Can dogs suffer from bouts of jealousy?

Question

Well, my dog doesn't really like other animals. She's stare at them for a long time, and then starts barking insanely. My neighbor has a cat that I play with whenever I see it. When Oreo (my dog) sees me playing with the cat, she'll go crazy with barking, and jumping on door trying to get out. Then when I come inside, she'll look at me for a few minutes and then go run and hide under the bed, and won't come out. After half an hour, she'll come and sit in my lap and wag her tail, and be her normal self again. I wish she weren't so jealous and mean to other animals, because I'd really like to add one or two more dogs to the family.

Answer 1

Yes, dogs do feel jealousy as much if nor more than human. I had two dogs ( mother and daughter ) used to fight over who sits on my laps or gets nearer to me.
It was only for a year then every thing is OK.
But in your case, your dog is in fact protecting you from intruders .
I also noticed that they do not park at other dogs when my husband and other people take for a walk. It is for my protection that they do not want any other creature to come near me.
If you decided to add more dogs to the family, it is best to get them as puppies so the older one will realise that no harm with them, and introduce them little by little making sure that you pat your older dog frequently to assure her.

Did you know dogs got as much as 85% of our brain cells? which means that they got the same feelings as we have.

Answer 2

While I admire the other postings here, a dog doesn't feel jealousy in the same manner we do. Not to say they don't feel it at all, but what's been described in the original question and the posts above, is dominance from dogs fighting to 'own' the human. It's possible to be about the petting, but there's an underlying tone of confusion as to where the dogs are in the pack. A clear cut pack of dog/human or dog/dog/human will clearly establish who's dominant.

And by being dominant, I am not saying be overbearing, but more like a human parent. I know as a child that I respected my parents, and listened when they gave instruction (i.e. don't cross the street without an adult, or get your homework done, things like that) My parents were the leaders of the house.

A dog needs the same kind of gentle dominant leadership in order to be truly happy. Rules boundaries and limitations, combined with proper exercise, truly stops problems with jealousy and aggressiveness. What I suggest for you is to take Oreo out for lots of walks during the day, or one LONG walk. When you're on a walk, be sure you're not letting Oreo get ahead of you. From his point of view, if he's in front, he's the boss of the walk. Don't let him leave the house before you do. You step out first, and he has to learn to follow. If it helps, go in and out of your house for 5 mins/day for about a week. You can do it before the walk for 2 1/2 mins and after the walk for the remaining 2 1/2 mins. You'll look like a goofball for a while, but it'll help establish that you're the leader, and just because the door's open, it doesn't always mean he must go thru it.

After you establish a routine of long walks or frequent walks during the day, try training him to stop barking at other dogs or cats by starting with a TIRED doggie. It's easier to tell a dog 'no' when he's too tired to protest much. You need to correct him when he shows the first signs you described in your post where he's standing there staring ("posturing") and give him a quick correction on the leash by pulling him towards your leg and back a bit at an angle. Cesar Milan recommends a noise like ssh!, and I use it myself. It's highly effective and doesn't excite the dog further.

After you've gained more control over Oreo like a good doggie mama, you can add any other animal to your family 'pack.' If you choose a dog, you have to walk them together before they sniff each other, one on each side, correcting whichever dog shows interest in the other one. They must only show interest in each other when the walk is over and YOU permit it. If the new dog shows aggression to Oreo, don't adopt it. If it's Oreo, you need to work more with him and try adopting again in a week or two.

If you'd like a cat, you need to make sure the cat comes across as the dominant one by introducing the cat with Oreo on leash, keeping the cat ABOVE the dog. In the animal world, height equals dominance (which is why a lot of dominant dogs prefer the couch or bed). Correct Oreo if he makes any lunges to the cat. Rub a damp towel over the cat, and another over Oreo. Use the damp towels as placemats for the other animal's food (dog food on the cat towel, cat food on the dog towel) so they can bond better to each other's scent. Remember a cat might take longer to warm up to the dog, but with more control over Oreo, the transition will be a peaceable one.

I hope it helps, I truly do. Any questions and you can email me at toughmuttsdogtraining at yahoo!

Answer 3

Absolutely, what you're experiencing might be a bit extreme, you might want to talk to a trainer about socializing your dog before you try to get another one.

My first dog (growing up) was very jealous of other dogs and wouldn't look at them usually. If my mom was showing attention to another animal, wasn't spending enough time with the dog or even pretended to pet and cuddle a stuffed animal, Taffy would go show attention to someone else and made sure my mom saw her do it or she'd sit on my mom's project. Dogs can be very jealous.

Answer 4

Yeah sometimes they are very jealous my dog isnt insanly jealous but if i pet my other dog she'll want to be petted too. But i think if u have an addition to the family itll take her a a little while to get use to the new puppy.

Answer 5

I will bet that oreo is just like a child toyou. I know my babies are. they will get used to another , just show them equal time and love and oreo will come around especially when she realizes she has a friend to play with.You might lose a little bit of the closeness you had, but it sounds like it is what she needs. Kind of like an onlychild they get bored and possessive too. I hope you give your baby a play mate she will come around.

Answer 6

Yes very much, just like kids. Pick your other pets wisely and oreo will learn to love them too it just takes time. They will become family to her but other animals she doesn't want in her territory, she is protecting you. Have a good one:-)

Answer 7

Yes. I have four dogs, and they each want my full attention.
They growl and bark at the one I am petting at the time.

Answer 8

well I don't think so unless It really hurts her but I'm not so sure If she suffers from jealousy but I sure It'll build in side Oreo.

Answer 9

Oh Yes. They have many emotions and need to be treated with respect for that.

Answer 10

dogs get jealous