Jealous much?

Jealousy in dogs is just as common as in people. Our two often show signs of it, they are often pushing each other out of the way to get the attention of us. Dillon however is showing a sign of jealousy that I’m trying to nip in the bud before it gets worse. He’s started when I stoke another dog to growl at that dog.

As with any doggy reaction there is often a root in pack logic and dominance. Dillon is at the age (a year and a half) where he’s testing everything and constantly looking to dominate us and even Barley. I’m aware of this and he has to have it reinforced that he’s the bottom of the rung where our pack is concerned. Most problems with dogs come from unchecked behavior to do with the pack.

We’ve started using a few things that really are helping to reinforce this, these were advised from our dog trainer. The first is when feeding acting like we are eating from the bowl before Dillon gets the food - we’re also doing this for Barley as it can’t hurt to try and reinforce for Barley also her position. Along with this we are using the ‘we go first’ technique. This is used for through doors, up stairs and also on walks. The idea is that we are leading the pack and as a result reinforcing our position as leaders.

There has been some positive effect from our methods but as with any dog training it’s something we can’t do once and it will work. It’s also a good thing to use as a reinforcement technique by doing occasionally even if they are seeming to know their place in the pack. It really is a reminder of the simple rule of pack mentality that governs a lot of dogs good and bad behavior.