If your normally happy dog is starting to act differently, particularly around your family’s new addition, it may be an indication of jealousy. Dogs experience a wide range of emotions, just like people, so if they’re feeling snubbed in the attention and affection department, they’ll let you know. This is one of the hardest parts of pet care. It’s more than just caring for them physically; it involves trying to understand these emotions and help them through them.

3 Ways to Know if Your Dog Is Jealous

1. Misbehaving

If your dog is feeling jealous, they may adopt the mentality that even negative attention is better than none. This behavior can be anything from jumping up on furniture they know they aren’t allowed on to chewing up items around the home. This can make pet care for your dog hard because their behavior will inevitably cause you undue stress and resentment. Try to keep in mind the reason and try to show them a little much-needed love.

2. Making an Exit

Sometimes, when dogs are jealous or sad and overcome with emotion, they tend to simply withdraw. If your dog is watching you play with your new pet or baby, and then they suddenly get up and leave, it’s a good indication that they’re feeling jealous. Call them back if you see this happen to let them know they aren’t as invisible as they’re feeling. 

3. Aggressive Behavior

Aggression can be growling to warn people and other animals to back off or, in some cases, result in lunging or even biting. You may see this when you’re sitting with your dog, and the new family addition comes into their space. They may growl to keep them away from you. Though it’s a cry for attention, it can still lead to a potentially dangerous problem. An animal behaviorist or trainer can help find the best approach to manage this behavior. 

If you’re looking for a skilled animal trainer to help manage your dog’s jealous behavior, turn to Hickman Creek Kennel. Their two locations in Lexington and Nicholasville, KY, offer animal training services as well as doggy day care and pet care services, like grooming and boarding. Visit them online to learn more about their facilities or call them today at (859) 885-3647.