Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2011 11:43 am Post subject: Jealous Dogs
As Bodie was lying on me on the sofa this morning and started getting all stroppy when Daisy came for a cuddle, I started thinking about the jealousy that seems to exist between them.
We had Bodie from a puppy, and Daisy at 7 months as a rescue - they get on really well, love playing together and cuddling up together. But, Bodie HATES it when I give Daisy a fuss or a cuddle, and if I pick her up (she's a skinny springer) he goes MAD - jumps and barks at me. They aren't so bad with my OH, but when it's me, neither one wants me to give the other attention, especially Bodie.
Does anyone else who has more than 1 dog see similar behaviour?
I have this to some extent with Meg and Mole, Mole always seems to have to take a back seat as when she come's for a love (not very often) or I make a fuss of her, Meg is right in there, barging inbetween us and gets right on my lap and in my face
She is a cuddle bum and always has been, whereas Mole isn't. Whether she would have been if Meg wasn't always barging in I don't know.
Do dogs get jealous? I don't know but it certainly seems like it sometimes
Meg is right in there, barging inbetween us and gets right on my lap and in my face
She is a cuddle bum and always has been,
Obviously a spaniel thing! Daisy puts her nose literally in my eye and Bodie hates it. The wierd thing is, he's not a particularly cuddley dog - he likes to lie next to me but isn't a big one for fuss unless it's first thing in the morning or when I come home from work.
Dogs are so wierd aren't they??!
I also have a similar thing going on between Bea & Lux Bea is the eldest and has never been a very cuddly girl she like to be near me but she doesn't often want a cuddle Lux on the other hand is a total snuggle monster he would live on my shoulder if he fit if he isn't busy playing he wants to be as close as can be. on the odd occasion that Bea does want a cuddle he just barges her out of the way he hates it if Bea gets a cuddle
Not sure about jealousy between them or just competition
Funny this should come up - it's the one thing I've noticed between Luna and Tucker that I've had to think about. Again Luna has always had a fuss when she wants one and has slept against me when she wants to but has always been rather physically removed in the fussing/attention department unless she chooses. Tucker would happily be wearing the same t-shirt as me and regularly snuggles or stands enjoying a fuss and a stroke.
Now when Luna wants her fuss, Tucker has a tendency to block her/me by sticking his head or body in the way. This has led to the only tellings off Luna has ever given another dog. She is letting him have toys, the ground she's sniffing, the space on the sofa but his body blocking between me and her she won't stand for! I've started to ensure that I maintain a space for her and a space for him when I'm fussing them both (eg first thing in morning or after they've woken) using my body/arms/legs and peace has been reigning. Interestingly, if I block Tucker he'll often sit and wait until I've finished with Luna and then he's happy to have his fuss.
I guess the person who feeds, walks, shelters, waters, protects, plays with, trains with and adores them is worth competing for!
When we had Blake, it was near impossible for me to make a fuss of him. As soon as I did, Indy would be straight in there, forcing his way between us. The only time Blake could get a look in was on cold winter nights when he'd be in the sitting room with me by the fire, and Indy would stay out because he couldn't take the heat.
I guess the person who feeds, walks, shelters, waters, protects, plays with, trains with and adores them is worth competing for!
I think you're probably about right there, Laura. I don't think it's jealously as such, although it looks like it if we humanise it. I think it's more to do with resource guarding and to them, we owners must be a wonderful resource.
That said, it isn't something I see much of with my lot. But perhaps because they have always had to share and have always had their needs attended to, they don't feel the need to compete for me so much.
Agreed - I think 'jealousy' is a human term I should not have, in this case, used. Bodie has never had to share before so that would explain his behaviour, and Daisy was shut in a room on her own for weeks in the home we rescued her from so I suppose I am new valuable resource so hence her being competitive too.
Bodie has never had to share before so that would explain his behaviour, and Daisy was shut in a room on her own for weeks in the home we rescued her from so I suppose I am new valuable resource so hence her being competitive too.
Hopefully as time goes on and they both realise neither is going to go without, then the level of competition between them will drop.
I have to say I never try to give the same amount of attention/cuddles/love to each dog, because as far as I can make out, some need more than others. So with that in mind, I go with the flow. My cuddlers are often pretty much attached to me all day but I don't feel I have pushed the lesser cuddlers out at all, as they often have needs in other areas which I fulfill. I only mention it, as I often hear people saying "As long as they get the same amount of attention, they'll be fine", I just dont find it works that way in practise, yet it still works just fine .
Tucker jumped up on the sofa for cuddles after dinner and Luna DIDN'T like it! He got down, she got right up on my knee and then he got up on the other side of me!
I guess Tucker and I are learning that if Luna wants snuggles - she'll get them! However, most of the day Luna has slept away in the lounge whilst Tucker slept where he could keep a close eye on me if I moved. He's at my feet now and Luna's in her basket.
I do find the dynamics interesting! And Jules you were so right about seeing a different side of Luna, her Inner Dog has come out to play! She is a spoilt little madam and doesn't intend for a little brother to spoil her life! If she wants to play he has to, if he wants to play she might! Tucker pup is being taught how to live in Luna's house and he is already learning more polite manners! Thanks Jules! x
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Lux on the other hand is a total snuggle monster he would live on my shoulder if he fit 
he hates it if Bea gets a cuddle 
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