9 Signs Your Dog Is Jealous of Your Partner or New Baby
Dogs get attached to us in a real, emotional way, so when someone new enters the picture, the shift can feel big to them. You might notice behavior changes. Some dogs act out for attention, while others pull back and seem distant. Sometimes they do both. These reactions are often their way of handling confusing feelings.
If your dog has been behaving differently lately, it could be their quiet way of telling you they miss the old routine and the one-on-one time you used to share.
Pushes Between You and the Other Person
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Dogs sometimes wedge themselves physically between their owner and a baby or partner. Animal behaviorists view this as an attempt to block access and reclaim attention. It can appear during cuddling, playtime, or conversation and reflects a competitive drive for closeness.
Toilets Indoors Without a Medical Reason
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If your dog suddenly starts having accidents inside after years of being fully house-trained, it usually is not about forgetting what they learned. Once medical issues are ruled out, the change often connects to stress. A new partner or baby can shift attention and routine. Your dog may feel unsettled or pushed aside, and that confusion can show up in the most frustrating place possible, right on your floor.
Performs Tricks Without Being Prompted
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You’re focused on someone else, and suddenly your dog is spinning, sitting, rolling over, and doing the entire routine. When dogs perform tricks without being asked, they usually want to get your attention.
Chews or Destroys Objects After Being Left Out
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Destructive behavior, such as tearing fabric, clawing rugs, or chewing items, often emerges when a dog feels ignored. These acts are frequently triggered after attention has been given to someone else in the home and can serve to provoke a reaction.
Withdraws From Shared Spaces
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Not all dogs act out. Some respond to emotional changes by disappearing, such as leaving the room when others are present, avoiding eye contact, or isolating in distant corners. This withdrawal is a form of avoidance that often signals discomfort with a new household structure.
Stays Closer to You Than Usual
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The dog who used to nap across the room might suddenly follow you everywhere. They trail you from room to room, lean against your leg, or settle only when they are touching you. It can seem sweet at first, but this clinginess often reflects anxiety. When attention shifts or routines change, dogs cope by staying close, as if they are trying to protect their place beside you.
Shows Aggression Toward the Baby or Partner
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If your dog growls during a diaper change or locks into a tense stare when your partner sits beside you, take it seriously. These reactions can point to jealousy or insecurity. Your dog may feel their connection to you is shifting and respond by guarding you. Pay attention early, since these behaviors can grow stronger without guidance and support.
Licks or Grooms Excessively
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Repeated licking or chewing at the skin, especially without an underlying dermatological issue, can be a stress response. This behavior is often used by dogs to soothe themselves when they feel excluded, bored, or anxious about changes in their environment.
Growling at Other Pets During Attention
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In multi-pet households, competition can intensify. A dog may bark, nip, or pull on the leash when you pet another animal. Research on jealousy in dogs shows that many owners observe this reaction. The conflict centers on access to attention rather than dislike of the other pet.