Dog Humping Explained

Dog humping behavior can be one of the most embarrassing behavior issues pet owners face. Dog humping can be a sexual behavior, but dogs also display this behavior when they want to assert their rank. Even with training and surgery, some dogs continue to hump for years. Here are some of the reasons why your dog is humping.

Sexual Motivation for Humping Behavior

Intact males have been known to perform humping behaviors out of sexual motivation. Neutering such a dog may not immediately curtail the behavior. He may continue to exhibit humping behavior for months or years.

However, sexual motivation isn't the only reason dogs hump. Inexperienced, neutered males and even females exhibit dog humping behavior.

The Wish to Be Dominant

Dominance, or a desire for dominance, seems to be another motivation for dog humping behavior. Scientists believe that a brain chemical, called serotonin, may play a role in this type of dog humping. Some believe that performing humping behaviors might give some dogs a rush of serotonin, leading to feeling of well-being and satisfaction.

Nature has hard-wired your dog's brain to link sexual behavior and dominant, aggressive behavior. Your dog's sex drive and his need for social success are inseperable. Even in the absence of sex hormones, your dog may still perform humping behaviors as a means of asserting himself.

Even female dogs may exhibit humping behavior. While mostly male dogs hump, the behavior isn't confined to one sex. Some intact female dogs have high levels of testosterone in their bodies, which could explain the presence of humping behavior. Others may simply be more aggressive and feel an increased need for dominance.

Coping with Dog Humping Behavior

Neutering intact males reduces humping behavior in 60% of dogs. Some may continue to hump for several months as they "unlearn" the behavior. Especially dominant dogs may continue to hump indefinitely.

Dog training can go a long way toward managing dog humping. Dog training should make it clear to your dog that you're the leader, but in a way that allows them to respect you. It should always be enjoyable and rewarding for both of you. Don't use punishment when training your dog; simply ignore inadequate efforts and praise correct ones.

Above all, make sure that the reward your dog covets is your praise and approval. Food-based rewards can be used to begin with but, ultimately, you want your dog to love you and look up to you. A good dog training program makes your dog want to please you. If your dog looks up to you as a respected leader, he'll no longer display dominance behaviors such as humping.

Some vets prescribe drugs, such as fluoxetine, or Prozac, to reduce libido and stabilize your dog's need for dominance. Prozac is also used to treat a variety of other dog behavior problems, and psychological disorders ranging from depression to obsessive-compulsive disorder in dogs. This practice, however, is controversial, as not much is understood about the effects such drugs might have on dogs.

 

 

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