Glossary

Jealousy

A jealous-like reaction some dogs show when an owner gives attention to a rival, which researchers still debate how to interpret.

Also called: dog jealousy, jealous dog, envy in dogs, attention-seeking

Many owners report that their dogs seem jealous when attention goes to another pet or a person. A 2014 study by Christine Harris and Caroline Prouvost found that dogs were more likely to push, snap or squeeze between the owner and a realistic stuffed dog than a plain object, which suggests an early form of jealousy-like response.

Scientists disagree about what this means. The behavior may be simple attention-seeking or competition for a resource, not the complex human emotion that includes envy and awareness of another's intentions. Dogs clearly do care about who gets attention and treats.

If it leads to pushing, growling or guarding, give each pet separate attention and meals, avoid forced face-offs and reward calm behavior. Sudden changes in how a dog behaves toward people or pets are worth discussing with a veterinarian.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Resource guarding A dog's tendency to protect food, toys, places or people from others by stiffening, growling, snapping or biting. Theory of mind The ability to understand that others have their own knowledge, wishes and beliefs, which research suggests dogs may show only in limited ways. Play Voluntary, energetic and usually social activity that dogs do for fun, including chasing, wrestling, tugging and bowing. Social learning Learning a behavior by watching another dog or a person do it, which dogs can do in some situations.