Humping Dogs

by Ronel Forbes

October 20, 2022

Even though canine humping occasionally has a sexual component, that isn’t always the case. Fortunately, there are a few strategies you can use to stop your dog from performing “the deed”. Here are several causes of dog humping and advice on how to break the embarrassing habit.

If you own a dog, you’ve probably experienced some embarrassment when your pet makes an effort to hump another dog, a leg, or other items in public. Although humping in dogs is frequently thought of as a sexual behavior, there are many other possible explanations.

Fortunately, there are a few strategies you can use to stop your dog from performing “the deed”. Here are some causes of dog humping and advice for getting rid of the annoying behavior.

Why does my dog hump things?

Even though canine humping occasionally has a sexual component, that isn’t always the case. The action is a combination of learned habit and instinct. It’s crucial to remember that humping is a typical canine activity, but it can cause problems if your dog hump people or other dogs a lot. Let’s look at a few of the causes of dog hump.

1. Hormonal

Due to hormones, unneutered dogs frequently hump other dogs. Fido sometimes gets a little feisty when nature takes charge! Keep your dog away from people of the opposite sex when you’re out if it hasn’t been spayed or neutered, as this could result in unwanted puppies later on.

Female dogs may also hump objects, albeit it may not always be sexually motivated. Females occasionally hump their owners in an exaggerated or attention-seeking manner.

2. Excitement

Contrary to popular assumption, dogs don’t always display this behavior because they are driven sexually. If you have a dog that is active, they might just be burning off extra energy. Puppies frequently use it as a means of stress relief. The problem can be resolved by shifting this habit to another channel, along with lots of physical activity and cerebral stimulation.

3. Play

Humping can resemble play fighting for dogs. The majority of dogs hump just because it feels good and to start a chase or struggle. Dogs find this to be totally normal, but if the receiving dog becomes irritated or disturbed, it may lead to conflict.

4. Medical problems

Excessive humping can be caused by priapism (prolonged erection), skin allergies, and urinary tract infections. Before you start teaching your dog not to hump, it’s crucial to rule out these possibilities.

To rule out any underlying medical conditions, be sure to send your dog to the doctor first. Additionally, keep an eye out for additional symptoms like persistent skin or genital biting or excessive scratching.

How do I put a halt to my dog’s humming?

Finding the fundamental cause is the first step in determining the best course of action. The easiest method to do this is to make a vet appointment to look for any physical or psychological problems that could be the source of the problem. There are a few adjustments you may do after any circumstances are ruled out if you wish to stop your dog from inappropriately humping.

1. Redirection of action

The duration of your dog’s behavior relies on how effective this approach will be. The ideal time to begin this phase is when your pup is still developing. Just divert them to something else if you notice them humping, like a game of fetch. This communicates to your dog that the humping is undesirable and diverts them with something fun or something that will make them calm.

As an alternative, you may give your dog a command. After your dog successfully complies with a command like “sit” or “stay,” give them a treat to encourage the desired behavior you DO want.

2. Get your dog fixed and spayed.

According to research, having your dog neutered or spayed can reduce sexual behavior by as much as 70%. Numerous health advantages of neutering and spaying include a decreased risk of cancer, infections, and of course, pregnancy.

There is no reason not to, unless you intend to breed your dog, which is not advised given the pandemic of abandoned pets in the different countries. Dogs who have been spayed or neutered often enjoy longer, healthier lives.

3. Prevent triggers

If the aforementioned measures haven’t worked and you can tell when your dog will start humming, it’s better to stay away from these situations. Keep them away from as many triggers as you can, though sometimes this won’t be practicable. For instance, if they are very “keen” on a specific dog, toy at the park or airport waiting room perhaps they would benefit from a change of environment this time.

Young love is hard to cease, that much is certain. But over time, staying away from triggers can be the best course of action to stop this humiliating behavior.

4. Give them space to relax

You might need to take away the temptation if your dog insisted on humping their favorite pillow. Take your dog to a room where there are no items for them to hump to relax if they still won’t cease the behavior. This method is especially effective if your dog humphs when you have guests over because they are feeling overstimulated.

It’s crucial to remember that “time-outs” should never be applied as a form of discipline. Give them a kong or bone to work on in order to let off extra energy to make this decompression more enjoyable. Release them without reprimand after you determine that they have calmed down enough. If they start to act out again, try taking them a couple more times or repeating the procedure.

5. Seek out professional assistance

Some dogs simply cannot readily break the habit because it is too engrained in them. If your dog exhibits these behaviors, it may be time to enlist the aid of a qualified dog trainer. Find someone who has knowledge of humping behavior, and make sure you do your homework to make the best choice for your dog and your wallet.

Please Read: SUGGESTIONS FOR PROTECTING YOUR PET FROM A HOUSE FIRE

Conclusion

If you are concerned that a dog may turn aggressive, do not attempt to stop it from humming for your own safety.

Consult your veterinarian if you’re unsure whether your dog’s humming is merely an annoyance or a sign that it requires care.