Why Puppies Hump and How to Stop This Behavior

Why puppies hump and how to stop this behavior?

There are several different reasons why dogs hump and solutions to correct the problem in each case:

  • They’re excited. Humping is a sign of excitement and is an expected behaviour in the play, especially in places like dog parks. 
  • To correct: It is vital to intervene and temporarily remove the dog from the situation until he is calm. It is essential to stop the mounting to ensure that he understands that humping is unacceptable. Never hit or physically punish your dog for this or any other unwanted behaviour.

Stressed Puppies

  • The Puppy is Stressed. Puppies that feel scared or anxious may mount other dogs or even eliminate near them, like a throw pillow. By intervening and removing your dog from the situation, will teach dog that this behaviour is not welcomed. Also, work to identify what might be causing your dogs stress. You’ll likely also notice panting, yawning, or showing other lesser-known signs of anxiety. Some severe cases will need to be treated by a veterinary.

Stop humping

  • Dog wants attention. If a dog is humping a person’s leg, the person should reach down to push him away. By doing so, that person is teaching the dog the behaviour is exceptable. Even by responding with what most owners would see as an apparent refusal of attention (e.g., pushing away, scolding), the dog learns that humping will get a response from his owner. Instead, walk away from the dog and ignore him until he settles down and earns your attention. Then, feel free to approach him and offer him praise or a treat.

Socializing your puppy

  • They want to gain social status. Mounting can also be a sign of dominance among dogs. Some dogs will even attempt to mount other dogs in a social setting to see which will allow it and which won’t. Consider taking a training class with your dog for a Canine Good Citizen certificate, which speaks on interacting with your dog. If your dog frequently mounts other dogs in a park or another setting with large groups of canines, it may be necessary to avoid those areas.

Spayed & Neutered – why-puppies-hump-and-how-to-stop-this-behavior?

  • They find it pleasurable. Mounting or humping can also be a sexual behaviour, even in dogs who have been spayed or neutered. Puppies may hump as “practice” for future sexual activities, and intact dogs may use it as a form of flirting to entice mating. Spaying or Neutering a dog may decrease this behaviour, especially in males, but it’s common for sterilized dogs to mount for pleasure.
  • Catching the puppy in the act, telling him to “leave it,” by separating him. Give dog or toy can be effective in distracting him. This behaviour is difficult to correct if a dog is humping objects. At the same time, by placing the dog alone in his room (a toy in his crate, for example), may be necessary and consult with a veterinary behaviorist for advise.
  • The dog may have a medical condition. Conditions, such as urinary tract infections or allergies, can cause your dog to hump more often than usual. To correct: If you’ve tried training without results or your dog is humping incessantly, speak to a veterinarian, who may recommend testing or consulting with a behaviorist.

Three tips to help prevent why-puppies-hump-and-how-to-stop-this-behavior?

  • Socialize your puppy. By introducing your puppy to other dogs slowly and positively, a process called socialization, you can oversee his interactions and help nurture his social development, including teaching him to limit or avoid excessive humping during play.
  • Teach “leave it.” By teaching your puppy to leave it, you can redirect his attention from the other dog or object before he can mount it. This command is helpful for your dog to be proficient in any way as a way to keep him from harm.
  • Work with an expert. Dogs who hump excessively or have been performing this behaviour regularly for a long time may need to work with a training expert or a veterinary behaviorist. Behaviors can result from an underlying emotional issue, such as anxiety or a compulsive disorder, that may need to fix to prevent the unwanted behaviour.

Medical Issues Can Cause Humping in dogs.

Medical issues are not always the cause of a dog humping another dog. There are a few possible issues to consider and rule out to ensure the following:

A Urinary tract infection: An infection of the Urinary Tract can be excruciating and may cause genitals to swell. Humping might help relieve discomfort.

Skin Infection: This type of condition can cause extreme itchiness, which can, in turn, irritate. As a dog is Humping, it may help to relieve discomfort as an alternative to chewing or excessive licking to stop the pain, as it can be frustrating.

Continuous Erection: When an erection lasts for a long time, it can cause extreme pain, and instead of licking the area, dogs will hump to calm the pain.

Stop Dog Humping – Why puppies hump and how to stop this behavior? 

 

Humping, while it is a natural behaviour can cause injury

  • If one dog is larger than the other, they can hurt one another while humping.
  • When a dog is continuously humping when young, it can become an issue to control as they mature.

Suppose a stressful situation caused humping. A dog can become afraid and nervous. Humping can also result in more involuntary behaviours as Chronic stress affecting the dog’s health. And can also lead to higher blood pressure and other medical conditions that cause the dog to be afraid.

Many people don’t like being humped by dogs. Children and Adults are at risk of developing infections, especially if there are underlying conditions that can cause infections.  

Humping is usually a non-issue, especially as a puppy plays; many people don’t like your dog humping their dog can be upsetting.

Final Thoughts – Can Neutering help Stop Humping?

When dogs are spayed or neutered, it can help reduce hormones and calm or stop humping. Addressing your dog’s humping issue before getting spayed is important to rule out if hormones are what is driving the humping issue and should be addressed immediately. 

Remember, it is natural and instinct for dogs to want to hump. Hormonal behaviours can become habit and can affect the dog even after it has been surgically Spayed or Neutered.

 

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