My new dog is jealous of my cat. Advice?

[shea_anna]

We recently adopted a 1 and a half year old German Shepherd mix named Bear. We didn't get him from the pound, we got him from a friend who couldn't take care of him anymore. He was somewhat familiar with us before.

Overall he's settling very well into our home, despite this big change in his life (save for the typical piddling when I try to go to work... But I digress, that isn't the problem here.)

Anyways, we have a cat (Mau Mau) that is tolerant of the dog as long as he stays out of his "bubble", and doesn't mind when we love on our new baby. However, the minute I try to give my cat attention of any form, even looking at him, Bear will immediately start showing signs of jealousy/territory/whatever you want to call it (such as whining at me, barking at my cat, nipping at my cat if I'm holding him, etc) when normally they kind of get along. I am not quite sure what to do in this situation.

It's becoming a problem because my cat is typically an attention monster and I don't want to hurt his feelings, also it is making my cat uncomfortable because this will also prompt the dog to try and nuzzle in between us, thus getting in Mau Mau's "bubble".

Do I wait it out until he is officially "settled in" and secure of his position in this house? Or if I ignore it will he think it's okay and continue to do it long after he's become settled?

[glaiza]

okay. what you can do here is to assert your position as the pack leader for both your cat and your dog. It may be more difficult to do it with your cat, but your dog will most likely respond to it well. Be calm, assertive, and firm but gentle when you are dealing with the troublesome behavior from your dog. do not be frantic and give in to his actions. also, did you know that your cat being a 'fame monster' is a way of them showing dominance over you?

[AnnSmith]

that's because the dog just loves you so much and hate to see your affection being turned into the cat. my two dogs before have the same problem. what i did was give them both the same level of affection at the same time or alternate rooms or run away and leave them both heartbroken. good luck. remember. no favoritism.

[glaiza]

did that work for you Ann? How are your pets now. I'm glad that shea_anna can get advise from someone who has been there.

[Mark_stimpo]

When my baby sister came along a few years ago, our dog got really jealous aswell. She barked at the baby and snapped at it when we were giving it attention. She eventually got over this, as thought it was a big change to her and she was just adapting, so give it time

[glaiza]

Oh yeah, some dogs will really have a big issue for some dogs, especially for those who are close to their owners and are used to being the center of attention. It is just a matter of desensitization, just make sure that the baby is safe.