Why Dogs Hump & How To Stop A Dog From Humping

We’ve all seen those dogs at the park that run around trying to hump other dogs.

Or your dog may have started this mounting behaviour with an object such as a soft toy or their bed.

Dog humping behaviour is very common, and while we may think it’s hilarious, in some situations it can have devastating consequences.

When your dog humps other dogs you are setting them up for failure.

Fights often occur as humpees do not enjoy this rude behaviour.

But all is not lost, in this article we discuss why dogs hump and most importantly, how you can stop or limit this unsavoury behaviour.

What Does Dog Humping Look Like?

In this video Mordecai the French Bulldog is demonstrating what mounting behaviour looks like:

When this video was taken, Mordecai was still a puppy (5 months old) and hadn’t reached sexual maturity.

Just like most puppies, he gets very excited when out and about especially when he is in an off-leash area with lots of other dogs to play with.

As you can see from the video Copper didn’t really seem to care that Mordecai was humping him.

However, that isn’t always the case and when he has tried to do this with older dogs, he is often put back in his place quickly with a growl or small nip.

There will be a day when it might not be a small nip, and a full-on fight may occur. Nobody wants this.

Why Does A Dog Hump?

So what are the reasons for humping?

Contrary to popular belief, humping behaviour in dogs is not usually a sexual thing.

We often see this behaviour in puppies and many male and female dogs will hump after being neutered or spayed.

It’s also not uncommon for female dogs to hump.

Some dogs will hump people or other objects such as toys, beds or piles of clothing.

In most situations, humping behaviour is due to excitement or poor training in social behaviour.

Dog humping behaviour is not due to dominance.

One myth that perpetuates is that humping is caused by dominance.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

I’ve never seen a dog hump to gain access to food, pats, toys etc.

Remember, dominance refers to trying to gain priority access to a resource, when have you seen a dog hump to gain access to food, pats, toys etc?

So what are the reasons for humping?

Why Does My Dog Hump?

  • Arousal/Excitement

This is by far the most common reason for humping.

We’ve all seen those dogs that suddenly get so excited that they get the zoomies, it’s hilarious!

While others will bark in excitement, some, well, they like to hump.

  • Anxiety

For some dogs, when in a situation that they are worried about their anxiety levels increase and this has a knock-on effect of increased arousal.

what does it mean when a dog humps you

Remember that time when you were really nervous about something, perhaps a job interview? You found yourself chewing your fingernails or sucking your lip. Well, this is very similar.

It’s called ‘displacement behaviour’, and while some dogs may chase their tail, bark, or dig, others will show humping behaviour.

  • It Feels Good

Yep, some dogs hump because it feels good.

In effect, they are masturbating.

These situations usually occur during quiet time and the object of humping is often a toy, blanket or bed.

My old girl, Pippa used to do this with a green knitted jumper of mine, or her bed.

This sort of behaviour is pretty harmless, so unless you are deeply disturbed then you can choose to ignore or manage it as we suggest below.

  • Play

For some animals, this is how they play. I’ve seen this between cats and dogs who live in the same household where the dog humps the cat.

Neither party gets upset, they play, and then they stop.

The decision to intervene needs to be related to how the interaction is occurring and whether both parties are getting enjoyment verse frustration.
humping behaviour can be play for some animals

How To Stop A Dog From Humping?

To ensure that humping behaviour does not become a habit it is important to be consistent with the way you deal with the situation and how you act.

  • Don’t make a big deal out of it. There is no need to yell or growl at your dog. And please, don’t squirt your dog with a water pistol. This really isn’t going to achieve anything.
  • Remove your dog from the situation to provide a “timeout”. For anxious dogs this provides relief. For those who have high arousal, it allows them time to settle and regain their thoughts.
  • Distract your dog. Either do some other training moves like sitting exercises or learning high five or perhaps take your dog for an on-leash walk away from the other dogs.

Video: Dr Leigh’s Tips To Stop Your Dog Humping

 

If you find that your dog can’t be let off leash without starting to hump other dogs, then you really do need to go back to basics. If you would like further help with this our vets are available for consults.

Is your dog a humper? Tell us in the comments section below what methods have you used to stop this behaviour.