Whether you're physically interacting with another dog or come home after being around one, your dog's jealousy stems from their loyalty to you, whom they consider to be their pack leader.
If your dog is having a positive experience, they will almost always maintain positive body language around another dog. Positive body language includes long and high, side-to-side tail wagging, play bowing, a loose opened mouth, a low, relaxed tail, or soft or squinted eyes.
The most common symptoms of inter-dog aggression include growling, biting, lip lifting, snapping, and lunging toward another dog.
Dogs are inherently social animals that live well together in groups, but that does not mean that all dogs get along. Most dogs will welcome a new sibling, but it is not always smooth sailing. The furry family member you have now will face many changes when a new dog enters the picture and may feel a bit displaced.
Experts agree that dogs get lonely when they spend much of their time alone because they are pack animals. Descended from wolves, who live and work in groups, dogs are social beings, and we have become their pack members. If they are deprived of companions—both canine and human—they suffer.
Experts believe that the best time to add a second dog is in the first 2 to 3 years of age of the first dog. Some have found that older dogs are not as excited about adding a young energetic puppy to the family. However, it is a total case-by-case basis for your dog and particular circumstances.
Some dogs are happy to be sociable, while other prefer their own space and will be more comfortable with dogs who can respect their boundaries. If your dog displays anxious or aggressive behaviour around other dogs, we would recommend getting in touch with a qualified canine behaviourist for help.
A jealous dog may attack another pet that gets too close to you. He'll try to push another pet away so he can get your attention. He's afraid of losing your love and attention.
Signs of jealousy
Your pup may tell you they're jealous by: Barking or whining for your attention. Growling or snapping at the interloper. Getting between you and other people or pets or pushing them away.
Your dog is used to being your companion, and if there are other dogs that are taking you away, they are going to act upset, jealous, and even angry. This new puppy is also on their territory, and they may feel like their life is in jeopardy. This behavior is perfectly normal.
"The goal is to teach the dog that it will receive a favored treat or reward that is even more appealing than the object in its possession." Approaching calmly, offering a food reward and taking the possession, praising the puppy and returning the object teaches the puppy that your actions are not to be feared.
Most of the time, two or more dogs in one home will fight each other because of jealousy. One dog might feel entitled to everything leaving the other dog on the mercy of the pet parent.
Methods such as alpha rolls and physical corrections (via the leash and a choke chain or by smacking the dog on the nose or by shaking their scruffs) were often recommended as a way for humans to establish dominance over their dogs.
By nature, dogs are social and thrive in group environments. Therefore, there are many advantages to adopting a second dog, such as: They can keep each other company. Both dogs will be able to entertain each other and get exercise together.
Having two dogs can feel like a lot of work sometimes, but the pros definitely outweigh the cons. From easier training to better mental and emotional health (for you and your dogs!), to saving the lives of animals, there are so many solid reasons to adopt a second dog today.
One of the most important rules of dog training is the two second rule. This is because dogs always live in the moment so TIMING IS EVERYTHING! Feedback must be given to your dog within two seconds of the behavior in order for him to understand what you are correcting or rewarding.
And “because dogs are highly social creatures,” Dr. Borns-Weil says, in most cases, “getting another dog is the right thing to do. Dogs in isolation are not happy.” Even if you are home with your dog much of the day, a second dog in the family might very well be the right choice.
Most dogs need at least 1-2 walks per day (unless otherwise specified by your vet). A brisk walk is a great opportunity for your dog to burn off extra energy, and a slow, meandering walk – where you let your dog sniff and explore for as long as they want – is great for their mental health.
Second Dog Syndrome
As humans, we are bound to forget all of the time and effort it takes to raise a puppy right. All too often, a second dog joins the household and the expectation is that they will behave as the existing dog in the home does, so they are often given the same freedom right off the bat.
Experts recommend adopting a dog of the opposite sex if you add a second dog. While you should consider the gender of the second dog when adopting another dog, it's not the only thing that matters.