Research shows dogs get jealous when ignored by their owners

Researchers at the University of California – San Diego have released a study proving what pet owners across the country have been saying for years: dogs experience jealousy in the same way that humans do.

The study found that dogs displayed jealous behaviours when their owners showed affection to an animatronic stuffed dog, often snapping or pushing the robot over.

The American research team observed and filmed 36 dogs in their own homes, noting what they did when owners ignored them in favour of the robot dog, a children’s book and a jack-o’-lantern.

It found that the dogs in the study exhibited the most aggressive behaviour when their owners interacted with the robot dog, rather than the other items.

Animal-behaviour experts say the research is an important tool in safeguarding the emotional and psychological wellbeing of pet dogs around the world.

Source: CNN