Jealousy in dog behavior is a problem encountered by many owners. Jealousy may take various forms, from attention-seeking behaviors like jumping up for leash grabs or licking at rival ears, to destructive ones like chewing and scratching furniture. With some knowledge and training, however, jealousy in your pup’s behavior can be brought under control.
An obvious telltale sign of canine jealousy is their refusal to share food, toys and attention with family members – such as humans or other pets. If your pup begins showing aggressive behaviors like growling or barking at new people or pets, professional assistance should be sought immediately. Sometimes excessive jealousy and aggression stem from medical conditions like malfunctioning adrenal glands; treating these conditions may help alleviate such behavior before it continues.
Most dog behaviorists agree that most jealous dog behavior stems from deeply-seated behavioral patterns like resource guarding. Your home is where your pup finds sustenance and affection from you; when a new person or animal enters, something in his primal brain signals him that this stranger could threaten his resources or place in society.
Problem behaviors often manifest themselves through irritating and discomforting canine behaviors that are unpleasant for everyone involved, including your pup. Luckily, however, most unwanted behaviors can usually be corrected using obedience training techniques and desensitization – whereby negative stimuli (such as people or animals) are gradually exposed at low levels until your dog shows no sign of discomfort, gradually increasing in intensity until your dog feels at ease with his situation again.
Jealousy can often be brought on by territorial instincts in dogs who were previously in shelters or adopted from different households. Such pets see any new addition to the family such as children or other dogs as an enemy who threatens their territory, their hierarchy position or possessions.
In these situations, it’s crucial that older dogs become acquainted with new pets through play and treats, helping both animals discover they can coexist peacefully if only they learn how to get along.
Jealousy may also be caused by changes to your dog’s environment, such as new schedule or the introduction of a new pet to the household. When this causes jealousy, and its associated behavior (aggression, destruction), it’s crucial that action be taken immediately. Establishing leadership and teaching obedience skills usually reduce jealousy and aggressive behavior in dogs; speaking to your dog calmly with no shouting is the most effective method; speaking sternly will demonstrate to them their actions are unacceptable while reinforcing correct behaviors will reinforce them over time – be patient while working closely with a qualified behaviorist/trainer for best results when dealing with issues of this sort!
