How to stop dog jealousy between dogs even if it looks aggressive

Wondering why your dog gets ‘jealous’ of your other dog? Learn why dogs guard their humans, and get practical, positive training tips to fix it.

Jealousy among dogs is actually a form of resource guarding. While it can feel scary (and sometimes a little heartbreaking), it’s also totally normal dog behaviour — and that means it can be changed. The good news? With the right approach, you can restore harmony at home. Below, I’ll share 5 golden rules to stop jealousy between your dogs, so you can go back to enjoying cuddles without referee duties.

Why Does My Dog Get Jealous of My Other Dog?

I often get calls that go something like:
“Help! My dog is so protective… I think he’s jealous of my other dog!”

When I ask what that looks like, the owner usually says: “Well, he growls, snaps, or body-slams his way between me and my other pup.”

That, my friends, is called owner guarding. And while it feels very personal (like your dog is mad that you dared pet someone else), it’s not about “naughtiness,” “dominance,” or your dog being the furry version of a jealous ex. Guarding is a totally normal instinct. Dogs protect the stuff they care about, and sometimes… that “stuff” is you.

Now, resource guarding between housemates can be tricky. It’s stressful for the dogs, scary for you, and it can damage relationships on all sides.

I know this first-hand. After my dog Nawa was attacked and left with a broken leg, he wasn’t just physically recovering — he was emotionally traumatised. He felt vulnerable, and that shifted the dynamic with my other dog, Falken. When Nawa was finally ready to rejoin the household routine, Falken started guarding me whenever Nawa tried to snuggle up. Not exactly the heartwarming reunion I’d hoped for.

But here’s the good news: with structure, patience, and positive training, things can get better. Fast forward through a lot of hard work, and my boys are back to being besties. (And yes, they now share the couch like civilized pets.)

How Do I Train My Dog Not to Be Jealous of Other Dogs?

1. Prevent Trouble Before It Starts

Management is your BFF here. Don’t give the dogs a chance to guard in the first place. Use baby gates, crates, or leashes so they can’t pile onto you all at once. Feed them in separate spaces. Hand out chews and high-value toys far apart. If you’re settling in for a Netflix binge, put one in a separate room and swap them out for cuddle time. Why? Because every time guarding happens, the habit gets stronger. Prevention isn’t boring — it’s powerful.

2. Give Each Dog a Clear Job

Dogs love clarity. Instead of letting them figure out social rules in the chaos of “everyone jump on Mum at once,” give each a job. Teach them to chill on their own “station” — a bed, mat, or even a comfy chair (no judgement). Predictability = peace.

3. Reward Calm and Fair Turns

Guarding comes from fear — the fear of missing out or loosing access to a resource. You can help your dogs feel more confident by making turn-taking a game. Call one dog, reward them, send them back to their mat. Immediately call the other and do the same. Another great game to play is the “one for you, one for you” treat shuffle: treat Dog A, then give Dog B (the guarding dog) and even better one. Suddenly, the presence of the other dog means “yay, more goodies incoming!”

4. Change the Feelings About Sharing

The end goal isn’t just obedience — it’s rewiring emotions. You want your guarding dog to feel good when the other dog comes near you. Start small: Dog B approaches → reward Dog A for staying chill. Dog B also gets a reward for polite behavior. Slowly, both dogs learn that “sharing human” means good things happen, not competition.

5. Stay Calm if Guarding Happens

Even with prep, mistakes happen. If your dog growls or or tries to push the other dog away, breathe. Don’t punish the growl — that’s your dog saying, “I’m uncomfortable.” Just separate them, remove the trigger (sofa, toy, food), and let everyone cool off. Then make a plan to roll back a step and avoid that scenario from happening again.

Do Some Breeds Get More Jealous?

Any dog can guard, but genetics and history play a role.

Working and Guarding Breeds like German Shepherds, Dobermans, Rottweilers, and Mastiffs were bred to protect, so the instinct runs deep.
Smaller but Spicy Breeds like Chihuahuas (and yes, sometimes Cockerpoos) can also lean into resource guarding. Don’t let their size fool you — they can guard with the intensity of a bouncer at a nightclub.

But remember, breed tendencies aren’t destiny. Training, environment, and your leadership make all the difference.

✨Bottom line: guarding isn’t your dog being mean, manipulative, or secretly plotting a solo Netflix account. It’s just instinct. With structure, management, and some nerdy training tricks, you can help both dogs feel safe — and yes, you will get your couch back.