Most pet parents don't seem surprised when their male dog humps another dog, a pillow or a stranger's leg, but you may wonder why female dogs hump things? Especially female dogs who were spayed as puppies? Show Harmless mounting here and there by males and females is normal with all dog breeds, but it's important to know when humping behavior might need to be addressed. What Does Normal Behavior Look Like?Whether you call it humping, mounting or thrusting, the behavior is natural in male and female dogs. For some dogs, it is a response to arousal. For others, it can just be a way to exert dominance and show that they're the top dog in the house. Humping other pets, people or even the living room couch once or twice a day is not considered excessive. If even the occasional occurrence is bothersome to you or your family members, there are a few things you can do to limit or eliminate this quirky behavior. Ways to Prevent MountingPet parents often notice mounting behavior starting about the time a female dog enters her first heat. Many veterinarians recommend spaying or neutering your dog before he or she reaches that point to prevent unwanted behaviors. Neutering also prevents a surprise litter of puppies and reduces your pet's risk of testicular or mammary cancer. However, even dogs who are spayed or neutered might still exhibit some humping behavior from time to time. The ASPCA recommends teaching the "leave it" command early for all dogs to leave unwanted objects alone. Once your dog knows this command, you can signal to her that she should step away from furniture, other dogs or guests. If you see your dog preparing to mount an object (by rubbing, licking or whining), you can say "leave it" and distract your four-legged friend with a toy or a more desirable activity. Although it may take some time to train your dog to do this, it may be the easiest way to stop unwanted humping. When to Be Concerned About Dog HumpingAlthough dog humping is a normal behavior, there are times it can be sign of other underlying issues. Be careful to observe other behaviors that lead up to or accompany the humping to determine if you have reason to be concerned.
Why do female dogs hump things? For many reasons! Armed with a few answers, hopefully you and your canine friend can have less humping and more happiness. Mounting, thrusting (humping) and masturbation are normal behaviors exhibited by most dogs. Dogs masturbate in various ways. They mount and thrust against other animals, people and objects, such as wadded-up blankets, dog beds and toys. Sometimes, dogs just rub against people or objects (without mounting them), or they lick themselves. Puppies often mount and hump their littermates, other playmates, people and toys. Some experts believe that this behavior functions as practice for future sexual encounters. As puppies reach sexual maturity, they start to mount other dogs in sexual contexts. After they’re neutered or spayed, many male and female dogs continue to mount and even masturbate because they have learned that the behavior feels good. Intact (not neutered) males will often masturbate if prevented from approaching a female in heat. Often, during courtship, females in heat mount and hump their male “suitors.” Female dogs also commonly mount and hump other females when one or both are in heat. Why Does Your Dog Do It?Sexual Behavior Play Behavior Response to Stress or Excitement Compulsive Disorders Social Behavior Medical Problems to Rule OutVarious medical problems, including urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, priapism (persistent, often painful erections) and skin allergies, can influence a dog’s mounting behavior. These issues can be serious if not properly treated and require medical attention rather than behavioral treatment. Dogs suffering from one of these or other medical issues often spend a lot of time licking and chewing the genital area. If you notice your dog excessively mounting, licking or chewing himself, or rubbing his body against things, take him to a veterinarian to rule out medical concerns. What to Do About Excessive Mounting and MasturbationIf you think your dog may become aggressive if you stop him from mounting other dogs, people or objects, do not attempt to do so. Instead, consult a qualified professional, such as a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB or Associate CAAB) or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist (Dip ACVB). If you can’t find a behaviorist in your area, you can seek help from a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT), but be sure to determine whether she or he has professional training and extensive experience successfully treating aggression. This type of expertise isn’t required for CPDT certification. Please read our article, Finding Professional Behavior Help, for information about finding one of these experts in your area. Mounting During Play, in Response to Stress or for Sexual Reasons
Licking
Compulsive Mounting or Masturbation
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