PASSION is taking a back seat among pet owners as seven in 10 admit they don't cuddle their partners in case it makes the dog jealous.
New research out this week by an online pet pill retailer reveals that 73 per cent of dog owners say their pet gets jealous when they show physical affection towards their partners. Adding to the love-dampening effect, most dog owners allow their passion-killing pooches in the bedroom.
According to a survey of 1,000 dog owners, they react to this by including their dog in hugs with their partner. A total of 72 per cent of those questioned say they even let their pet in their bedroom. But 93 per cent of pet owners say they are not upset by their partner's affection towards a household pet.
'Try not to embrace your dog
when they show these signs'
Dog owners say their pets exhibit a range of behaviour traits when they enjoy a cuddle with a partner, from barking, whimpering, jumping up and nuzzling in. Six in 10 dog owners respond to their pet's jealous behaviour by including it in an embrace with their partner.
Andrew Bucher, MRCVS, experienced veterinary surgeon, says: “Dogs are often possessive towards their ball, bed, food bowl and even their human and this is particularly evident with the introduction of a new partner.”
He recommends: “Try not to embrace your dog when they show these signs, try first installing basic training rules and ensuring the dog understands where they sit in the family/pack hierarchy, which should be below family members and partners!”
With a notable shift in dog ownership from the ‘working dog’ (sheep herding, guarding and hunting) to domestic dogs as companions, he comments: “We are seeing dog owners increasingly reward and treat their dogs for this behaviour, often when we typically buy for our partners; Christmas, Valentines and Easter.”
