If you have a new dog and your older dog isn’t happy about it, or if one of your dogs is always seeking more attention, you might feel like you’re treating them differently. Can dogs really sense if we’re playing favorites? Research suggests that they can, to some extent, and it may negatively impact their relationship if you favor one over the other.
Signs Your Dog Knows You’re Playing Favorites
When you bring a new dog home, it’s important to pay attention to how your older dog is feeling. Dogs thrive on routine, so if their routine is disrupted or they don’t receive as much attention as before, they may become sad. Watch out for signs like whining or howling when you’re interacting with the other dog, intense staring and head tilting, or attempts to jump on you for attention. If your dog exhibits any of these behaviors, make sure to play with both of them.
Changes can be difficult for everyone, including your dog.
Another sign to watch out for is aggression towards the new family member, whether it’s another dog or a different species. If your dog’s behavior becomes erratic, they start biting, or they try to start fights, it’s crucial to address and correct that behavior immediately to ensure everyone’s safety.
Body Language
Signs that your dog might feel left out include staring, whining, jumping up, and howling. Other signs of resentment towards a new family member include erratic behavior, picking fights with other animals, and biting.
History of Dogs Sensing Favoritism
For many years, people have known that dogs don’t appreciate playing favorites. There are stories from older adults who believed that getting a new puppy would make their older dog unhappy because they thought the attention would be divided. Some dog owners have even noticed that their pets play favorites with different family members. It’s not just dogs; other domestic animals can also experience jealousy and have their own preferences.
Science Behind Dogs Sensing Favoritism
Studies have shown that animals, including dogs, can sense favoritism and become jealous. For example, experiments with monkeys and dogs demonstrated that they would become agitated if they saw others receiving better rewards. Animals may not care about the specifics of the rewards but are sensitive to the imbalance.
Training Your Dog to Not be Jealous
While you can’t control your dog’s feelings, you can treat them equally. Understand that each dog may have different preferences, so ensure they both have time to play and exercise, individually or together. Provide comfortable sleeping areas for both and reward them equally for good behavior. Maintaining a consistent routine is also important for dogs. If one dog still appears jealous despite your efforts, monitor their behavior closely and consider involving a professional dog trainer if necessary.
Conclusion
Recognizing and addressing favoritism between dogs is crucial for maintaining a harmonious relationship. Dogs can sense and become jealous of unequal treatment, so it’s important to ensure both dogs receive equal attention, exercise, and rewards. By providing a balanced and fair environment, you can help prevent conflicts and maintain a happy and peaceful home for all.
“Treating your dogs equally is the key to preventing jealousy and maintaining a harmonious household.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Be mindful of your dogs’ feelings and needs: Pay attention to signs that your dogs may be feeling left out or jealous, such as whining, staring, or jumping up for attention. Make sure to give both dogs equal amounts of attention, playtime, and rewards to avoid favoritism.
2️⃣ Watch for signs of aggression: Keep an eye on your dogs’ behavior, especially towards new family members or other animals. If your dog becomes more aggressive or exhibits erratic behavior, take immediate action to correct the behavior and ensure everyone’s safety.
3️⃣ Maintain a consistent routine: Dogs thrive on routine, so it’s important to establish and stick to a consistent schedule for both dogs. This includes regular playtime, walks, feeding times, and providing comfortable sleeping spaces. Keeping a consistent routine can help prevent feelings of jealousy and promote a harmonious relationship between your dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. Can dogs sense if we are playing favorites?
Answer: Yes, research suggests that dogs can sense if we are playing favorites to some extent, and it can negatively affect their relationship with each other.
2. What are some signs that a dog knows you’re playing favorites?
Answer: Signs include whining or howling when you interact with the other dog, intense staring and head tilting, and attempts to get your attention by jumping up.
3. How can a dog’s behavior change when they feel left out?
Answer: Dogs might exhibit erratic behavior, become aggressive towards new family members or other animals, and even engage in biting.
4. Are dogs the only animals that can get jealous and pick favorites?
Answer: No, other domestic animals in the home can also experience jealousy and pick their own favorites.
5. Can dogs be trained to not be jealous?
Answer: While you can’t control their feelings, you can treat your dogs equally and ensure they have equal opportunities for playtime, walks, rewards, and comfortable sleeping arrangements. However, if jealousy persists, it may be helpful to involve a dog trainer for additional guidance.
