Male and female dogs both hump - and spaying or neutering doesn't stop this behavior.
It is not a sexual activity, but rather an activity that often is done to establish dominance or rank - or even done as a playful or romping-type activity.
However - don't allow it. Unlike many people think - it's not cute. And, if tolerated, it can often extend to people's (or guest's) legs, etc. Plus, if you're visiting with your family or friends - this is hardly the thing you want going on in front of everyone.
Don't allow it. Stop your dog everytime you see it happening - firmly say "no" and distract your dog and find it something else to do. If there are certain toys that he likes to hump -- remove these from his life.
My little Yorkie decided that humping my Bichon's front leg was going to be one of his favorite pasttimes (even when the Bichon was lying down). First, it wasn't cute - and second, it was just another thing that he did that drove my Bichon crazy. My Bichon didn't like it at all. More often than not, he was just lying on a chair trying to rest.
Now that I'm thinking about this, I realize that my little Yorkie hasn't done it for a long time - not for weeks.... But, when he was doing it - I quickly stopped it.
Good luck!
Carol Jean |