Is my dog jealous of my new dog?

It’s been proven that dogs do feel jealousy. So what can you do if you want to adopt a second dog but your current dog acts jealously?

The AKC website states: “Research suggests your dog may possess a jealous bone.” When it comes to being the center of their owners’ attention, tests have shown that dogs can be quite possessive. ”.

I will select a question from a Rescue Dogs 101 community member each week in 2020.

We are preparing for the arrival of a rescue. Our number one priority is improving our relationship with our current dog, Piper.

Piper came to us when she was 1-1/2. She is a 6-and-a-half-year-old King Charles Cavalier who is shy and lovable. She is very small, only weighs about 13 pounds.

Unnamed NewDog will be about a year old, a spaniel of some kind, possibly mixed (but who cares), and about twice as big as OldDog.

Piper has had us all to herself for 5 years. She is welcome on laps, on sofas, and in beds with our daughter (who is 16, not a child), as she is incredibly well-behaved and causes no trouble.

You have some information on how to introduce two dogs to one another. The first meeting and walk should take place outside before going inside. Until the new dog is trained and becomes familiar with the house rules, she should be kept in a crate in a small, baby-gated space in the kitchen.

Newdog will need to be securely leashed and harnessed. Piper needs to enter the house first to welcome NewDog. Got it.

Although NewDog will initially be extremely scared, it is important to start formal training as soon as possible. Got it.

We already have the crate, the baby gates, the PetSmart lessons scheduled, and the veterinarian is eagerly anticipating meeting NewDog.

Before NewDog arrives, we don’t yet know the answers to the zillion questions we will have. But could you elaborate a little more on the subject of ideal methods for managing two dogs at once?

If I had to make a prediction, it would be that our obedient, sweet little Piper will end up protecting resources, and those resources will be us.

I’ve noticed that Piper gets envious whenever we lean down to pet another dog. She will jump up and start whining for attention.

She usually keeps to herself, but she gets upset when we pet other dogs. I can already predict what will happen when NewDog settles there permanently.

What if she starts barking whenever we pay attention to NewDog in an effort to get rid of her?

Any additional advice you can offer us to start this relationship off on the best foot and take away Piper’s threat level while we start to settle NewDog into her new home would be greatly appreciated.

Is My Dog’s Jealousy a Form of Dominance?

The second most common label that I hear when dogs are uncomfortable with puppies is dominance.

The majority of owners believe that when an older dog growls at a puppy, it’s because the adult is establishing her dominance. When an adult dog approaches a puppy’s owner, it’s a sign of dominance.

In some ways, this might not be far off.

Dominance is best defined by E.O. Wilson in Sociobiology: The New Synthesis as:

To clarify, dominance is not a personality trait; rather, it is the relationship between two people and a resource. Given that dogs do not typically live in orderly packs led by a single dominant pair, social interaction is not a significant factor in their behavior.

Although your dog may generally be outgoing, playful, or energetic, dominance isn’t a characteristic that lasts forever.

Many people, like the TV dog trainer Cesar Millan, use the term “dominant” as a blanket explanation for all behavioral issues. He and others believe that “being the alpha” and dominance are the causes of behavioral issues like refusing to get in the car, pulling on the leash, or growling at the owner.

The issue is that when you attribute your dog’s behavior to this erroneous interpretation of dominance, pack theory, or being the alpha, it’s all too easy to resort to frightening and violent training methods designed to “put your dog in his place.” ”.

There is an ethical problem with how dominance theory leads us to treat our dogs, in addition to the fact that the scientific reality is very different from what Milan and others refer to as “dominance.”

Dominance is not a one-sided relationship; it depends on the situation, the pair, and the item.

For instance, my dog will readily give up his toys to the majority of other dogs, but not his food. That varies depending on a variety of variables, including how stressed he is, who the other dog is, how hungry he is, and more.

Additionally, there is a distinction between keeping a resource and stealing one from another dog. My own dog will growl to deter dogs from approaching his food bowl but won’t approach other dogs to steal from them. We wouldn’t anticipate such a wide range of responses from him if his resource guarding was really based on dominance.

A dog’s label as dominant doesn’t reveal much about the animal. You might be misinterpreting the situation because different people have different definitions of “dominant.” Focus on what you see, not how you interpret it.

Going to the bathroom indoors/outside the litter box

“Our pets sometimes express their feelings in actions because they are unable to do so verbally,” says Dr. Geoffrey Broderick, a veterinarian in Huntington, New York. “They might be trying to tell you something if you see them pooping or peeing where they shouldn’t,” ”.

Your first port of call should be a trip to the veterinarian to make sure your pet does not require medical attention because having accidents in the house or using the litter box outside of the designated area can be signs of a health issue.

Is Your Dog Showing Dominance, Or Is He Just Insecure?

Having said that, dominance isn’t always the best lens through which to view behavioral issues. Even though it may be a factor in certain situations (such as resource guarding between dogs, also known as “jealousy”), it doesn’t provide much useful information to the owners.

Your dog is more likely growling at your puppy out of insecurity than out of dominance. Like confident adult men aren’t threatened by toddlers, dominant, self-assured dogs aren’t threatened by tiny baby puppies.

Because using the term “dominant dog” implies that your responsibility is to “put your dog in his place,” we want to avoid using it whenever possible. ”.

When you believe your dog is dominant, you’re more likely to train him using punishment-based methods, which could make him feel insecurer.

This is particularly troublesome if your dog harbors jealousy toward the puppy.

When you correct your dog around the puppy, he may become fearful of or hostile toward the puppy (because he learns that the puppy hurts), which has negative long-term effects.

What then, if your dog is envious of your puppy, can we do instead?

FAQ

How do you tell if your dog is jealous of another dog?

1. Doing Tricks Without Commands. …
2. Aggressive Behavior. …
3. Resource Guarding. …
4. Destructive Behavior. …
5. The Dog Pushes In. …
6. Inappropriate Toileting. …
7. Leaving the Room. …
8. Over-Grooming.

How long does it take for a dog to adjust to a new dog?

An old dog and a new dog may need up to a month to adjust and recognize each other’s place in the pack. If you want a second dog, you must be prepared to go through the process and not become anxious.

How do I help my jealous dog with a new dog?

1. Set a small, timed goal.
2. Create space.
3. Reward the behavior you want.
4. Repeat.

Do dogs get jealous when you get another dog?

Introduction of a New Pet Bringing home a new puppy or another adult dog may cause your dog to become jealous and exhibit aggressive behavior toward the new pet. Your dog might bark at the new dog, protect your lap, or attempt to get between you and your new furry family member.