Tips for a Dog Jealous of a Puppy

Although dogs are a social species, not all dogs will get along with each other. An adult dog that had its owner's attention may get jealous when a puppy moves in and takes away some of that attention. Dogs can show jealousy in different ways. Some may become aggressive to the puppy while others will completely ignore the puppy, even to the point of leaving the room when the puppy tries to play with the dog.

  1. Introduction

    • In order to reduce jealousy from an older dog to a new puppy, arrange to have the two canines meet on neutral territory. Do not just bring the puppy home because the older dog will see this as an invasion of its territory, according to "The Dog Bible." If the puppy has to be taken directly home before a meeting can be arranged elsewhere, see if it can be done on the sidewalk or lawn of a friendly neighbor. Have the dog and puppy on leashes.

    Quality Time With Dog

    • Puppies receive a lot of attention, partially because they need so much supervision for training. This can make the resident dog jealous or upset. Be sure to spend quality time interacting with just you and your dog. This should be at least 10 minutes per day. Take the dog for a walk or to a dog park and do not bring the puppy along. Give the dog a special treat and let it eat the treat in peace without the puppy begging from it or trying to steal the treat.

    Feed Dog First

    • Dogs are decedents of wolves and share similar social behaviors. Dominant or alpha wolves eat first in a pack. The older dog should be treated like the dominant or alpha dog by the puppy. One way to show the puppy who is boss is by feeding the dog first. Just place the dog's food dish down first before the puppy's, even if it's just a split-second before. When feeding treats, give the older dog a treat first.

    Misconception

    • Dogs will inevitably growl, snarl or snap at puppies. It is how dogs teach puppies social skills to let them know who is boss. Do not yell or hit a dog for displaying such behavior with a puppy. Dogs and puppies may fight, but unless the puppy is yipping in pain, fur is being ripped off or blood appears, there is no need to break it up. Dogs also do this behavior in order to establish a pecking order in the pack, according to "The Dog Bible."