
Have you ever greeted your family member with a tight hug and heard telltale whining as your dog insinuates himself into your hug? Does Dog in your lap growl when another person walks by? Does your pooch suddenly become more interested in his playthings or meals in the presence of another pet? Does that mean that our companion can also feel complex emotions such as jealousy?
Psychologists have done research on dog behavior and whether it’s jealousy of the kind experienced by humans, or whether it’s derived from deep-seated canine behaviors such as resource protection or redirected excitement, dogs do feel jealousy.
According to experts, jealous-like behaviors in dogs typically suggest boredom or a ploy for attention from their owners.
Don’t be afraid to call in a behavior specialist or work with a trainer if dog jealousy is an ongoing issue in your household.