4 Reasons Dogs Hump

4 reason why dogs hump

Dogs hump for a variety of reasons, but one of the most common is simply because they can. It's a natural behavior, much like scratching an itch or wagging their tail. But, just like us humans, dogs have their own unique personalities and quirks, which can lead to some pretty amusing humping situations.

For example, there's the "I'm the Alpha dog" humper. This is the pup who likes to assert their dominance by humping other dogs (or even humans) in the pack. They're basically saying "I'm in charge here, and you better remember it."

Then there's the "I'm just so darn happy" humper. These dogs just can't contain their excitement and have to express it through humping. They'll hump anything and everything, from stuffed animals to your leg, just because they're so darn ecstatic about life.

There's also the "I'm just a hor*y teenager" humper. These are the adolescent pups who are going through a bit of a "phase" and can't help but express their newfound sexual desires through humping. They're like the teenage boy of the dog world, always thinking with their other head.

And finally, there's the "I'm just trying to get your attention" humper. These dogs just want a little bit of love and affection, and they know that humping is a surefire way to get it. They'll hump your leg, your arm, your face, anything to get a little bit of attention.

So, if you ever find yourself wondering why your dog is humping, just remember that it's just their way of expressing themselves. And, if you're lucky, it might even be a little bit funny.

#1 Neutering or Spaying

Neutering a dog can reduce or eliminate the behavior of humping because it eliminates the dog's hormonal drive to mate. Dogs that are neutered have lower levels of testosterone, which can decrease aggressive and dominant behaviors such as humping. However, it's worth noting that neutering may not completely eliminate the behavior, especially if the dog has learned to associate humping with a positive reinforcement. In that case, you should consult with a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer for further guidance.

#2 Training & Positive Reinforcement

Teaching your dog alternative behaviors or commands and rewarding them for complying can help redirect their attention away from humping.

#3 Redirecting the behavior

When you see your dog starting to hump, you can try redirecting their behavior by giving them a toy or a treat to play with or chew on.

#4 Avoiding triggers

Identify and avoid situations that trigger your dog's humping behavior. If your dog starts humping when they are excited, try to keep them calm before exposing them to those situations.

#5 Professional help

If your dog's humping is persistent, you may want to consult with a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer for guidance.

It is important to note that humping can also be a symptom of an underlying medical or behavioral problem, so it's always best to consult with a vet or professional trainer to rule out any underlying issues.