Although mounting is a normal behaviour in dogs, it can be frustrating and not to mention embarrassing if your dog frequently mounts you, other people, pets, toys or furniture!
So, it’s completely understandable that you may want to stop your dog from doing this. To be able to reduce the behaviour, it’s essential to recognise what might be causing the humping.
In some cases, it may be testosterone-related. However, it also allows an opportunity for energy release and for coping with emotions when your dog is playing, getting over-excited, feeling stressed, or feeling conflicted. It might be that your dog is trying to find comfort in a situation. That’s why female dogs and neutered males sometimes hump.
In some cases, excessive humping and mounting could also indicate a health condition.
What can be done to stop your dog from mounting
Firstly, consider seeking professional support to help you identify the most likely reason for the behaviour. Then, the behaviour can be addressed with the best chance of success in reducing it!
Seek veterinary advice if you think there may be an underlying health cause, or you notice other behaviours, such as toileting problems, or your dog licking themselves frequently.
A qualified dog behaviourist can you with the behaviour side. With behaviour support, your dog can learn to cope in ways other than mounting.
General tips to reduce it happening
Below are some general pointers, to help reduce your dog’s humping behaviour.
● Try redirecting your dog to another activity. Encourage them to find food from a snuffle mat or puzzle feeder, or to sniff out treats from the grass.
● A stuffed Kong can also help encourage them to settle.
● Offering opportunities for appropriate physical and mental stimulation can prevent a build-up of energy in your dog. Sniffing, digging and chewing are natural canine behaviours and are great activities to encourage, which will physically and mentally tire out your dog. Find an example of a scent-based activity here.
To sum up, this behaviour could be a result of your dog being in an exciting, overwhelming, or stressful situation. If this is the case, try to encourage them away from the situation and towards somewhere they can calm down and relax.
Follow the advice above and if the behaviour isn’t bothering you too much, then perhaps just leave them to it.
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