Are Shih Tzus Jealous Dogs: How To Deal With It?

Shih Tzus are a small, friendly breed of dog known for their outgoing personalities and affectionate nature. They are often loyal and devoted to their owners and can become very attached to them.

However, like all dogs, Shih Tzus can sometimes exhibit jealous behavior, especially when they feel threatened by their owners’ attention to someone or something else. Jealousy in dogs can manifest in various ways, such as barking, growling, snapping, or trying to push their way between their owner and the perceived threat.

Dealing with jealous behavior in Shih Tzus can be challenging. Still, it is vital to address it to prevent any negative behaviors from becoming ingrained and to maintain a harmonious relationship between you and your dog. In this article, we will discuss are Shih Tzus jealous dogs, how to recognize and deal with jealous behavior in Shih Tzus, and provide tips for preventing jealousy in the first place.

Why is my Shih Tzu jealous?

If you’re the owner of a Shih Tzu, you may have noticed that your furry friend seems to get a little jealous from time to time. But why are Shih Tzus jealous dogs? There are a few reasons.

Shih Tzus are bred as companion dogs, which means they’re used to being the center of attention. When they don’t feel like they’re receiving the same level of attention, it can make them jealous.
Shih Tzus are very possessive of their owners and can become jealous when they see them paying attention to someone else – even if that someone else is another dog.
Shih Tzus are highly intelligent dogs and are very aware of their surroundings. This means they can pick up on cues that their owner is paying more attention to someone or something else, which can trigger their jealousy.

However, while jealousy might be a natural response for a Shih Tzu, it’s important to nip it in the bud with positive reinforcement training. Otherwise, your Shih Tzu’s jealousy could turn into aggression.

Do Shih Tzus Get Jealous of Other Dogs?

If you have a Shih Tzu and another dog, you may notice that your Shih Tzu gets jealous when you give the other dog attention. This jealousy can manifest in various ways, such as barking, growling, or snapping at the other dog. In some cases, jealousy may be due to insecurity or anxiety, while in others, it may be due to possessiveness.

If your Shih Tzu’s jealousy is causing problems, there are some things you can do to help ease their jealousy. One way to help reduce your Shih Tzu’s jealousy is to ensure they get plenty of attention and love from you. You can also try training your Shih Tzu to help them feel more secure and less jealous. If your Shih Tzu’s jealousy is severe or causing problems, you may want to consult with a veterinarian or behaviorist for help.

With love and patience, most dogs can overcome their jealousy issues. Remember that every dog is different and will react differently to situations that trigger their jealousy.

Do Shih Tzus Get Jealous of Babies?

There can be a few possibilities that lead us to think that our Shih Tzu is jealous of babies:

1. They Might Get Jealous

It’s not entirely out of the possibility that Shih Tzus get jealous of babies. After all, Shih Tzus are very loyal and loving dogs, and they might not appreciate sharing their human attention with a new arrival. If your Shih Tzu seems jealous of your baby, try giving them extra attention and love to help them feel secure.

2. They Might Be Confused

Another possibility is that your Shih Tzu isn’t jealous of the baby but is confused by the situation. Babies can be noisy and smelly, and they often do things that dogs don’t understand, like crying or sleeping for long periods. If your Shih Tzu is acting out because they’re confused, try to help them know what’s going on by patiently explaining things.

3. They Might Be Afraid

It’s also possible that your Shih Tzu is not jealous but afraid of the baby. It’s especially likely if the baby is very young and doesn’t yet know how to interact with dogs gently. If you think your Shih Tzu is afraid of the baby, try to make sure that all of their interactions are positive so that they can start building a positive association with the baby.

How do I know if my Shih Tzu is a jealous dog?

Jealousy is a complex emotion, and it’s one that we humans are still trying to understand. But if you suspect that your Shih Tzu might feel a little green-eyed towards someone in your life, try giving him extra attention. Following are some of the signs of jealousy in Shih Tzus.

1. Excessive Barking

One of the most common signs that your Shih Tzu is jealous is excessive barking. If your dog is usually quiet and suddenly starts barking excessively, it may be because they are jealous. Jealous dogs will often bark at other dogs or people they feel threaten their position in the pack.

2. Growling

Another common sign of jealousy in Shih Tzus is growling. Growling allows your dog to show dominance and assert its position in the pack. If your Shih Tzu starts growling at other dogs or people, it may be because they feel threatened by them.

3. Showing Teeth

Showing teeth is another sign that your Shih Tzu is feeling jealous. When dogs feel threatened, they often bare their teeth to intimidate the other dog or person. If your Shih Tzu starts showing their teeth when they see another dog or person, it may be because they are jealous of them.

4. Snapping

Snapping is another sign of jealousy in dogs. If your Shih Tzu starts snapping at other dogs or people, it may be because they feel threatened by them and are trying to protect their position in the pack. Snapping is a way for your dog to show dominance and assert its place in the hierarchy.

5. Mounting

Mounting is another sign that your Shih Tzu is feeling jealous. When dogs feel threatened, they often mount the other dog or person to show dominance. If your Shih Tzu starts climbing other dogs or people, it may be because they are jealous and trying to assert their position in the pack.

6. Pushing Other Dogs Away

Pushing other dogs away is another sign that your Shih Tzu is jealous. When dogs feel threatened, they often push the other dog away to show dominance and assert their position in the pack. If your Shih Tzu starts pushing other dogs away, it may be because they are jealous of them and trying to protect their place in the hierarchy.

7. Humping

Humping is another sign that your Shih Tzu is feeling jealous. When dogs feel threatened, they often hump the other dog or person to show dominance. If your Shih Tzu starts humping other dogs or people, it may be because they are feeling jealous of them and are trying to assert their position in the pack.

8. Attention Seeking

Attention seeking is one of the most common signs that your Shih Tzu is jealous. Whether you’re talking on the phone, chatting with a friend, or simply reaching for something out of their reach, your Shih Tzu will likely try to insert themselves into the situation to get your attention. If you’re not careful, this behavior can quickly escalate into barking, biting, or aggression. So if you think your Shih Tzu might be jealous, give them extra love and attention to help them feel secure.

9. Aggression

While it’s true that Shih Tzus are often possessive of their owners and may become aggressive toward other dogs, this does not necessarily mean that they are jealous. Instead, these behaviors are more likely to indicate insecurity or mistrust. However, if your Shih Tzu consistently growls or snaps at other dogs, it may be worth investigating whether jealousy is a factor. After all, there’s no harm in showing a little extra love to your furry friend to be on the safe side.

10. Follows you Around

Shih Tzus are notorious for their clinginess and can often be seen following their owners from room to room. While this behavior might sometimes be annoying, it is a sign that your Shih Tzu is jealous. Like humans, dogs can experience jealousy, and clinginess is your dog’s way of showing that they don’t want to share your attention.

11. Starts Overeating

If you’ve noticed that your dog has started overeating, it could be a sign that he’s feeling jealous. Dogs are surprisingly sensitive creatures who can pick up on our emotional cues. If you’re constantly lavishing attention on someone else – whether it’s a partner, child, or even another pet – your dog may start to feel like he’s being neglected. To get your attention, he may begin overeating to show his displeasure. Of course, this isn’t the only possible explanation for overeating in dogs, so be sure to consult your veterinarian if you’re concerned about your Shih Tzu’s weight.

How to deal with a Jealous Shih Tzu?

If you’re the owner of a jealous Shih Tzu, you may have noticed that your dog gets agitated when you give attention to other people or animals. He may also try to block your view of other people or animals and growl or snap at them. While it’s normal for dogs to be protective of their owners, jealousy can be problematic if it leads to aggression. If you’re dealing with a jealous Shih Tzu, there are a few things you can do to help him calm down.

1. Don’t Feed Into the Jealousy

The first step to dealing with a jealous Shih Tzu is not feeding into their jealousy. If you give them attention when they’re being jealous, they’ll learn that this is the way to get your attention, and they’ll continue to do it. Instead, ignore their jealous behavior and give them attention when they behave as you want.

2. Redirect Their Energy

Jealous Shih Tzus often have a lot of energy and can be very destructive if they’re not given an outlet for that energy. An excellent way to redirect their energy is to give them plenty of exercise. It can be in walks, runs, or just playing fetch in the yard.

3. Establish a Pack Leader

Establishing yourself as the pack leader with a jealous Shih Tzu is essential. They need to know that you are in charge and the one who makes the decisions. It will help to prevent them from feeling threatened by other people or animals and acting out of jealousy.

4. Be Consistent With Training

Jealous Shih Tzus can be difficult to train because they often want your attention and can get easily distracted. It’s important to be consistent with your training and keep going even if they get it immediately. Keep at it, and eventually, they will catch on.

5. Use Positive Reinforcement

When training a jealous Shih Tzu, it’s essential to use positive rather than negative reinforcement. It means rewarding them when they behave the way you want them to rather than punishing them when they act out of jealousy. Positive reinforcement will help them associate good behavior with rewards, which is more likely to get them to repeat that behavior.

6. Don’t Give Them Too Much Freedom

Jealous Shih Tzus often do better when they don’t have too much freedom. If they’re allowed to roam freely around the house, they’re more likely to get into trouble or act out of jealousy. It’s important to keep them confined to a small area, such as a crate or playpen, when you can’t directly supervise them.

7. Seek Professional Help If Needed

If you’ve tried all of the above tips and your Shih Tzu’s jealousy is still a problem, you may need professional help from a certified animal behaviorist or trainer. They can help you identify the root of the problem and work on a plan to address it.

Conclusion

It’s natural for dog owners to wonder if their pup is jealous of other dogs, babies, or people. Fortunately, there are ways to tell whether your Shih Tzu feels left out and how to deal with those feelings. By being observant and using the tips in this article, you can help your Shih Tzu feel more secure and content in his place in the family pack. Have you ever dealt with a jealous Shih Tzu? If so, please share your story below!