The image of a dog humping a person’s leg, a pillow, another dog, or a toy can draw a laugh in a movie or on television. Yet, in real life, it can be annoying and embarrassing. Why do dogs hump? Is that normal behavior, or something you should be worried about?
Dogs often hump objects to release energy and release stress. Sometimes, because the object is available they feel excited and aroused. Yes, dogs do get aroused as well. Let’s take a deeper look into the humping matter.
Why Do Dogs Hump?
Humping is a normal, instinctive behavior that begins in puppies at ages 3 to 6. In puppies, humping often happens during play, and both male and female puppies can do it.
Unneutered male dogs can hump other animals, people, or objects due to their high testosterone levels. It will always happen in the presence of an unsprayed female dog or a female dog in heat. People assume this behavior will stop once their dog has been neutered. Yet, that is not always the case. Yes, neutering can vastly reduce the behavior, but humping is sexual in nature.
Humping happens when dogs are excited, during play, or after greeting another dog. Sometimes, humping is a way to get their attention, often with their pet parent.
Last, but not least, humping is a way to convey social status in dogs, a dominance show off. Dogs mount other dogs to assert their status, but often, this behavior is accompanied by other signals. In most cases, humping doesn’t escalate, unless both dogs are alphas and do want to show dominance over the other.
Why Is Your Dog Trying to Hump You?
It might come out of nowhere. Yet, when male dogs reach sexual maturity, they can mount their owners. Female dogs do it as well, especially when they are in heat. Male dogs reach sexual maturity between 6 and 18 months of age, depending on dog breeds and size.
If the mounting behavior increases in frequency during heat periods in females, it is a hormonally driven instinct.
As I said before, humping can occur in sprayed/neutered animals as well. It depends on when you neuter your pet. Humping may be a learned component. Sometimes, dog owners inadvertently reinforce the behavior, by petting their dog while it is humping them.
While humping people is often without any consequences, things may escalate if the dog is trying to bite when pushed off. Dogs often go for the legs because they are easily within their reach. It is not uncommon, however, for dogs to try and mount other body parts within reach.
They mount people based on the relationship. Sometimes, it is a sign that the dog prefers a certain person. Or a sign that the dog is anxious about that person.
Children are common targets because of their size.
Should You Let Your Dog Hump Things?
Some dogs hump their toys, blanket, or pillow, as a way to relieve stress and release energy. Other dogs do it when they are anxious.
If your dog engages in humping behavior without causing harm or injuries, you can allow him to continue doing it. For some dogs, it is a self-soothing behavior.
When Is Humping a Problem?
Brief moments of humping between dogs can be normal during play. For example, while they run and play, they can take turns mounting each other in a harmless expression of excitement. Yet, some dogs do not like to be mounted. If your dog is giving signals that he doesn’t want to be mounted, or other dogs give that signal to your pet, stop the play. And try to initiate a different type of play.
As for humping people, it is better to stop it than allow it. After all, you do not want your dog to show any sexual affection toward you, right?
How To Stop Humping Behavior?
For pet parents, seeing their dog mount other people or children can be embarrassing. If you are a dog owner and this happens to you, pull your dog away, but do not scold them. Pulling and scolding don’t teach your dog to stop performing the behavior. Instead, it increases their anxiety.
Another mistake pet parents make is putting their dogs on a leash or placing them in a crate. These options can stop the humping dog behavior, but they do not address the root of the issue. You are only healing the symptoms, not the problem itself.
One thing you can do is manage the environment to minimize humping. For example, make sure your dog has plenty of chew toys and other activities that keep him occupied. A dog that gets plenty of mental stimulation from toys and play will not resort to humping.
When you are outside, call your dog and engage in calming behaviors. Train and work on behaviors that get your dog to engage with you in a play. When your dog reacts to the redirection and follows your instructions, give plenty of treats. Redirection is part of the solution, the other part is rewarding good behavior.
Last, but not least, you can consider spraying and neutering. It will vastly minimize the excessive humping behavior. Neutering is the best way to curb sexually motivated mounting.
