Does the second dog move in? What to do in case of jealousy?
If a second dog moves in, jealousy can arise: If the hierarchy between two dogs is not clarified, living together in the pack becomes difficult. The minor incidents can now cause the animals to quarrel. This can be dangerous for both.
A fight about the hierarchy is expected between two or more dogs living together and is over quickly. Once it is over, the relationship between the animals is usually settled once and for all. Fights overrank are different from fights due to jealousy. The former occurs to determine the leader of the pack. The latter often appears when the hierarchy is not settled.
The jealousy between two dogs: How to avoid it
For a harmonious coexistence in the pack, it is indispensable that you do not interfere with the hierarchy of your dogs. Example: Your higher-ranking four-legged friend is always the first to get to the food bowl. As the leader of the pack, this is his right. But if you scold him about it, you will stir up confusion and jealousy.
You can tell which of your dogs is the higher-ranking by certain behaviors: For example, the pack leader usually goes through the door first. Ask your dog trainer if you are unsure. Accept the hierarchy levels of your animals, for example, by giving the food to the pack leader first and do not interfere in minor disputes about the best sleeping place or the favorite toy – but make sure that your second dog does not miss out anyway. In this way, you respect the natural behavior between the two four-legged friends and take an important step to prevent jealousy.
More tips: Neutering and equal treatment
You should also have male dogs neutered if possible to curb aggressive behavior. Treat your animals equally, beware of scolding or comforting them during arguments – they will interfere and make the dispute worse in the long run. Moreover, it is best not to provoke “extreme situations” as long as there is a crisis between them. If you give your dogs a particularly coveted bone or a new toy, it can come crashing down: Beware.
Quarrel out of jealousy: When it does crack.
Fights out of jealousy can be over little things: Master’s caresses, the more extensive bone, or simply the right of way. While such arguments are sometimes dangerous, you should still consider a temporary physical separation only in an emergency. Why? Because the relationship between the dogs could become even tenser after the distance.
Approach the matter calmly and pay attention to even the most minor signals from your dogs that indicate that one of them is jealous. Long walks, mental occupation through agility, Bach flowers for dogs, or a dog trainer can also help to get the jealousy of your darlings under control.
