Whether it’s a brand-new car, a stylish coat, or someone with a particularly delicious-looking ice cream, it’s fair to say we all experience a little jealousy every now and then (… we knew we should have gone for the salted caramel). But the question today is: can dogs get jealous too?
Many dogs show behaviours that certainly look like jealousy—especially when their favourite human gives attention to someone, or something, else. But is that the same sort of jealousy that humans feel?
In today’s blog, we’re going to take a look at how you can recognize when a dog is jealous, why these behaviours happen, and how to support our pooches by building emotional security and harmony in your home.
So, let’s get straight to the point: do dogs get jealous?
The fact is that dogs don’t experience jealousy in the complex, self-reflective way humans do. Case closed then, right? End the blog!
But … maybe not quite so fast. While dogs may not feel jealousy exactly as we do, scientific studies show that dogs can display behaviours linked to social competition, insecurity, and attention-seeking. For example:
These findings suggest canine jealousy is not the same feeling we humans go through, but dogs do experience:
So, can a dog get jealous? In many cases, yes—they can feel discomfort or insecurity when their social world feels uncertain. But the good news is, understanding these aspects of canine jealousy helps us support our dogs more effectively.
Knowing the signs of a jealous dog helps you recognize what your dog is feeling, allowing you to respond in a supportive way. Jealous behaviours may include:
Nudging, pawing, or physically placing themselves between you and another dog or family member is a common sign of canine jealousy.
Vocalizing and repeatedly trying to engage you can be a sign of insecurity or stress.
A jealous dog may guard ‘valued’ people or objects, particularly around other dogs.
Some dogs begin following their human constantly or refusing to settle unless they are close.
Chewing, digging, or toileting in the house may occur when stress levels rise—especially during changes in routine.
Before you go looking into how you can stop a jealous dog from behaving in certain ways, it’s important to understand the context. Ask yourself why the behaviour is happening. Jealous-like behaviours are often triggered by:
Not all situations are equal—some dogs might show these behaviours consistently, while others only show them during specific events.
In multi-dog homes, it’s common for dogs to compete for attention, food, toys, and even sleeping spaces. Each dog’s personality and the relationships between them will influence how smoothly they coexist.
Using an ADAPTIL Calm diffuser can also be highly effective for creating a peaceful atmosphere for all dogs in your home, making shared spaces feel more reassuring. We recommend plugging the diffuser into an electrical socket in the room in which your dogs spend the most time for the best results.
Dogs may similarly need time to adjust when new people enter the home, whether it’s a new baby, partner, housemate, or even just a visiting friend or relative. These introductions often lead to changes in routine and environment, so it’s important to bear this in mind when considering how you can support your dog.
Preparing in advance, especially when expecting a new baby, can be extremely helpful. This includes familiarizing your dog with new sounds, smells, and activities ahead of time.
Reducing canine jealousy starts with helping your dog feel safe and understood. This means:
Dogs thrive when their day is predictable. Keep feeding, walking, and play schedules consistent.
One-on-one walks, training, and play strengthen your bond and reduce competition.
Interactive toys, training games, sniffing walks, puzzle feeders, and regular play all help your dog feel fulfilled.
Begin by letting your dog observe at a distance, rewarding calm behaviour. Move at their pace.
ADAPTIL can help soothe dogs during transitions or when feeling insecure, providing comforting messages that help dogs feel safe and supported. Our ADAPTIL Calm diffuser is perfect for multi-dog homes or changes in routine, while the ADAPTIL Calm Collar is great for individual dogs needing extra reassurance during outings or transitions.
Consult your vet or a qualified behaviourist if:
So, can a dog get jealous? Absolutely. While it may not be identical to our understanding of jealousy, dogs certainly feel insecure or fear losing our attention when a shake-up occurs in their environment.
Fortunately, by recognizing the signs of a jealous dog and understanding the root of the behaviour, we can introduce gentle strategies to help our pooches feel safe and valued.
For more guidance on supporting your dog’s well-being, keep exploring our ADAPTIL blogs online. And while you’re here, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tips and advice!