Why Is My Dog Humping Me? Understanding Your Dog's Humping Behavior

Does your dog have an annoying habit of humping you, your leg, or other people? As a dog owner, having your pup unexpectedly mount you can be embarrassing and frustrating. But don't worry - with some training and understanding of why dogs hump, you can curb this behavior.

In this article, we'll explore the common reasons dogs hump people, when you should see your vet about humping, and how to train your dog not to hump through positive reinforcement. Read on to learn why your dog just can't seem to stop humping everything in sight.

Why Dogs Hump

Humping, or mounting, in dogs is a natural behavior - it's one of the ways dogs play, show dominance, and relieve stress or excitement. Both male and female dogs commonly hump other dogs, people, and objects. While it may seem sexual in nature, most humping behavior in dogs has nothing to do with sex or reproduction.

Asserting Dominance

One of the most common reasons dogs hump is to assert their dominance. Humping is one way dogs communicate their hierarchical status and control over other dogs or even people. This behavior is especially prevalent in adolescent and puppy dogs that are testing boundaries.

For instance, your dog may hump your leg when you first get home from work. By mounting you, your dog is communicating that he's the pack leader and in charge. This can also occur when there's instability in the pack hierarchy, such as introducing a new pet or baby into the home.

Stress Relief

Dogs that are feeling anxious, overstimulated, or uncomfortable with a situation may turn to humping as a form of stress relief. The rhythmic motion releases endorphins that have a calming effect.

You'll often see this nervous humping when a new person enters the home. The novelty of the visitor causes your dog stress, so he resorts to humping as soothing self-stimulation. Separation anxiety and travel in the car can also trigger this relieving humping behavior.

Attention Seeking

Some dogs hump simply to get a reaction and your attention. The behavior may start accidentally, but when you react with a loud verbal correction or physically remove them, they learn humping gets owners to engage with them.

Dogs prone to attention-seeking humping are often bored and under-exercised. Make sure your pup gets adequate walks, play time, and enrichment activities to curb the urge to hump for attention.

Playfulness

Mounting during play is common, especially in young, energetic dogs. Humping when playing should be corrected though, as it can lead to fights and unwanted behavior later on.

Be sure to set clear boundaries for appropriate play with both people and other dogs. Provide plenty of toys and exercise outlets so your playful pup has positive ways to expend energy.

When to See the Veterinarian

In most cases, frequent humping is not related to any medical issue. However, dogs that suddenly start humping when they didn't before could have an underlying medical cause.

Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections or bladder inflammation can cause discomfort that leads to humping. Some dogs hump because the pressure on their genitals provides temporary relief.

UTIs in dogs cause symptoms like frequent urination, blood in the urine, and excessive licking of the genital area. If you notice any of these issues along with humping, see your vet for a urinalysis.

Skin Discomfort

Allergies, dermatitis, fleas, and other skin conditions can result in humping as well. The pivoting motion provides temporary relief to itchy, inflamed skin. Dogs with generalized itchiness or hot spots may compulsively hump themselves or people.

See your vet if your dog is constantly licking, biting, or scratching himself before resorting to humping for relief. Medicated shampoos, antihistamines, or antibiotics can address the root cause of skin discomfort.

Priapism

Priapism is a persistent, often painful erection that lasts for over an hour without sexual stimulation. The condition occurs when blood gets trapped in the penis and causes swelling.

Some episodes of priapism resolve on their own, but repeat instances can lead to scarring and impotence. Seek emergency veterinary care if your male dog has a rigid erection for over an hour and seems to be in pain.

Training a Dog Not to Hump

While humping is tough to eradicate entirely, you can teach your dog to do it less through rewards-based training. Here are some effective ways to curb humping:

Redirect the Behavior

Redirecting is one of the simplest ways to train a dog not to hump. When your dog starts to mount you or another dog, quickly interrupt the behavior with a firm "No" or "Off." Then immediately give them an alternative command like "Sit" or "Down" and reward with praise and a treat when they comply.

With consistent redirection, your dog will learn humping results in no reward, while obeying commands earns affection and goodies. Over time, the humping impulse should diminish significantly.

Provide Alternatives

Sometimes a dog humps because they need an appropriate physical or mental activity to engage in. Figure out what need humping fills for your dog, then provide acceptable alternatives.

Does your dog hump when overly excited or stressed? A puzzle toy filled with treats can redirect that nervous energy. Is your dog bored and looking for stimulation? Try a Kong stuffed with peanut butter for them to lick when they get the urge to hump. A training session to tire out their brain could help too.

Use Correction Tools

For stubborn humping behavior, many owners have success using pet corrector sprays or electronic training collars. A quick spray of pet corrector emits a startling hiss that interrupts humping without punishing your dog.

Vibration or citronella collars provide a safe but unpleasant sensation when your dog starts humping. You simply press the remote when you see the behavior about to happen. Over time, your dog associates the collar sensation with unwanted humping and stops.

Praise Non-Humping

Whenever you notice your dog abstaining from humping in a situation that normally triggers the behavior, reward them with over-the-top praise and treats. You want to reinforce any instance of your pup choosing an acceptable behavior over inappropriate humping.

For example, if your dog normally humps visitors, shower them with affection and their favorite goodies when guests arrive and they remain seated politely. This positive reinforcement helps strengthen their self-control.

The Bottom Line

Humping in dogs is nuisance behavior that's tough, but not impossible, to overcome. The keys are determining why your dog is humping and addressing the underlying motivation through training, exercise, and enrichment. Medical issues can also contribute to humping, so see your vet if the behavior seems abnormal.

With a combination of redirecting unwanted humping, providing appropriate outlets, correction tools if needed, and praise for abstaining, you should see a decrease in mounting and humping. But remember - have realistic expectations, as humping is ingrained in many dogs despite best training efforts. The goal should be reducing instances to a reasonable level you can live with.

If your dog's humping persists or seems unmanageable, don't hesitate to consult an animal behaviorist. They can assess your dog's unique motivations and environment to create a customized training plan for curbing the behavior. With expertise and consistency, even the most ardent humper can be taught to keep four paws on the floor.