Do Dogs Get Jealous? What the Research Suggests

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Many owners are sure their dogs get jealous. Science offers some support, with caveats.

What studies suggest

Researchers have reported that dogs show more behaviors such as pushing, snapping and attention seeking when owners interact with a realistic rival, such as a stuffed dog, than with a neutral object. Some interpret this as jealous-like behavior. Others argue that it may reflect competition for attention or resources rather than a complex emotion like human jealousy. The research is limited, and debate continues.

Looks like jealousy

• Pushing between you and another pet
• Nudging or pawing for attention
• Whining or barking
• Guarding you
• Snapping or growling at the other pet

See why do dogs nudge you with their nose.

What may be behind it

• Attention seeking.
• Resource guarding, with you as the resource. See dog resource guarding explained.
• Excitement and arousal.
• Insecurity.
• Learned behavior.

Do dogs feel emotions?

Dogs show many emotions, including fear, joy and anger. See do dogs feel emotions. Whether they experience complex feelings like human jealousy is an open question.

Managing attention rivalry

1. Give attention fairly, to each pet separately.
2. Reward calm behavior when you interact with others.
3. Avoid reinforcing pushy behavior.
4. Provide separate spaces and activities.
5. Teach a mat settle.
6. Keep routines predictable.

New babies and new pets

Changes can unsettle dogs. Introduce gradually, keep routines, and reward calm behavior around the newcomer. See do dogs love their owners for attachment.

When behavior includes aggression

If your dog growls, snaps or bites when you interact with others, treat it as guarding. Keep everyone safe and consult a professional. See when to see a dog behaviorist.

What not to do

• Do not punish.
• Do not give in to every demand.
• Do not leave pets unsupervised together.

Common mistakes

• Ignoring early signs.
• Rewarding pushy behavior.
• Favoring one pet openly.
• Overlooking aggression.

Troubleshooting

• My dog barks when I hug someone: teach a mat.
• My dog pushes the cat away: keep them separate.
• My dog sulks: give calm attention and exercise.

A simple plan

1. Give fair attention.
2. Reward calm.
3. Provide separate spaces.
4. Seek help for aggression.

Real-life examples

A spaniel pushes between his owner and the new puppy, and learns to settle on a mat. A terrier snaps at a child hugging his owner, and a behaviorist helps. A retriever whines at the other dog's walk, and extra individual time helps. Management works.

Reading your dog

Whether or not dogs feel human-style jealousy, they certainly care about their people. Provide predictable routines, kind attention and fair rules, and your dog will feel secure.

Practical tips for multi-pet homes

Feed pets separately, give each time alone with you and avoid petting one while the other is pushing in. Teach each pet to settle on a mat while you interact with the other. Fair, predictable routines reduce competition and help everyone feel secure.

New baby or partner

A big change can unsettle a dog. Introduce the new person calmly, keep walks and routines, and reward calm behavior near them. Do not scold a dog for seeking attention. Give him positive time every day, so he learns that the new arrival is not a threat.

What to avoid

Do not tease your dog by showing affection to others on purpose. Do not scold him for seeking attention. Do not leave pets together if one growls or snaps. Calm management and training give better results than testing his reactions.

The takeaway

Jealous-like behavior is real, and its causes are debated. Manage it fairly and safely.