Why Do Dogs Hump?

Humping/Mounting is sometimes done for other reasons as well as a sexual position/sexual nature for dogs. Humping is common play behavior in puppies, and is quite normal in the play style of older dogs, if it’s not allowed to be taken to the extremes, it can be a common play gesture.

It can be a sign of dominance, or simply something that has excited the dog, like guests arriving at your home or a sign that a dog has not had enough socialization and is not aware of appropriate canine behaviour.

The topic draws giggles and laughs but it’s a very real issue for some people. There are quite a number of dogs that can become very compulsive about the behavior and we have seen all too often on our doggy daycare adventures that if it’s allowed to happen, then excitement can quickly turn into aggression and a scuffle may ensue. Being aware of what mounting can lead to, we do not allow this behaviour from our doggy day care group and furthermore we instruct other people at the park, who may not be aware of the potential implications, to also be cautious & not allow this behaviour from their dog or other dogs.

Humping is  done by both males and female dogs. Being neutered or spayed does not stop mounting.    It is  a common play behavior that dogs exhibit because nobody has told the dog it’s not acceptable. It can become enjoyable for a dog and a normal part of their day, so the behaviour keeps happening. It’s really no different to other naughty behaviours like jumping up or barking.  A word of warning, this behavior though can really get a little out of hand.

The easiest & quickest way to stop any behaviour, is when it first starts to happen. People often think humping is cute in puppies, so they don’t stop it, or worse, even encourage it by laughing or giving the dog positive attention, which is a big no no.

If you see a behavior you don’t want to see all the dog’s life, then you need to stop it when you first see it happening. So if the puppy is humping, distract them when they do it and then give them something else to do. This is called “Re-Direction” and is very important. You have to give them an alternative behavior to replace the unwanted behaviour. Perhaps a toy or a different game.

Neutering a male dog, usually has the effect of  decreasing the mounting issues. But in older dogs, where it has become part of their normal routine and an ingrained habit, other options may be required, like obedience training, which can make your dog calmer in situations like a trip to the local doggy park or when people visit with their dog at your home etc.

Humping can be associated with heightened excitement levels, so dog training can take the excitement level down a level or 2. Remember, there must be a negative consequence for naughty behaviour.Especially when mounting is related to dominant behaviour which almost always leads to aggression and fights between dogs. Sometimes dogs that are unsure of their place in the pack or group are more likely to hump to see how many dogs will accept the behavior or not, which again is  a move that can lead to fights with other dogs.

When you’re trying to figure out how to stop the behavior, you must first figure out what is causing the behavior by watching your dog closely to see when it happens and what are the triggers. Then give the dog an acceptable alternative behavior in those situations and a negative consequence.

When Your Dog Just Won’t Stop Humping

Some types of mounting/humping are far easier to deal with than others. If a dog is humping a person, the person could just get up and walk away, which trains the dog that this is an unacceptable behavior from him. Again, another negative response to a naughty behaviour. When a dog mounts another dogs, the owners should keep them apart by separating them & supervise at all times.

When dogs hump objects, such as pillows, blankets or toys, it can be a quite difficult to break this habit. Keeping the dogs on a strict schedule/routine, which lessens their anxiety, and giving them lots of exercise and mental stimulation, so they are too tired physically & mentally exhausted for these unwanted behaviour.

Leah & Angela OMeara

(Houndog – Specialists in Dog Day Care & Dog Pet Sitting Brisbane)