 
• Acting clingy or pushy: Similarly, your dog may seem clingy when feeling envious. If your dog gets jealous of other dogs or people, they may try to physically come between you to divert your attention back to them. 
• Avoiding you: Just as being too clingy is a sign of jealousy, staying away from you and others may also be a signal. If your dog leaves a room as soon as you enter, it could mean they are upset with you in some way. 
  
  

🐕 Related: 6 Surprising Signs Your Dog Loves You

How to Prevent Jealousy 

There are several ways to curb your furry friend’s jealousy. If you find your dog getting jealous, give these tips a try! 

• Balance your affection: To prevent one of your dogs from getting jealous of the other, avoid offering too much attention to the newcomer. It’s best to show a balanced amount of affection and attentiveness to both pets! 
• Don’t make them jealous on purpose: If you think your dog is acting out due to jealousy, the last thing you should do is provoke them. Purposely making your dog jealous will only worsen their behavior and encourage bad habits down the line. 
• Reward good behavior (and ignore bad behavior): If your dog acts out to get your attention, disregard the behavior to show them that it won’t work. When they display good behavior, reward them with praise and treats! 
• Give your pets some space: If your dog is having trouble getting along with another pet, feed them in separate areas to prevent food stealing or resource guarding. This will help them relax in a space they deem safe.  

Green with Envy

Although jealousy in dogs can be troublesome at times, it’s typically easy to remedy as long as you stick to a plan. Remember, their jealous behavior often stems from their love for you. In times like these, don’t treat them harshly. Instead, practice plenty of love and patience to make your dog happier and home more peaceful.