Do you have a dog that humps things including but is not limited to your boyfriend, girlfriend, stuffed animals, peoples legs, the air or whatever else?

Hang tight I’m going to make sense of everything.

First, let’s look at why they do it. And I get it, you just want him to quit. But understanding the reason for this one is pretty important

Why do Dogs Hump People, other Dogs or Objects?

When Dogs hump, let’s be honest. It can be very funny! But in doing so is the dog being bad, inappropriate, even disrespectful?

When you think of a dog, think “instinctual.” They don’t have a moral code nor do they hold grudges.

The quickest answer of why dogs mount  is …

that most of the time it’s an assertive initiation of interaction.

Don’t worry, I won’t keep you guessing. The rest of your explanation is right in this next section, here on the screen.

Is Dog Mounting a Sign of Dominance?

So your dog can behave in an unruly way. But does that really mean he’s dominant? And toward you, his master?

But I thought dogs wanted to please their owners!

Ok, don’t get bent out of shape. Dominance in dogs is different than the dominance that humans exert.

Despite much misinformation online, dogs use this behavior to eliminate conflict, rather than to create it.

That means he’s taken the lead because it’s been abundantly clear to him that he is supposed to.

Don’t give up! Keep reading!

When dog dominance crosses your mind, don’t let it leave without linking it with “resources.”

So what’s the resource in this context? Your affection, attention, or whatever else he’s becoming entitled to.

So What is the Dog Saying When he humps?

If your dog humps people or dogs, he’s only telling you one simple, little thing …

Give me attention on my terms!

Want Your Dog to Stop Humping? Do this.

In this section, I’ll give you 2 ways to fix your furry buddy’s bad manners.

If he is a larger breed, aggressive, or just plain difficult to manage, addressing the root cause will yield best results. Get the answer right here in number one.

1st Option: Take the lead, change how he views you 

If Fido humps you and you still think you’re the boss you will get minimal benefits from this. If his conduct is a big enough factor that it requires intervention, then you will need this.

It’s simple. Control what he likes. Up until now he has engaged with you for whatever he desired.

Has he:

• scratched at the door to go out?
• Shared the couch with you?
• Stood near the bag of dog food and barked?
• Approached you for no apparent reason but you allow him, trying to Decipher what he’s trying to say in doggie language?
• Pushed his muzzle into you, demanding attention?
• Brought a ball or toy to you to start a game?
• Heard you repeat yourself because you don’t really mean it?
• With extra effort refused to do something he doesn’t wish to do?

News flash! You have a dominant dog! And it doesn’t mean he will necessarily be aggressive, or that he exhibits everything listed.

Want to modify your dog’s behavior? Don’t give in to any of these examples.

Do the opposite of what your dog wants. For example, If he whines to go out, ignore him. If he comes to you for attention, push him away.

The reason for his mounting is only because he wants things on his terms. If he doesn’t think this will be the case, he will quit.

You heard it right! You don’t actually need obedience for most humping dogs if you lead with diligence!

Think of a woman and a man talking, for example. If the woman doesn’t give the guy her phone number, why would he show up at her front door step?

It’s the same with your dog. He has false security built up around you.

If you have a dangerous dog don’t try to be the alpha right away. Get professional help before hitting his triggers. If it’s that’s bad, give me a call.

2nd Option: Teach Your Dog an Advanced Down Command 

Teaching your dog to lay down regardless of what he wants is an answer to a dominant dog.

However, a non-negotiable down command is not the first thing to teach a dog who wants to control everything.

If you refuse to take the lead and your dog is strong or intense get an expert opinion about such a reliable voice command.

The order of the training is first food training to teach the actual behavior. After this, a plastic starmark collar or prong collar, then eventually a polishing with the electric collar.

The most important part of all this is still actually the leadership.

Why should a dog listen to you if he doesn’t respect you?

Will the Dogs Humping Go Away?

Let’s answer this from a certain angle. 

Dominance, unlike an emotion, is a trait. ”Who” the dog is will never change, meaning, the desire to control is ”in” him.

You can convey to him that you will take the lead and he will quite humping, yes. But if you’ve him back the throne, he will gladly take it. So it’s management for the life of your dog.

Is it Sexual When a Dog Humps a Human?

Dogs do not hump people for sexual reasons. Not according to science reports, anyway.

And I know… other writers online have suggested so but their dead wrong.

There is a type of wild dog, however, that is assumed to get pleasure out of canine copulation.

It’s known as the New Guinea Singing Dog. They sing while they … you know. And Biologists say their songs are quite beautiful. 

Now, is a dog humping you or someone else while growling? This is the same dominance mentioned in the earlier section accompanied by aggression. 

You may know his aggression to never escalate. But if this is new behavior or if he’s under 2 years old get help.

Why does my one dog hump my other dog?

Humping is the most assertive way for one dog to get another dog to notice him. A less forceful way of doing this is mouthing the other dogs leg. The least confrontational way is the play bow.

Dogs that mount are also more likely to be aggressive but doesn’t mean they will be.

You may be surprised to know that dogs hump dogs for the same reasons they hump humans. Except to make a litter, of course.

Has there ever been a fight between your dogs over toys or other things? you may have noticed that the one that starts it is the humper. 

This can result in one dog humping the other dogs face, or even hovering over him with his chin or paw.

Should You Stop a Dog from Humping?

Not if it’s funny.

But really, be practical. Here’s a few examples. 

If two dogs play well, and sometimes one humps the other, and the humpee accepts the behavior, it’s fine.

If both dogs hump each other I would break it up, unless they have a super relationship.

If one dog attempts to hump, his tails up but not wagging, stop him.

In the end, remember that dominance is a personality thing. 

This means your dog may never be a good fit for daycare.

If you have a dog that mounts other dogs but you still want him to play, it will take a lot of searching. 

You will need to find that perfect dog that puts up with it but doesn’t enable him too much. This way he doesn’t get out of hand. 

Will My Dog Hump after being Neutered?

Regardless of what or who a dog tries to get on in a bossy way, it’s dominance. Being a genetic factor, a dog will still mount after hes been fixed, whether castrated or spayed.

Desexing a Dog will remove a little of the turbo pressure behind his engine. But who he is will remain.

Exercise may help in some cases. Although I’ve personally worked with many dogs that have been burned out and went humpty dumpty that very hour.

Think of it like someone who goes to the gym and works out to relieve stress. But when they come home they still can’t sleep because of an inner anxiety. 

Although the dog behavior here isn’t because of anxiety.

Why do dogs hump stuffed animals?

This might be hard to take in but Dogs hump stuffies, cats, beds, objects, the air, nothing, kids, & puppies for the same reason. 

Now, the motivation for each dog may be different. 

For example, a dog may hump a younger human family member because the person gave in to the dog before. 

Or the canine may do this to a couch because the corner of it is around his height.

What’s important is that the underlying character of the dog desires to control. 

Think of it like a human boxer that sometimes fights but sometimes slap boxes the air. Other times he just moves his hands in the air because of muscle memory. 

Humpcluding Remarks

Listen … there’s tons of information online that will tell you different than my article. But the proof is in the humping. 

Before you go believing all that behaviorist stuff, ask where they got their material.

Where should you investigate further?

You won’t have to look very far into leading biologists to find the truth. Those such as David Mech, Brain Hare, and Ramond Coppenger.

Happy Hump day, or whatever day it is!