Dogs, always considered the most loyal and obedient pets, can experience feelings of jealousy toward their owners, the Daily Mail reports. This was revealed by a study conducted by researchers at the University of California.
Scientists videotaped the reactions of 36 dogs when they noticed their owners showing increased interest in a toy dog. The toys contained a mechanism that allowed them to bark, jump, and wag their tails at the press of a button. The jealous pets mistook the toys for other dogs and tried to attract their owners' attention in every way possible.
The scientists noted that it was jealousy over the arrival of another dog that triggered this reaction. According to Professor Christina Harris, this study suggests that the participants were attempting to protect their species-specific social bonds with their owners through their behavior. She added that the results of the experiment could have far-reaching implications, as in extreme cases, envy can lead to cruelty.
Harris noted that jealousy isn't unique to human behavior and affects more than just the romantic side of life. Following this logic, it's reasonable to assume that newborns are also capable of feeling envy toward their siblings as they compete for parental attention.
