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Have you ever leaned in to kiss your partner and, suddenly, your dog pushes their nose between you, barks, or tries to get in on the action? I know the feeling very well.
At my house, my husky-mix Sky and border collie Puck always seem to want centre stage whenever my wife and I share a hug or kiss. Sometimes, it feels like we have toddlers in fur coats!
Quick Answer: Dogs get jealous when we kiss or hug because they crave attention, love, and security from their humans. When you show affection to someone else, your partner, child, or even another dog, your pup may feel left out. This triggers dog jealousy, which often shows up as barking, nudging, or squeezing in between you and your loved one.
Let’s dig deeper into why dogs act jealous, what signs to watch for, and how you can help your pet feel confident and loved.
Dogs are social animals. They rely heavily on their humans for affection, comfort, and a sense of belonging. When you greet your partner with a kiss or hug, your dog may see this as a threat to their special bond with you.
Sky, my husky-mix, and Puck, my border collie, both get jealous when I kiss or cuddle my wife.
Sky, in particular, will wedge herself between us and stare up at me, as if to say, “What about me?”
If we give Puck a big fuss, Sky tries to shove her rival out of the way and become the centre of attention herself.
It’s not just with people, either. If we shower Puck with attention, Sky gets jealous and tries to muscle in.
Dogs may feel jealous for many reasons. Some of the most common are:
Scientific studies suggest dogs experience jealousy in ways similar to young children.
In one experiment, leashed dogs watched their owners pet a realistic fake dog. Many of the pups barked, growled, or tried to push the ‘rival’ away. This shows how dogs can get jealous when they see you giving love elsewhere.
Not sure if your dog is jealous or just excited? Watch for these classic signs of jealousy in dogs:
Sky is a great example. If we hug or kiss, she’ll nudge us apart. If we’re paying attention to Puck, she’ll wedge herself right in, using her body language to block him out.
Some dogs may nip, bark, or even growl or snarl if they feel left out or threatened.
If you notice these behaviours, your dog is jealous and is telling you, “Don’t forget about me!”
Not every dog gets jealous in the same way. Some are cool with sharing affection, while others want to be the only pup in your world.
Dog breeds can make a difference.
Border collies like Puck are notorious for being loyal and sometimes possessive. Huskies, like Sky, love attention and don’t want to share their people. Your dog’s history, personality, and how you raised them all play a role.
Dogs that had to compete for love, food, or space as pups may be more likely to feel jealousy as adults.
Rescue dogs or those who lived with another animal may also show signs of jealousy more often.
Dog jealousy isn’t always bad. Sometimes, it’s just your dog’s way of saying, “Include me in your fun!” But, if it leads to aggressive behaviour, like growling, snapping, or trying to bite, it’s time to step in.
Dog jealousy can lead to aggression towards another dog or person, especially if your dog feels threatened or ignored.
Don’t ignore these signs. If your dog’s behaviour becomes a problem, consult a dog trainer or speak to your vet.
You can teach your dog to stay calm and confident, even when you’re affectionate with someone else. Here’s how I handle jealousy with Sky and Puck:
Spending quality time with your dog every day helps them feel secure. Take your dog for walks, play games, or spend time with your dog on the sofa. When your dog feels included, jealousy fades.
Use positive reinforcement training to reward your dog when they stay calm while you hug or kiss your partner. Give treats, praise, or a belly rub. If your dog is feeling left out, try giving them a special toy or treat while you greet your partner.
Teach your dog to wait their turn for attention. For example, ask your dog to sit or lie on their dog bed when you hug and kiss your partner. If your dog tries to push in, gently guide them back and reward them for waiting quietly.
A jealous dog wants to be the centre of attention. If you reward pushy behaviour, it will continue. Ignore barking, whining, or nudging, and reward calm, patient behaviour instead.
Help your dog get used to sharing your attention with others. Invite friends around, or let your dog greet another dog at the park. The more practice they get, the less possessive they’ll become.
Remember: Every dog is different. Some dogs can get jealous easily, while others are happy to share.
While it’s tempting to laugh at your dog’s antics, don’t reward jealous behaviours like barking, nipping, or growling.
Never punish your dog for being jealous. This can make your dog feel more insecure.
Instead, focus on positive reinforcement. Help your dog overcome their fears by rewarding good behaviour and showing them they’re always loved.
Dogs are social and crave connection. When dogs get jealous, it’s their way of saying, “I want to be included!”
Sky and Puck keep me on my toes, but their big hearts remind me just how much dogs want to be part of our world.
If your dog gets jealous when you kiss or hug someone, don’t worry. With love, patience, and a bit of training, you can help your dog feel safe, secure, and part of the family.
TL;DR:
Dogs get jealous when we kiss because they want our love and attention. Watch for signs of jealousy like barking, nudging, or pushing in. Give your dog lots of affection, use positive reinforcement, and set boundaries to help them feel confident and secure.
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