Jealousy, thy name is . . .

. . . Cap?  I'm not sure that I buy some new research claiming that dogs understand basic concepts of fairness and experience jealousy. I have a feeling that dogs have a very different relationship to tricks and basic commands on the one hand, and the genuine work of the working border collie on the other.  I'd like to see some research into that, to see whether a working border collie would cease working because the dog perceived another dog getting more praise or attention.  Somehow, I have my doubts!

Comments

[Sarah]

I think that work and tricks are regarded differently by some working dogs. My BC has a completely different attitude towards rewards when we are out in the field. She doesn't want petting or effusive praise when we are with the goats and she does a good job. She wants to know she's done right, and try again over and over. However, when we are in the house, praise and rewards for tricks are much appreciated, as is a good deal of tummy rubbing.

I think we're looking at the difference between what a dog loves to do- working dogs will often try to work the animals whether we are there to direct them or not, and what they are willing to do to make us happy. My dog will not attempt to shake on her own-- in fact, she takes on an air of being embarrassment when we ask, but if we keep at it for long enough, she will eventually do it.

I'd look at it as the same as this: I will create art whether someone buys it from me or not, because I feel the urge to create and I love to do it. I must be paid to write marketing pieces- I will do it, and do it well, but only if there is a monetary value attached. My BC will also work because she loves it, but perform because there are substantial rewards involved.

[Milissa]

I agree that BCs need their own study to look at jealousy. What I think I see in my dogs is that they may be jealous of each other when they are off duty, but when they are working nothing like that registers. It is all about the work and their focus is "are the stock respecting me" and "am I doing what is expected of me?" They only seem to notice who is getting attention when there are no stock around. Even then either they don't care as much as my non BCs or they don't show it as much. My two BCs are more likely to compete for attention between each other, ignoring any attention I give to the non BCs. Of course my BCs know they tops to me so maybe they just don't feel like they have to worry about "those other dogs." Still this is all anthropomorphizing and it would be interesting to know what the BCs really think. 'Think that'll ever happen?