Taming Pet Jealousy - Cheri

Q: What is the best way to deal with a dog that has jealousy issues with other pets in the house?

Before you bring a new dog home, make sure the pet(s) you already have don't have any aggression issues. Plan "dog play dates" at a dog park to monitor their behavior towards other dogs and recognize what areas need improvement before bringing another new friend home for good. When choosing a new dog, make sure you get one with compatible energy to the other animals- they shouldn't have a higher energy level than your other dogs do, or else it will create tension.

The first time your new dog comes home, make sure your existing dog(s) have been walked- you may even want to give them an energy- draining exercise. As an owner, you can't show fear, tension, or insecurity around the dogs about them living together. You may not want to introduce them in the house- pick a neutral territory and then invite them into your home together. In the first few weeks and there on out, make sure you treat both dogs equally.

To eliminate any jealousy, their energy should be focused on following the rules of your household, not fighting each other. If you are a strong and confident pack leader, the dogs will have no choice but to get along. The term "jealousy" is a misnomer. When an owner is not a strong leader, the dog begins to feel overprotective of them which is misinterpreted as envy of the other dog(s). Owners need to regain their leadership role and this will relieve all of the aggression/"jealousy" in the dog.

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