Can Dogs Be Trained To Stop Humping?
As we said, humping is normal in most dogs. Most of the time, you do not need to stop the pooch as it rarely causes any harm. But, if it becomes too frequent, then your dog may need to be neutered.
Veterinarians recommend neutering males because it decreases mounting problems. In older dogs, where it’s become an ingrained habit, training may help. While humping may decrease or even stop, there is a chance your dog will still want to jump on other dogs and toys now and again.
Humping is often associated with high excitement levels. Training can lower the excitement level. Dogs that are uncertain of their position in the pack may try to mount to see if others will accept this behavior. This can lead to fights with others.
To prevent this, owners should watch to see when the behavior occurs and then provide an acceptable alternative behavior.
Sexual Arousal
Humping is the posture assumed by male dogs when they are sexually aroused. Young males who haven’t been neutered often hump other dogs. But, if there is no other dog around, they may find an inanimate object to hump such as stuffed toys and soccer balls.
When this happens, calm down the dog and redirect its attention elsewhere. Don’t laugh at him if he does it, but do not scold him either.
Neutering your dog may see this behavior subside and reduce unwanted behavior. But, it’s not uncommon for dogs to continue humping after being neutered.
Should you let your dog hump pillows and toys?
Or anything else for that matter? There are many and varied reasons that may cause dogs to ‘hump’, the least of which is sexual desire. Your dog could be humping because he is bored, overstimulated, excited or anxious. It could be part of a cluster of dominating actions, or more disturbing, it could be the result of a distressing medical condition.
A dog’s humping can cause embarrassment within the household, and with guests. It could also negatively affect less dominant pets. It could also be a cry for help from the dog itself, if it has health problems.
There are almost no reasons why a dog’s humping would be considered desirable. The underlying cause of the behaviour needs to be understood and the problem remedied, before it becomes habitual.