Episode 273: Transcending Jealousy in people and dogs

Jealousy and envy, often used interchangeably, have distinct meanings. Jealousy is the fear of losing something we possess to someone else, while envy involves desiring something someone else has. Both emotions aren’t limited to just humans. Our canine companions, too, show signs that could be interpreted as jealousy.

For humans, jealousy can arise from intricate emotional scenarios, such as witnessing a loved one grow closer to someone else or professional setbacks. In dogs, the manifestations are more direct: a pet owner showering affection on another pet often leads to those unmistakable whines and nudges.

However, it’s worth delving deeper into canine “jealousy.” Research from the University of California, San Diego, indicates that dogs might display behaviors reminiscent of jealousy when they perceive unequal treatment. Dogs, when observing their owners being affectionate toward what seemed like another pet (though it was a stuffed toy), exhibited nudges and pushes, more so than when the owner engaged with a non-social item.

Yet, an alternative perspective suggests that what we label as “jealousy” in dogs might be closer to “resource guarding.” Dogs, having evolved as pack animals, naturally protect scarce resources. This protective behaviour over toys, food, or even their human, could stem from a primal instinct to guard essential resources rather than from an emotional response akin to human jealousy.

Humans often anthropomorphise animal behaviours, and while it might feel right to label a dog’s desire for attention as “jealousy,” it could just be a straightforward request for affection or the act of guarding a “resource.”

The dynamics between cerebral human emotions and the possibly instinctual responses of dogs is fascinating. As our discussion ranged from cultural interpretations to light-hearted anecdotes and even the portrayal of jealousy in art, one clear takeaway emerged: understanding and appropriately addressing these emotions and behaviours, whether in humans or dogs, is essential for nurturing harmonious relationships.

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