Dog jealousy linked to social bond protection

Research suggests that certain behaviors in dogs, such as wedging themselves between people during a hug, may be driven by jealousy. A study published in PLOS ONE by UC San Diego psychology professor Christine Harris indicates that dogs exhibit jealous behaviors, such as snapping or pushing, to break up connections between their owners and perceived rivals.

This behavior is viewed as a biological mechanism intended to protect important social relationships. The findings suggest that jealousy is a primordial emotion that does not necessarily require a highly complex mind, functioning similarly to how social bonds are maintained in other species.