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Tip
74 - Jealousy and dogs - Is my dog a jealous dog?
Despite
the fact that jealousy is a human emotion, many
dog owners can attest to the fact that their dogs seem to exhibit
jealousy related behaviours. Usually this occurs when a new person
enters a dog's
household and spends time with the dog's owner. Classic examples
are new boyfriends or girlfriends and of course the arrival of
a new baby. These new 'intruders' take away the precious alone
time that the dog had with its owner(s) and subsequently they
can feel neglected. These intruders are also invading what the
dog feels is
the family's territory.
Dogs
that feel jealous can exhibit behaviours that were previously
unseen by their owner. Depressive behaviours such as social withdrawal,
inactivity and loss of appetite are common. Occasionally a jealous
dog can exhibit previously unseen signs of aggression.
It
is important to spend extra time with your dog during this period
of transition. Give the dog some extra treats, extra petting
and maybe some extra exercise.
ROUTINE is extremely important during these periods of transition.
Walking, playing, and feeding your dog at the same time each
day is a great stress reliever. If it is a boyfriend or girlfriend
that is making your dog jealous then
occasionally, under your
supervision,
have THEM give the dog a treat or play fetch. Include the dog
in normal daily activities. If you're watching TV for example,
call the dog over and pet the dog while the new person is around.
Don't force the issue though, if the dog doesn't want to, let
the dog
be. He/she
should come around eventually.
A
new baby is a more delicate matter. At the beginning don't allow
the baby to use the dog's toys or sit where the dog usually sits.
Get your dog a crate or kennel and allow the dog to have a safe
space away from the baby that is accessible at all times. Once
the baby starts crawling and moving in a jagged manner it may
be
seen
as prey
by the dog
so
be on
the lookout for any aggressive behaviour. Most importantly
NEVER leave the 2 of them alone. Even when it seems the dog has accepted
the baby, all the baby has to do is take one of the dog's toys
or food, or pull its tail and the dog will use its body language
to tell the baby to back off. Since the baby cannot understand
'dog speak'
the
dog
can
lash out.
You
are the best judge of your dog's behaviour so eventually under
your direct supervision, allow the two to meet. Get on
the
floor
with your
dog and pet
the dog in the baby's presence. It goes without saying that
you
need to be extra aware of the dog's body language. Any aggressive
behaviour such as growling should be met with immediate withdrawal
of attention. If you are in any doubt whatsoever, talk with
your vet or ask for a referral with a trainer or canine behaviourist.
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