Do dogs get jealous?

As dog owners, many of us have experienced that look from our pets when we give attention to another dog. Whether it’s a slight nudge, a worried gaze, or an outright interruption, it can feel like our dogs are expressing a very human emotion: jealousy. But is that really what’s happening? Recent studies suggest that the answer is yes – dogs do get jealous, and it’s more like the human emotion than we might have thought.

What the science says about canine jealousy

Jealousy has long been considered a complex emotion, one that we typically associate with humans. However, research is beginning to show that our dogs may experience this emotion in ways that are strikingly similar to us. One study conducted by the University of California, San Diego, used a clever experiment to observe how dogs reacted when their owners paid attention to a stuffed toy that realistically barked, whined, and wagged its tail.

The findings were revealing. The majority of dogs exhibited behaviours that we would describe as jealousy. They tried to push the fake dog away, got between their owner and the stuffed dog, or even snapped at it. This suggests that dogs are not only aware of the social interactions between their owner and another dog but are also motivated to intervene when they feel their bond is threatened.

The mere thought of another dog

Further research has shown that dogs might not even need to see you petting another dog to feel jealous – the mere thought of it can trigger jealousy. In a study published in the journal Psychological Science, researchers discovered that when dogs were shown an image of their owner interacting with another dog, their behaviour changed significantly. The dogs showed signs of agitation, such as increased attention and agitation, even though the interaction wasn’t real.

This suggests that dogs are capable of mental imagery and can imagine scenarios that make them feel insecure or jealous. It’s a complex cognitive ability that points to a deeper emotional life than we might have previously credited them with.

Jealousy isn’t just for humans

Jealousy, it turns out, isn’t exclusive to humans. Dogs, like us, are social animals with strong bonds to their pack – whether that pack includes other dogs, humans, or both. When these bonds are perceived as under threat, it’s natural for a dog to react in ways that we recognise as jealousy.

This reaction probably has roots in their evolutionary past. In a pack, resources such as food, attention, and mating opportunities are limited and competition for these resources is fierce. While our domesticated dogs may not face the same survival pressures as their wild ancestors, the instinct to protect their place in the social hierarchy remains strong.

What this means for dog owners

Understanding that your dog can feel jealous provides valuable insight into their emotional world. It’s important to recognise these feelings and respond in a way that reassures your dog while maintaining healthy boundaries. For instance, if you’re introducing a new dog into the household, it’s crucial to give your existing dog plenty of attention and reassurance to prevent feelings of jealousy.

However, it’s also important not to reinforce jealous behaviour. If your dog learns that being jealous leads to more attention, this can create a cycle that’s difficult to break. Instead, reward calm behaviour and teach your dog that sharing your attention doesn’t mean losing your love.

Strengthening the bond with your dog

Recognising and addressing jealousy in dogs isn’t just about managing behaviour – it’s also about strengthening the bond you share with your pet. By understanding their emotions and responding with patience and love, you can help your dog feel secure and valued, even when your attention is divided.

So, the next time your dog nudges you away from petting another dog, remember that they’re not just being possessive – they’re expressing a very real and complex emotion.