Do Dachshunds Get Jealous When You Pet Other Dogs?

If you’ve ever owned a Dachshund, you probably know how attached these little dogs can be to their favorite humans. But what happens when you give attention to another dog? Many owners notice their Dachshund acting a bit different — maybe whining, nudging, or trying to squeeze in between.

So, do Dachshunds get jealous when you pet other dogs? Understanding their feelings can help you handle these situations better and keep your loyal companion feeling loved and secure around other pets.

Do Dachshunds Get Jealous When You Pet Other Dogs – Short Answer

Yes, Dachshunds can get jealous when you pet other dogs. They form strong bonds with their owners and may feel left out or protective. Giving them attention and reassurance can help reduce their jealousy.

Understanding the Dachshund Personality

Dachshunds were originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers, which explains their bold and determined nature. Despite their small size, they have a confident and curious temperament. 

Their unique temperament is also connected to their sense of self-awareness, as explored in a related article that looks at how these dogs perceive their own reflection. They’re also known for being affectionate and deeply devoted to their families. 

This strong emotional connection often makes them sensitive to changes in attention. When they see you interacting with another dog, it can trigger feelings of competition or insecurity. Their loyalty and attachment make them more likely to express jealousy than some other breeds.

What Jealousy Looks Like in Dachshunds

Jealousy in Dachshunds can show up in many ways. Some may bark excessively or try to push between you and the other dog. Others might whine, paw at you, or even sulk quietly in a corner. Certain Dachshunds could display more assertive behavior, such as guarding their owner or showing mild aggression toward the other pet. 

Each dog expresses jealousy differently, depending on its personality and environment. The key is to recognize these behaviors early so you can address them calmly before they become habits.

Why Dachshunds Feel Jealous

Jealousy in Dachshunds often comes from their strong desire for attention and affection. Because they form close bonds with their humans, they can feel left out when someone else—especially another dog—receives your focus. They might interpret your actions as a threat to their special relationship with you. 

This isn’t because they are mean-spirited or possessive by nature; rather, it’s their way of showing that they value your companionship deeply. In some cases, jealousy can also stem from insecurity, lack of socialization, or previous experiences of being ignored.

Emotional experiences tend to stay with them for quite some time, something discussed in a helpful post about how long they can remember and react to certain emotions.

The Role of Attention and Affection

Attention means everything to a Dachshund. They thrive on being included in your daily life, whether it’s cuddling on the couch or following you around the house. When they sense that another dog is getting the affection they usually receive, it can trigger feelings of jealousy. 

To them, affection equals love, and losing that attention feels like losing a part of your bond. This doesn’t mean you can’t show love to other pets—it simply means you should balance your time and make sure your Dachshund still feels valued and secure.

This strong need for comfort is tied to some of their bedtime habits too, as highlighted in a detailed guide exploring why they perform certain nightly routines before resting.

How to Tell If It’s Jealousy or Playfulness

Sometimes, a Dachshund’s behavior can be mistaken for jealousy when it’s actually excitement or curiosity. For instance, if your Dachshund barks or wiggles when you pet another dog, they might just want to join in the fun. 

However, if their actions seem tense—such as stiff body posture, growling, or trying to block the other dog—it’s more likely jealousy. Paying attention to your Dachshund’s body language helps you understand what they’re feeling and respond appropriately.

The Importance of Socialization

Socialization plays a major role in shaping how Dachshunds react to other dogs. A well-socialized Dachshund is more likely to feel confident and less threatened by new animals. Introducing your Dachshund to other dogs from a young age can help them understand that sharing attention is normal. 

Socializing should be done gradually and positively, allowing your Dachshund to feel comfortable around others without feeling left out. Reward calm behavior with treats and praise, so they associate being around other dogs with good experiences.

Building Trust and Security

One of the best ways to reduce jealousy in Dachshunds is by strengthening their sense of security. When your dog feels confident in your affection, they’re less likely to act out when attention shifts. Consistent routines, gentle reassurance, and regular one-on-one time help build that trust. 

You can also teach them commands that promote calmness, such as “stay” or “wait,” during moments when you’re interacting with another dog. This shows your Dachshund that they still have your attention, even when you’re sharing it.

Training Tips to Manage Jealous Behavior

Training can make a big difference when dealing with a jealous Dachshund. Start by rewarding calm behavior whenever you interact with another dog. If your Dachshund stays relaxed and doesn’t react negatively, give them a treat or praise. This helps them associate your attention to other pets with something positive. 

Avoid scolding or punishing them for jealousy—it can increase anxiety and make the behavior worse. Instead, focus on teaching patience through short training sessions and positive reinforcement. Over time, they’ll learn that they don’t have to compete for your love.

Helping Dachshunds Adapt in Multi-Pet Homes

If you have more than one pet, balancing attention is key. Dachshunds can adapt to multi-pet homes, but they need to feel that they still hold a special place in your heart. Make sure each pet gets individual time with you every day. 

Feeding them separately, giving personal playtime, and having separate resting spots can prevent competition. When introducing a new dog, do it slowly and in neutral territory. Gradual introductions help prevent jealousy from forming early on and encourage friendly interactions between the pets.

Their desire for warmth and closeness also shows in other behaviors, like their love of cozy spaces, as mentioned in a related read on why they enjoy tucking themselves in.

Emotional Needs of a Dachshund

Dachshunds may be small, but their emotional needs are quite large. They crave love, companionship, and approval from their owners. Ignoring these needs can lead to clinginess, jealousy, or attention-seeking behavior. 

Spending quality time with your Dachshund each day—through walks, play, or gentle cuddles—helps meet their emotional needs and strengthens your bond. When they feel secure and understood, they’re more likely to share your attention with other pets peacefully.

When to Seek Professional Help

Sometimes jealousy can become a deeper behavioral issue that’s hard to manage on your own. If your Dachshund shows signs of aggression or severe anxiety whenever you interact with other dogs, it may be helpful to consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. 

They can assess your Dachshund’s specific triggers and design a training plan that fits their temperament. With proper guidance, patience, and consistency, most Dachshunds can overcome jealousy and learn to coexist happily with other pets.

Building a Happy, Balanced Relationship

Creating a healthy relationship with your Dachshund means showing love while setting boundaries. Teaching them that it’s okay for you to give attention to other dogs is an important step toward emotional balance. Reinforce good behavior, stay calm, and never make your Dachshund feel ignored. 

The more secure they feel in your affection, the less likely they’ll become jealous. Over time, your Dachshund will understand that your heart has enough space for everyone—without taking away from the special bond you share.

To understand where these affectionate traits come from, you might enjoy a background piece that uncovers the breed’s fascinating origins and purpose.

Conclusion

So, do Dachshunds get jealous when you pet other dogs? Yes, they can—but it’s usually a reflection of their deep love and attachment to you. Their loyalty makes them sensitive, but with understanding, training, and reassurance, you can help them feel confident and calm. 

By meeting their emotional needs, balancing attention, and promoting positive interactions, your Dachshund will learn that sharing your affection doesn’t mean losing it. In the end, your love and patience can turn jealousy into trust, making your connection with your Dachshund even stronger.

FAQs

Do dachshunds get jealous easily?

Yes, Dachshunds can get jealous quite easily because they form strong emotional bonds with their owners and crave constant attention. They may show this by whining, nudging, or trying to get in between you and another pet.

Do dogs get jealous if you pet another dog?

Many dogs, including Dachshunds, can feel jealous when they see their owner petting another dog. This reaction usually comes from their desire for affection and fear of losing your attention.

Are dachshunds possessive?

Yes, Dachshunds can be possessive of their favorite person, toys, or space. This trait comes from their loyal and protective nature, which sometimes makes them act a bit territorial.

Are dachshunds scared of other dogs?

Some Dachshunds can feel nervous or cautious around bigger or unfamiliar dogs. Proper socialization and positive experiences can help them feel more confident and relaxed.