'I'm a dog trainer – do these 3 things if your pet is jealous of your partner'
Love can make our day brighter – with a cuddle from your other half or a cheeky kiss sure to bring joy to your day.
However, while we’re feeling the butterflies, our dogs might not be thrilled about a new person stealing their beloved human’s attention.
Many people experience this issue, with some taking to sites such as Reddit to ask for answers. And now an expert dog trainer has weighed in on the issue, confirming that dogs can in fact experience jealousy of new partners as she shared what to do about it.
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“Yes, dogs can feel jealous, and it’s more common than you think,” says Annie-Mae Levy, a certified behaviourist and dog expert at Woofz by nove8.
“Research shows they often act out when they sense a rival – whether another pet or a person. Dogs thrive on attention and routine. If you hug or kiss someone, they may see it as losing access to you and react by squeezing in between or barking,” she adds.
To help dog parents navigate tricky situations with their furry baby and new partner, Annie-Mae shares 3 effective tips to ease jealousy and help your pup bond with your new significant other.
Make sure your dog feels secure
If you want to reduce your dog’s jealous behaviour you should focus on reinforcing their sense of security through consistent bonding and routines, said the expert.
She says: "Dedicate a set time every day for one-on-one interaction with your dog, like a walk or a play activity. Also, keep a structured schedule for meals, exercise, and relaxation times.
"When your dog knows what to expect each day, they’re less likely to feel threatened by new people."
Slowly introduce your dog to new people
Annie-Mae says a lot of people are confused about how to deal with their dog when they’re jealous of a new partner or friend. However, she believes the key is gradual exposure.
"At first, the new person should sit at a distance while interacting calmly with you," advises the expert. "Let your dog watch and process this interaction without forcing a direct engagement.
"Then, gradually allow them to approach at their own pace and reward calm and non-aggressive behaviour with treats.
"It would also be helpful if you encouraged the new person to offer treats to establish a positive connection. Don’t push it right away, though; give your dog more time to adjust."
Set out clear boundaries
While positive reinforcement is important, so are boundaries, according to Annie-Mae, which can be taught through structured training.
She says: "Use commands like 'stay', 'sit' or 'go to your bed' to signal when it’s time to give you space.
"Practice these commands in calm settings and gradually introduce them during moments when your attention is focused on someone else. Always reward your dog with treats, toys, or praise for obeying commands."
