Some dogs want to have their owner all to themselves and react jealously when their owner talks to other dogs or people. Jealousy can be expressed by whining or barking, but occasionally takes on more serious forms. 

The jealous dog starts damaging furniture, peeing in the home or even becoming aggressive. While the dog's normal jealousy is often just annoying, you should still train the dog to change its behaviour. The dog must learn to accept that its master or mistress is also devoted to other living creatures.

 

Measures to educate the jealous dog

 

If you are unsure, you should take the dog to the vet, as there may be an illness behind the apparently jealous behaviour. Jealousy and aggression can also cause stress and nervousness and make the dog ill.

 

Jealousy is often triggered by changes, for example when the owner has a new job and therefore has less time for the dog. The arrival of a baby also diverts the family's attention away from the dog. If there are changes in everyday life, the dog should be given more attention until it has become accustomed to the new situation.

New pets or flatmates should be introduced to the dog outside the home, on neutral ground. There, the dog is not in its territory and does not automatically regard the newcomer as an intruder.

When getting to know other animals or people, the dog should receive the same usual attention and not suddenly be ignored by the arrival of the newcomer.

 

New pets should be introduced slowly. The dog should be given a few weeks to get used to the new flatmate. Food should be given in separate bowls to avoid food envy. At the beginning, the two animals should only be together for about half an hour at a time and under supervision.

 

Good behaviour on the part of the dog should be recognised with petting and rewards. This teaches the dog that good behaviour is worthwhile and gives him the attention he wants.