The Science Behind Dogs Feeling Replaced
One recent study showed just how jealousy in our pooches works. A psychology professor and student at the University of California videotaped 36 dogs in their home environments. The owners of these 36 dogs were told to ignore their pooches in favor of a Halloween bucket and stuffed dog that could bark and whine.
Dog owners were instructed to talk to both objects as if it were their real dog – while their dogs looked enviously on. The owners were also asked to read from a pop-up book that played music to check out the reaction of the dogs.
While the dogs generally ignored the bucket, they were, in fact, interested in the relationship between the stuffed dog and their human. Around 78% of the dogs pawed their owner when they were talking to the stuffed dog, while 42% were interested in the pail, and 22% were interested in the book. One dog even lost his patience and took his anger out on the toy.
Ultimately, the stuffed pooch was of the utmost importance, and many dogs tried to push in-between their human and the fake dog. The researchers believe the dogs were jealous the same way kids are when a new baby comes home – linking another human emotion to mans best friend.
Because we have the power to make our jealous pups feel safe and loved, its important to play fair with the pets in your home so they never have cause to feel jealous or replaced.
The History Behind Dogs Feeling Replaced
On an evolutionary level, our furry friends have been re-programmed as they have descended from wolves. Their days in the wild during years of domestication have evolved to align with the needs and desires that come with running alongside humans.
There is a social hierarchy with dogs and their humans, much like ones we see between work colleagues or our own family members. Feelings of jealousy are something we all experience, especially when our understood alliances are changed.