Research from the University of Auckland and UC San Diego found that dogs displayed clear jealous behavior when their owners petted realistic dog-like toys
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Studies show dogs can-and often do-feel jealousy, especially when their human gives attention to another dog.
Research from the University of Auckland and UC San Diego found that dogs displayed clear jealous behavior-like pushing, snapping, or trying to insert themselves-when their owners petted realistic dog-like toys, but not when attention was directed at inanimate objects or books .
These reactions occurred even when the "rival" was hidden from view, suggesting dogs sensed the threat to their special bond .
Experts describe this as a form of "primordial jealousy"— an emotional response rooted in social attachment-rather than the complex, self-reflective jealousy humans experience .
In short, if your pup barges in when you're cuddling another "dog," it's less about spoiled behavior and more about protecting their relationship with you.