Dogs sometimes become anxious and threatened when they sense that someone else -- human or canine -- is encroaching on their favorite hangouts, toys, snacks or people. If you sense this in your dog, it's your job to do what's necessary to stop the poor guy's jealousy.
Plentiful Interaction
Life is busy and full of new situations. Whether you adopted a Pekingese puppy or just welcomed an infant into your home, your dog is bound to sense that something is different and not the familiar comfort he knows. This doesn't mean that your dog dislikes your new pup or baby, just that he is nervous about perhaps receiving less attention from you than before. It's always crucial to make time to interact with your pet, even during transitional phases. Whether you're busy tending to a newborn or housebreaking a fluffy youngster, remember that your older dog needs your TLC too. An outdoor play session every night can be useful for strengthening the connection you share with your dog, and perhaps for stopping him from feeling confused and anxious.
Pay No Mind
Pooches can become possessive of their beloved humans. If your dog gets upset when you invite a friend over for dinner, and spend a lot of time talking to her instead of cuddling him or playing with him, don't give in to his barking and ignore your buddy. Instead, hold out for serene, more relaxed behavior. Once he relaxes for even a few seconds, give him a little of what he wants -- your focus. By doing this, you might give him a good association with being peaceful -- and teach him an important lesson in patience, too. Make your dog understand that there's no reason to be jealous. Your friend being in your home doesn't mean that he won't get attention from you again soon.
Day-to-Day Consistency
Consistency in lifestyle is key to keeping canine jealousy in check. If your dog's world is full of uncertainty and unpredictability because of something new that's making him feel jealous and out of sorts, do what you can to keep things as stable as possible for him. Whether it pertains to feeding times, exercise or even snuggling sessions, try to stick to a reliable regimen as much as possible.
Close Monitoring of Your Pets
If your dog's jealousy is directed at another pet or human, never ever allow them to be in the same room without your careful monitoring. Jealous behavior in dogs can sometimes lead to aggressive behavior, whether growling, barking, biting or anything else. If your dog displays any sign of aggression, talk immediately to a professional animal behavioral expert for help and guidance.
Encouraging a New Friendship
If your dog is jealous of a new furry pal in your home, you might be able to curb the jealous behavior by helping to get the ball rolling in the friendship department. Encourage your two pooches to bond to each other by going on a fun journey to a local park that's unfamiliar to them. If they both experience something exciting and nonthreatening together, it might be all they need to become the greatest of furry friends. Do this regularly.
Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.
