I’ve lived alone for most of my adult life. Recently I started dating a very nice man and I have hopes this might be the one but recently my dog is acting strange. He used to follow me wherever I was. Now he keeps his distance and gives me hurt looks.
I try and include him in our outings but he just hangs back. I think he’s jealous and I don’t know how to fix it.
Any suggestions?
Tags: fearful dog, jealous dog
Jealousy. That is what it sounds like. You didn’t say much about how your dog was before you started dating. Did you get him as a pup? Was he a rescue?
You now have a new person is spending time with you and that makes your dog not sure of how he fits anymore.
It is important to keep your dog’s routine as normal as possible. Feed him at the same of day as usual, and if you have usual times to take him for walks and play with him, keep to that schedule too.
It’s important to give your dog extra attention at this time. More attention is always welcome, and at a time when your dog is anxious, it helps reinforce his importance to you and makes him feel less threatened. Have some alone time with your dog as well as time with your new man and your dog together.
It is also helpful to have your friend share some alone time too, maybe taking your dog for a walk and also feeding him from time to time. You want to make this new person part of the normal environment as quickly as possible.
Reassurance and extra attention will go a long way in helping your dog overcome his insecurities.
Good luck!