If you have spent a fair amount of time around packs dogs, chances are you may have a embarrassing humping story to share. I am here as a professional dog trainer to tell you Why they Hump and How to Stop it.
Why Dogs Hump
Displacement Behavior: A dog who offers a displacement behavior is looking to self-soothe conflicting emotions. Other displacement behaviors include scratching, licking and drinking.
Out-Of-Control Hormones: This dog needs to be neutered. The typically stop once neutered and their hormones leveled out. It is not unusual for very young puppies to display humping behaviors. They are practicing for the real thing.
Stressed Dogs Need A Safe Retreat: This is a clear case of stress and displacement behavior. When the dogs becomes somewhat at a loss about what to do. The solution for times like this is to monitor closer and be sure your dog has someone safe to go to and get away from it all. Your dog may need to lose access to what causes the stress.
Dogs Needs are not Met : Adequate mental and physical exercise is needed. Physical is as simple as a walk or fetch. Mental is enrichment based.
How To Stop Humping
Once you understand why a dog is humping, finding ways to prevent it is easier. If the dog is neutered and health issues are ruled out, proper training is the answer. Be sure your dog has a solid “off” cue. We teach this the same way we teach “off” for jumping up, by rewarding an alternate behavior.
In the case of dogs humping , you have a few choices. One solution is to teach the dog a rock-solid sit. When you see the dogs start to get overstimulated ask your dog to sit. Be sure to reward the behavior.
Obedience training helps. Use a long line on the dog to drag a dog leash so you can easily separate him from something he chooses to hump. If you can’t redirect, you will need to remove the dog.
Why Do Dogs Hump Other Dogs?
Does your dog go to doggy daycare? A lot of humping often occurs at daycare. Remember that whatever dogs practice they get really good at. It is not the worst thing in the world for one dog to hump another. However, if a dog humps the wrong dog, a fight can ensue. Consider talking to your daycare providers. Maybe your dog could play with a different group for a while. As a general rule, adolescent dogs do most of the humping. This is not the place to “let dogs be dogs” and “let them work it out.” The solution for dogs humping each other is the same as I outlined above. Really, the best course of action it to redirect humping before it gets out of hand. Happy Training, and try not to freak out. This is normal — they are dogs.
