8 Simple Ways to Make Sure Your Dog Doesn’t Get Jealous of Your New Boo

When you fall in love with someone new, your heart expands. You know there’s enough of your affection to go around, but your dog, well, they may not be as convinced. 

They have been your ride-or-die through every heartbreak, and they might not be as pumped as you that you’ve found someone new to cuddle up with on the couch who’s… not them. They didn’t swipe right. They didn’t ask for this. They probably legit believe nobody is good enough for you anyway. Fair enough. But here we are. 

Now it’s time to soft launch your new boo into your dog’s life without causing a jealousy crisis. Here’s how to make the intro smooth, avoid jealous feelings, and maybe, just maybe, turn the two loves of your life into the best of pals. 

Don’t let your relationship be one big bummer for your dog.

New S.O. equals new routines. And guess who will be the first to notice? Your OG soulmate — your dog. If you start coming home late, cutting walks short, or skipping couch snuggles, you must forgive your dog for being quick to say (in some canine kind of way), “Excuse me?!” 

Keep routines as normal as possible. For changes that have to happen, ease into them gradually — no sudden changes. A dog who starts to connect the dots (Hey! Ever since that new human showed up, there’s been a big downgrade in my lifestyle!) is a dog who is more likely to act jealous

Don’t boot them out of their special spots.

If your dog suddenly loses their favorite place on the couch, in the car or (gasp!) in the bed, they’ll feel replaced faster than the latest news scandal. They were there first. Don’t literally or figuratively push your dog to the side; that is an easy way to make them green with envy. The solution? Make space for both your dog and your new person. There’s no need to demote your dog from love-of-your-life status.

Keep giving them the star treatment.

No matter how busy you are being lovestruck, your dog still needs playtime, walks, and belly rubs on demand. Make it up to them with new toys, puzzle feeders, and some quality training time. Let them know they’re still your number-one buddy. Don’t risk them feeling like they’ve been ghosted.

One-on-one-time is essential.

Pro tip: Not every hangout with your dog needs to include your new love. Schedule some solo dates with your pup — walks, play sessions, training classes, hikes, or even just petting them while you binge a new series on the couch (or in bed — no judgment). They need time with no third wheel allowed and when they don’t have to share your attention with anyone else.

Use their nose to your advantage.

Before the face-to-face intro, let your dog get to know this new person’s smell. Ask your partner for a worn shirt. Let your dog sniff it, and then hand over some top-quality treats. Do this a few times a day for a week. Dogs live in a world of smells, and this strategy teaches them, Hey, this smell means good things — I love it! It’s a great way to prevent your dog from classifying this new human as an unwelcome guest.

Help your boo make a legendary first impression.

First impressions matter — set your partner up to slay the intro. Load them up with top-shelf treats, favorite toys, or even a peanut butter Kong. Have them be the fun one (if your dog’s into it!) with some tug or a game of fetch. 

Try to get your dog’s attitude to be more, This human brought snacks and vibes? and less, Womp. Another dud. Make sure your partner knows how your dog likes to be approached, pet, and played with. The goal here is tail wags only. You want your dog to want this person around more, and that’s easier if your partner has the inside scoop on how to make that happen.

Start the first meeting with a walk to keep things chill.

Instead of a high-pressure living room invasion (your dog’s POV, not mine!), go on a group walk. No pressure, no hugging (each other or the dog!), just a neutral situation where everyone can relax, as long as your dog likes walks, of course. You want your dog to realize that the new human means feeling good so their attitude is, “OK, I approve; you can keep this one.”

Keep the first hangout short and sweet.

No need to go from saying “Hi” to “Let’s spend the next 12 hours together.” Keep the first visit brief and breezy. There will be plenty of time for longer stays if your new love proves worthy. If your dog is attached to them right away, great — keeping it short leaves your dog wanting more. If they’re still suspicious — your dog is a bit hesitant or otherwise less than thrilled — you don’t want to overwhelm them. Keep things at a slow pace. 

How can you make them like each other as much as you adore them both?

Keep building the good times. Make sure your dog associates this new person with excellent experiences — treats, games, walks. Advise your partner about what your dog likes — these treats, not those; scratches under the chin, not on the top of the head; balls, not rope toys. If your partner loves tricks, teach your dog a few to show off at future visits, or help them teach a new one to your dog.

Make them see the best in each other — basically, you’re the matchmaker now. Continue to be your dog’s best friend with lots of good times together — just the two of you — and give them lots of attention even when you are with this new human.

Let your dog set the pace.

If your dog is immediately obsessed with your partner, yay! Let them bond over playtime, tricks, butt scratches, or walks. If it’s all good, keep doing what you’re doing. But if your pup is unsure about them, acts jealous or is otherwise unhappy, don’t force it. Let them get used to this big change on their own schedule. You chose this person, and hopefully, with time and a little effort on your part, your dog will agree you made a good choice.

When it comes down to it, keep these main points in mind: 

• Keep your dog’s life as normal as possible — continue to shower them with love and attention.

• Don’t ditch them for your new boo — include, don’t exclude.

• Make the intro slow, relaxed, and full of treats as well as toys.

• Let your dog decide on their own time if you chose someone worthy of their love.

Hopefully, your dog truly does want you to be happy, and hopefully you picked someone who gives great belly rubs so you can both be happy.