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Glynne Anderson

What is a girl to do when her dog is jealous of her boyfriend? She asks Glynne for some advice, thats what. 

Question:

My 3 year old dog and I have a very close relationship, and generally he is well behaved. However, when my new boyfriend comes over, my dog becomes jealous and barks or cries constantly. This happens whenever my boyfriend and I hug or even sit close together. He also tries to wedge his nose between us. What can I do to make him behave better and not be so jealous?

Thanks for your help.
Jamie

Hi Jamie
You don’t say whether your dog is a Pitbull or minature Poodle because, believe it not, there is a subtle difference which would greatly influence my answer!

Anyhow, no matter what sized dog he is, this jealous behaviour should be halted immediately before someone gets bitten. You are the catalyst so the discipline must come from you.
Try ‘ignoring bad behaviour and rewarding good behaviour’ … and when that doesn’t work, do whatever it takes – noise, startle, timeout.
Aggressive behaviour is not acceptable … unless of course you’ve taught your dog to do it? Some folks do you know!
Regards
Glynne

PS. On second thoughts, perhaps your dog knows something you don’t? Check out the new boyfriend’s history, before you’re too hasty.

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Dog Behavior
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    3 Responses to “Q&A - My dog is jealous of my boyfriend”


  1. GreatDaneGirl Says:
    June 1st, 2008 at 3:55 am

    Hello I’m the proud owner of a great dane named Thor .I share my apartment and car with my dog he sleeps indoors in my bed and loves being taking for long rides in the car he is very friendly with everyone that comes into my house from nieces and nephews to parents and friends lovable and well behaved even around babies,until recently I started dating this guy named Brandon that I was introduced to by my friends and decide to have him over for dinner at my place with Thor & me. As soon as he walked in Thor started acting really angry and even tried to bite him I had to put thor in my bedroom and ask my guest politely to leave, I’ve tried to take Thor to the park and have Brandon show up with treats and toy to help get them used to being around one another but nothing as worked so far,I’ve even checked his history and found nothing that could make Thor act violant around him ,I’m starting to think that I may have to give up on trying to fit both my boyfriend and my dog into my daily activities such as camping and picnics and spend time with each individually.

    Hi There
    I would be very suspicious of Brandon.
    However he may not be a serial killer or head hacker so perhaps he should be given a chance to prove himself.
    I’ve got a feeling Thor won’t forget the way he feels about Brandon in a hurry, so you are going to have to be extremely cautious and not take chances.
    If time doesn’t sort your problem, either way, and you are in the Durban area, please phone me on 031 7651958 for hands on help.
    Be careful!
    Glynne

  2. JR Says:
    July 25th, 2008 at 10:27 pm

    How exactly do you suggest this behaviour be “halted” ??

    I am experiencing something similar with a girl I am seeing. Her dog is fine when it’s just me and the (male) dog (I walk him, take him on rides in the car, feed him and generally get along great with him on an individual basis) but when we sit next to each or even across the room and are talking, he starts freaking out. He whines and cries, stuffs his head under furniture and basically tries to be as disruptive as possible.

    We tell him NO!, thump him gently or try to ignore him but nothing seems to help. She says he’s never like that when I’m not there and we’re at our wits’ end.

    JR

    Hi JR
    Like I said JR, the owner of the dog must take the appropriate steps to stop the behaviour, not you. Furthermore you do not mention the type of dog involved which also makes a huge difference.
    In fact you need professional intervention. Phone me if you are in the Durban area on 031 7651959.
    If not, ask your vet to refer you to a dog behaviorist before someone gets bitten.
    Take good care
    Glynne

  3. Priyasen Moodley Says:
    October 17th, 2008 at 7:12 am

    Dear Glynne

    We have a Chihuahua that has become very sick since we have got a new pekingese pup. Our chihuahua is 4 years old. Can you confirm how we can get her to adapt to the new puppy?

    Hi Priyasen
    No I can’t confirm! I think your Chihuahua may be sick and you should take it to the vet as soon as possible.
    Glynne

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