Avoiding jealousy and competition between dogs living together

Dogs are very social animals that greatly value the company of their own kind as well as that of people. Many dog lovers decide to own two or more dogs rather than just one, whether siblings, unrelated dogs adopted together, or introducing a new dog into an existing home. However, even dogs that know each other well can develop jealousy or competition if their owner doesn’t manage the household dynamics carefully.

In this article, we explore why dogs become jealous of each other, how to prevent jealousy and competition, and how to restore harmony if conflicts arise.

1. Provide Separate Spaces and Resources

To reduce competition, it’s vital that each dog has its own securely designated resources: beds, toys, food bowls, and even safe retreat areas. This helps dogs feel secure and less likely to compete over valuable items or attention.

Make sure mealtimes are regulated: both dogs should be taught to wait patiently and behave calmly before receiving treats or food. If one dog tries to steal the other's food or intimidates the other during mealtimes, supervise closely or consider feeding them in separate areas.

2. Use Positive Reinforcement Training

Rewarding calm and sharing behaviours encourages your dogs to behave harmoniously. Punishment can increase anxiety or escalate jealousy and aggression, so avoid it.

Teach commands such as "spot" or "bed" to direct dogs to settle in a specific place. This gives you control over their interactions and helps prevent confrontations during shared time.

3. Manage Social Interactions Carefully

Allow your dogs to play and socialise, but observe them closely for early signs of tension such as growling, stiffening, or snapping. Intervene calmly by using a "settle" command or gently separating them before escalation.

Respect the established hierarchy between your dogs by allowing the dominant dog priority in situations that could trigger conflict. Watch for communication cues like lip lifting or growling to identify when they are setting boundaries.

4. Spend Quality Time Together and Separately

Spend time walking your dogs together and praise both simultaneously to encourage positive association. However, it’s equally important to give each dog individual attention and affection.

Individual interactions prevent jealousy by ensuring no dog feels neglected, fostering secure attachments with you as their owner.

5. Teach Dogs to Handle Jealousy Triggers

If certain people or objects cause jealousy, gradually include these triggers in training sessions. Reward your dogs for calm, non-competitive behaviour around these triggers to help them understand they pose no threat.

6. Use Distinct Commands for Multiple Dogs

Teaching different cues for each dog to leave an area or "go to your bed" helps manage situations where one dog might show guarding or pushy behaviour, preventing potential confrontations.

7. Separate Dogs When Unsupervised if Necessary

If fights or aggression seem likely, safely separate your dogs when unsupervised using gates or crates. Sometimes, temporary use of basket muzzles might be advised by a behaviourist for safety, but never without supervision.

Understanding Pack Structure and Human Role

Dogs naturally establish a hierarchy between themselves, much like a pack, to maintain social order. Trying to interfere with this hierarchy frequently causes tension because the dominant dog will try to restore balance. Accepting and respecting this dynamic helps prevent unnecessary conflict.

Behaviours such as a dominant dog acting out when you give attention to another dog often indicate the dog is testing the boundaries of the pack hierarchy. Working with this structure by greeting and feeding the dominant dog first reaffirms your leadership and reduces flashpoints over dominance.

When to Seek Help

If jealousy or aggression suddenly appear or worsen, it’s important to consult your vet to check for underlying pain or medical issues that might provoke these behaviours. A qualified animal behaviourist can also provide tailored training programmes to resolve deep-seated rivalry safely.

Conclusion

Managing jealousy and competition between dogs living together requires consistent effort and understanding. By providing separate resources, using positive training methods, respecting their social structure, and offering balanced attention, you can foster a peaceful multi-dog household. Remember that every dog and relationship is unique, so patience and observation are key.

When looking to add another dog to your family, finding a compatible companion from reputable sources like reputable breeders or adoption centres is essential to ensure long-term harmony as well as promoting responsible pet ownership.