Are you looking for ways to curb your dog’s humping because it is getting out of control and turning you red in the face? Why do dogs hump in general?
As per veterinarians, dog humping means mounting behavior, where dogs place their front legs around another dog, an object, or people and thrust their pelvis in a humping motion. Dogs hump or mount for a variety of reasons, such as stress or anxiety, to display dominance, to release excess energy, boredom, or attention-seeking.
Humping can be embarrassing to witness when you have company, but it is necessary to identify the causes for this behavior that can help manage them on time. You can try distracting and redirecting their attention to acceptable activity, such as play. Training and consistent positive reinforcement using treats and praises can also help stop this behavior.
The article delves deep into understanding the different reasons for dog-humping behavior to help you prevent it.
Reasons Why Dogs Hump
Humping or mounting is a normal behavior in dogs; both male and female dogs may mount each other. Humping usually occurs during play as early as 3-6 weeks of age. Hormonal reasons may also cause mounting in dogs. However, they do not always trigger this behavior.
Sometimes, mounting can be a signal of an underlying medical issue, such as infection or prostate problems in male dogs. Also, humping is not always sexually driven; dogs may mount other dogs, people, or things for various reasons.
Part of the Play
You may have seen your dog chasing, mouthing, pouncing, and humping all in one go when they are playing with other dogs. It is because dogs exhibit varied behaviors when they get excited or want to initiate play, and so humping is a part of their play.
Power Dynamics
Dogs also hump another dog to assert power or dominance. They use their body for control and showcase their strength during fights between dogs, which shows that humping is often a tactical element in dog communication.
Elevated Energy
Your dog may be humping people or other dogs because of elated energy levels or overstimulation, especially during play. However, they usually avert humping to cushions or their toys when the excitement subsides.
Uncovering Emotional Triggers
Dogs also hump when they are frustrated or bored. You may catch your dog humping when they are stressed or anxious, which is known as displacement behavior, according to an article by Psychology Today. The dog engages in this behavior to release restless energy, similar to how a person might tap their foot. If your dog is humping because they are stressed, you must provide sufficient mental and physical stimulation.
Attention-Seeking
More often, when a dog humps your legs, they are seeking attention from you. This is their way of communication because it is hard to overlook a dog when they are mounting your leg. But you must respond to their humping appropriately.
Desexed Dogs and Females
Humping is a natural behavior in unneutered dogs due to testosterone, which typically occurs in the presence of an unspayed female dog or a female dog in heat. However, neutered or desexed dogs, as well as females, may also hump, showing that dog humping is not solely for mating. Female dogs hump just like desexed male dogs when playing, releasing energy, or seeking attention.
Medical Issues Related to Humping
A medical condition can cause humping and can even lead to a serious health issue if it exceeds the normal frequency. It’s always a good idea to check with a vet, if you are worried about your pet.
Excessive humping can cause dermatitis around the skin covering the dog’s genitals. Frequent episodes of humping can form lesions on the tip of the dog’s penis, which can lead to inflammation, redness, and skin irritation.
More often, humping may be a signal of a serious medical issue, such as prostate problems in male dogs. Your pup may hump because it provides temporary relief from pain or discomfort related to an inflamed or enlarged prostate gland.
If you are facing difficulty distracting or redirecting your dog’s attention from humping and the frequency and intensity of humping has increased, the behavior can be compulsive that requires a visit to the veterinarian. A vet will be able to understand why the dog is involved in compulsive humping and advise accordingly.
Should You Let Dogs Hump Things?
Dogs normally hump pillows, their favorite toys, or blankets. They may hump everywhere, whether you are present or not. Some dogs mount because of displacement behavior, usually when they are anxious.
If your dog is humping once or twice a day, is not bothering you, other dogs, or people, and is not causing any injuries, then you can let them hump. It may help your furry friend release their anxious energy and soothe them.
What's important is recognizing when this behavior becomes aggravating because it can pose health issues. Here, you need to prevent humping and engage them in another behavior, which you can do by keeping things your dog usually hump out of their reach, such as pillows and blankets.
When Is Humping a Problem in Dogs?
Humping between dogs for short periods is normal and may be a part of the play. However, it can be a problem if your dog indulges in humping most of the time. And if you have tried and failed to redirect them, then this may be an addictive behavior to keep a check on.
It is crucial to understand that excessive mounting or humping can cause serious medical issues, such as dermatitis in males over their foreskins.
Moreover, some dogs hate to be mounted, so it is better to prevent the mounting behavior to avoid likely conflict between dogs.
How to Stop Dog Humping
Catching your dog humping objects, other dogs, and people can be embarrassing, which is why putting a stop to such behavior is essential. Distracting the dog and redirecting their attention to another more appropriate activity may help keep the dog away from humping.
So, interrupt every time you notice your dog humping, then divert their attention to a game or toy. Reward or praise them every time they indulge in games or play with a toy.
Also, training your dog to sit or lie down when they start humping is an effective way to let them know that the behavior is undesirable. Ask your dog to "sit" or "lie down" and offer treats and praise when they follow your command.
Continue reinforcing acceptable behavior, such as playing or following a command. Offer plenty of praise and treats whenever they move away from humping. Moreover, make sure to provide your dog with enough mental and physical exercise to burn off excess energy. This is crucial because a tired pup will less likely indulge in unwanted behavior, such as humping or mounting.
Conclusion
Humping is a typical and instinctive behavior in dogs, especially when they are playing or get excited. However, you must monitor your dog's mounting behavior as it can be due to underlying issues. Understanding your dog's needs and providing them with proper mental and physical stimulation is crucial in keeping them healthy and creating a pleasant relationship between you two.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do female dogs hump?
Female dogs may hump to exhibit dominance, release anxious energy, or due to a medical condition or discomfort in their reproductive organ.
Why do dogs hump only certain people?
Dogs hump certain people because of various reasons, such as stress or anxiety, excitement, or to seek attention.
Why does my dog hump on things, not other dogs or people?
If your dog is humping on things instead of people or other dogs, it is most probably because of pent-up energy, excitement, boredom, or to relieve anxiety. Your dog is using the object to release excess energy and feelings while they do not have a clear target.
Why do dogs sometimes hump cats?
Dogs usually hump cats due to excitement or playfulness. This happens if the two pets play with each other.
Why would girl dogs hump things?
Girl dogs may hump things for several reasons, such as stress or anxiety, excitement, dominance displays, hormonal changes, boredom, or to release excess energy. They may also hump due to a medical condition.
