Do Maltese dogs get jealous
Do Dogs Get Jealous?
Jealousy is defined as a desire to possess something that someone else has, or a feeling of unhappiness or anger because you fear someone you love is liked by another.
But do dogs get jealous like humans do? Do they feel jealous when we spend time with or give attention to other pets or people?
Can Dogs Get Jealous?
In short, dogs do get jealous, and those feelings of jealousy are strikingly similar to human jealousy.
You may be able to read some of your dogs emotions through their body language, such as happiness or sadness. In the study of human psychology, jealousy has always been considered a complex emotion with undertones of several different feelings, and its shaped by experience. Researchers across the globe have determined that dogs feel jealousy as well.
There are several theories regarding the origin of jealousy. Some psychologists believe jealousy is a survival trait. Siblings compete for resources, and romantic partners guard their mates to ensure propagation of their line. Other researchers believe there are social factors at play, with certain cultures or households encouraging jealous behavior.
This debate remains true for dogs as well. Some researchers hypothesize that jealousy is predominant in certain dogs innately (from birth). Others believe that a dogs environment and interaction with pet parents foster stronger feelings of jealousy.
Are Some Dog Breeds More Jealous?
Any dog can experience jealousy. While some breeds may be more likely to have separation anxiety or struggle with the instinct to guard their pet parent like a possession, jealousy is not limited to certain breeds. No current peer-reviewed research has been published that supports some dog breeds being overall more jealous than others.
Signs of a Jealous Dog
Some signs of jealousy in dogs are obvious, while others may be a bit more subtle. Signs that your dog is experiencing jealousy may include:
Getting between you and another pet or person
Whining when you are giving attention to another pet or person
Bumping against your leg, pressing their body into you, or seeking closeness
Growling when you are giving affection to another
Barking, performing tricks, or engaging in other attention-seeking behaviors
Going to the bathroom indoors (or not on the pee pad if they use one indoors)
Why Dogs Get Jealous
Many situations can ignite feelings of jealousy in a dogusually when your attention is being pulled somewhere else. Common reasons why dogs get jealous include:
Introduction of a New Pet
Bringing home a new puppy or another adult dog can trigger jealousy in your dog, and they may show signs of aggression toward the new addition. Your dog might growl at the new dog, guard your lap, or try to get in between you and your new furry family member.
This could get worse when you show affection toward your new dog. This aggression may also be worse if the newly adopted dog is of the same sex, or the dogs have clashing personalities.
Your dog may feel that their place in the household is threatened and that the new dog will take all your love and attention, leaving less for them.
Introduction of a New Human Family Member
New human family members may also trigger feelings of jealousy in your dog.
When a new baby arrives, your dog may feel like all the attention they once got is now divided or has even been completely redirected toward the infant. You may also notice jealousy when introducing your dog to a new partner. Your dog may not want to share your affection with your new partner and could act out in turn.
Change in the Home Environment
Any time there is a major change in your dogs environment, it can cause feelings of uncertainty and jealousy.
When you move to a new home, your attention is likely focused on cleaning and boxing up all your things. This can be concerning to your dogthey are not sure why things are changing and worried about your distracted attention.
They may feel jealous that your focus is diverted to other tasks and that their role may not be the same in your life. Routine changes may also trigger these feelings of upset and uncertainty, like if your work schedule changes, or when kids go back to school after the summer.
Being the New Pet in Your Home
After getting a new dog, you may find that they quickly become jealous after you bring them home. Finding a new forever home can be a very emotional time. Sometimes, a newly adopted dog becomes jealous because they crave your attention, touch, and voice as a comfort during this time of change. They may also feel that any shared attention could mean that you might replace them with another dog, and they fear losing their new home.
Pet Parent Interacting With Another Pet
Dogs exhibit jealous behavior by trying to prevent their pet parent from giving attention to another pet. While some dogs are only jealous if they feel their relationship with you is threatened, other dogs are less secure and become jealous of all other people or animals.
Dogs That Are Jealous of Other Dogs
Dogs can get jealous of other dogs, but why do some dogs show more signs of jealousy than others?
In one interesting study, researchers from the University of California were able to demonstrate jealousy in dogs when their pet parents gave affection to inanimate, realistic-looking stuffed dogs that barked, whined, and wagged their tails.
When their pet parents spoke sweetly to the stuffed animal and petted it, three-quarters of the dogs in the study pushed up against their pet parent, tried to get in between their pet parent and the stuffed animal, or growled at the stuffed animal.
So how do you know if your dog is likely to be jealous of a new dog or puppy? If youve noticed your dog displaying signs of jealousy when you encounter other dogs on walks, or when friends or family members bring dogs over to your house, they may initially struggle with jealousy if you get a second dog.
Can Some Dogs Be Jealous of Cats?
As cats are also a potential source of competition for a pet parent's affection, dogs can certainly be jealous of cats. This may be exacerbated when cats are allowed certain privileges that dogs are not, like getting up on the bed, couch, or even the counter. Your dog may see your cat as stealing love and attention that they feel should be directed at them.
How to Handle a Jealous Dog
While initially it may be cute, jealousy can become a problematic behavior. Jealous dogs may bite small children when left unattended, house-soiling may become unsanitary and costly to manage, and true anxiety disorders may develop if a dogs envy is allowed to take hold in their life.
However, you can take steps to avoid letting jealousy get out of hand.
Introducing a New Dog or Family Member
Be sure to foster a positive association with a new addition to the family.
Go slow with introductions. Start with a piece of clothing or bedding with a new pet or humans smell on it. Allow the first meeting to be short and sweet, and gradually increase the amount of time your dog must interact with a new household member. In the beginning, never leave your dog unattended with a new pet or baby.
When you reach out to pet your new cat, be sure to send a loving stroke your dogs way as well. Every time a new puppy gets a treat, your dog should also get a reward. You may even find that this technique helps your dog to be more invested in a new puppys housetraining success! Adult housetrained dogs can serve as excellent role models for new puppies that are still learning the ropes of a household.
When you are holding a new baby, try to share some cuddles with your pet as well, allowing them to take part in a bonding session. When a new partner enters your home, equip the new person with treats so that your dog associates their visit with good feelings. Your dog may even grow to be excited to see them and share your affection.
Managing Your Dogs Jealousy
Do not feed into your dog's jealous behavior. Sometimes removing potential stimuli or going to dog obedience classes may be helpful. Re-establishing good communication and boundaries with your dog may be helpful when your dog is feeling insecure and seeking guidance.
If youre not seeing the results youd like at home, or your dog is struggling with aggression to the point of attacking, seek assistance from your veterinarian, a certified veterinary behaviorist, or certified animal behaviorist.
References
- Merriam-webster.com. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jealous
- Nih.gov. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4108309/
Featured Image: iStock.com/dageldog
9 Signs Your Pet Is Jealous (and How to Stop It)
In most cases, this is better described as a competitive situation where the pet is competing with another individualhuman, dog, cat, or otherwisefor something it wants, says Hetts.
Regardless of what you call it, jealous behavior in pets can be an issue.
9 Signs of Jealousy in Pets
Here are some jealous behaviors in pets that you should be on the lookout for:
1. Aggression
This can often be in the form of biting or nibbling of the animal or person getting attention over them, says Dr. Scarlett Magda, founding president of New York City-based Veterinarians International.
2. Going to the bathroom indoors/outside the litter box
Our pets cant express their thoughts and feelings in words, so instead, they sometimes express their feelings in actions, says Dr. Geoffrey Broderick, a veterinarian in Huntington, New York. If you see them peeing or pooping in places where they shouldnt, they may be trying to tell you something.
However, having accidents in the house or going outside the litter box can be a sign of a health issue, so your first stop should be a vet visit to make sure your pet does not need medical attention.
3. Paying extra attention to you (being clingy)
According to Dr. Broderick, clingy behavior from a dog or cat can come across as a pet cuddling up extra-close to you and suddenly licking your hand or face. This is a sign of affection, and they are trying to get your attention, he says.
4. Pushy behavior
Dr. Magda notes that this often comes in the form of a pet inhibiting another person or animal from moving freely on a regular basis, or pushing their way into a situation, demanding the attention of their owner.
5. Growling, hissing, or getting into a fight with another pet
This may especially be an issue in a multi-pet household where pets are competing for attention and resources, Dr. Broderick points out.
6. Trying to scare off strangers
Pets may aggressively bark, hiss, or growl when owners are greeted or visitors arrive, Dr. Magda says.
7. Doing a trick
According to Dr. Broderick, this is a surefire sign that your pet is trying to get your attention.
8. Crowding your space
Cats sometimes will lie down on your work table or sit on your computer keyboard to get attention, or even start knocking things off the table, Dr. Broderick says. A dog may sit up and beg to try and get your attention, or sit up on their hind legs.
9. Leaving the room
Sometimes when pets get mad, they may have a tendency to withdraw, Dr. Broderick says.
What Causes Jealous Behaviors in Pets?
According to experts, jealous-like behaviors in pets typically suggest boredom or a ploy for attention from their owners. Sometimes, just like people, they can feel insecure, Dr. Broderick explains. They need individual attention, lots of cuddling, and activities to keep them busy and to keep them from being bored. Sometimes, our pets just want us, and they dont want to share us with another pet or person.
A lack of resources (only one toy for multiple pets), social conflict, too small of a space, stress, lack of exercise, and genetic disposition can cause jealous behavior, says Katenna Jones, associate applied animal behaviorist and owner of Jones Animal Behavior in Warwick, Rhode Island.
How to Stop Jealous Behavior in Pets
Here are some of Dr. Magdas tips for reducing jealousy in a multi-pet household:
Keep notes on the circumstances that cause signs of jealousy/aggression. This can be helpful when you see behaviors that you cant manage on your own, as you can share the list with your vet or a professional animal behaviorist.
Dont give one pet more attention than another.
Help your dog feel safe and relaxed in their crate so they see it as their own safe space. Give cats a space to call their own as well.
Feed pets separately to avoid conflict during mealtimes. Give your pets the same amount of treats.
When you arrive home, make sure you dont give one pet more attention than the other, or wait a bit to give attention. The level of emotional excitement will diminish, preventing signs of aggression from occurring.
Put aleashon both dogs when walking two at a time and consider a gentle leader for better control.
Dont pet one animal without petting the other.
Have at least two of all toys and beds, but remove food-based toys unless supervised.
Catch your pets being good. Give them attention and praise when they are acting calm and not showing jealous behaviors.
Managing unwanted behaviors and keeping pets mentally healthy are keys to avoiding unpleasant situations down the line, Dr. Broderick says. As pet parents, we need to attend to their physical and emotional needs, just like we do for our human children, he says. Our pets just want to feel loved.
Featured Image: iStock.com/chendongshan
