Many dog owners experience the frustration of an interrupting dog while trying to steal a kiss or otherwise show affection to their partners. Sometimes, even a hug between friends or family members is enough to trigger your dog. It may just be for one specific person, or it could be that the dog interrupts regardless of who is involved. If you struggle with a jealous dog, don’t worry – this behavior is common and changeable!
Why Do They React This Way?
Many people assume that dogs are jealous when they come between partners; in reality, dogs don’t experience jealousy in the way we do. It’s more likely that they are:
- Seeking attention: When we’re focusing on something other than our dog–be it a phone conversation, meal, or a partner–they may interfere so that they also receive attention from you.
- Acting out of boredom: If you’ve had a low-key day, your dog may be looking for some excitement. When a bored dog sees you and a partner hugging, it’s likely they will come check it out just to see what’s so interesting.
- Feeling anxious: Oftentimes, dogs will become particularly attached to one person. If they see someone they don’t know or trust as well interacting with their beloved owner, they may feel anxious and wary. They may even think you’re fighting when you embrace. They may try to wriggle their way between you two, a natural behavior they exhibit to deescalate a fight between two dogs.
Working with a Jealous Dog
If you can figure out why your jealous dog is disruptive, it will help guide the training process. Even if you aren’t sure, there are a few steps to take to desensitize Fido to physical affection.
Create a Safe Space: If you feel your dog is anxious, simply closing them out of the room is unlikely to resolve the issue–they’re liable to begin barking, whining, or scratching at the door. Instead, make sure they have a safe space nearby that they feel comfortable in, such as a crate or dog bed. Send them to that spot before you begin interacting with your partner, and reward them with a yummy treat. Start by sending them there then just laying a hand on your partner’s shoulder, and slowly work your way up to help desensitize and reassure your dog through the process.
Keep Them Well-Exercised: Lack of exercise is often a contributing factor in bored dogs. If they haven’t received proper stimulation or had a chance to get rid of excess energy, they will look for other ways to satisfy their idle curiosity. To help deter your dog’s interest in what you’re doing, give them at least 30 minutes of good exercise each day. Puzzles or playtime are also great ways to tucker them out so that they’re less of an annoyance later on.
Distraction and Positive Reinforcement: A great way to deter an interrupting dog is to have a long-lasting distraction ready–think a frozen Kong toy filled with peanut butter, or a rawhide bone. These treats are high-value and will take priority over joining you and your significant other. Give one to your pup either in another room or in their crate when things start heating up. Before long your dog will stop being disruptive and instead get excited to leave the room when you get ready for some “alone time”, since they know they will get an awesome treat!
Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training is dedicated to the health, happiness and wellbeing of Bradenton area dogs and their owners. If you have questions, call us today!
