The love that dare not speak its name

[KrissieBella]

KB is a spayed almost (2 year old). She has just started humping - to my surprise. I spoke with YT user Topknot which is a very reputable breeder and knowlegdable on many subjects. She said that her hormones could be peaking and that I should speak with my vet. My vet says that it could be a domination issue, but I'm not so sure. She will hump throw pillows, my leg, my son's leg. She has become a little humping machine. I understand your perplexity. Maybe it's just a peaking of hormones?

[JeanieK]

Originally Posted by KrissieBella

KB is a spayed almost (2 year old). She has just started humping - to my surprise. I spoke with YT user Topknot which is a very reputable breeder and knowlegdable on many subjects. She said that her hormones could be peaking and that I should speak with my vet. My vet says that it could be a domination issue, but I'm not so sure. She will hump throw pillows, my leg, my son's leg. She has become a little humping machine. I understand your perplexity. Maybe it's just a peaking of hormones?

Your dog should never hump you, that is definitely a dominance issue. A dog would never hump the pack leader unless it was trying to take over the role of leader.

You need to use some exercises to show her that you are the leader.

One of the simplest is to pmke her wait for her food until you tell her it is OK to eat it, and before she eats, pretend to be esting out of her bowl.

Another is to walk toward her, making her back up and not letting her pass. Do that a few times a day.

And definitely do not let her hump you. As for humping other objects, apprently some people believe that it is a pleasure thing, not sure if it's for the dog or the people. But they should NEVER hump people.

[red98vett]

Originally Posted by KrissieBella

KB is a spayed almost (2 year old). She has just started humping - to my surprise. I spoke with YT user Topknot which is a very reputable breeder and knowlegdable on many subjects. She said that her hormones could be peaking and that I should speak with my vet. My vet says that it could be a domination issue, but I'm not so sure. She will hump throw pillows, my leg, my son's leg. She has become a little humping machine. I understand your perplexity. Maybe it's just a peaking of hormones?

Jeanie - I just wanted to say something so no one gets pissed - I'm NOT trying to make light of any of this - (well - ok...I guess I did) but it's just too hard not to joke - there's some really good information on this thread for those who need to put a stop to it.....

but watch how you do it people ....You don't want this to happen (see photo)

[dwerten]

Originally Posted by red98vett

Jeanie - I just wanted to say something so no one gets pissed - I'm NOT trying to make light of any of this - (well - ok...I guess I did) but it's just too hard not to joke - there's some really good information on this thread for those who need to put a stop to it.....

but watch how you do it people ....You don't want this to happen (see photo)

lollllllll i think someone posted a blow up doll for dogs on here too lollll

http://www.yankodesign.com/2007/04/1...-clement-eloy/

[livingdustmops]

Originally Posted by JeanieK

Your dog should never hump you, that is definitely a dominance issue. A dog would never hump the pack leader unless it was trying to take over the role of leader.

You need to use some exercises to show her that you are the leader.

One of the simplest is to pmke her wait for her food until you tell her it is OK to eat it, and before she eats, pretend to be esting out of her bowl.

Another is to walk toward her, making her back up and not letting her pass. Do that a few times a day.

And definitely do not let her hump you. As for humping other objects, apprently some people believe that it is a pleasure thing, not sure if it's for the dog or the people. But they should NEVER hump people.

I find it interesting only the breeders have said this is a nasty habit and the pet owners have had a little fun and have moved on. Jeannie, this thread was just about dead and you pulled it back up. Why?

The dominance theory was based on wolves from a study that was flawed..even if you don't want to study about that information which comes from people with PHD's dogs were domesticated over 316,000 years ago...just how long do you think these traits are going to last in a dog...what about humans from 316,000 years...don't you think we have all evolved...please do your dogs a favor and pick up some books on positive training and also read about the flawed thinking based on a group of wolves.

This was man 316,000 years ago..so I would guess there have been some changes made and new ways of thinking.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by red98vett

Jeanie - I just wanted to say something so no one gets pissed - I'm NOT trying to make light of any of this - (well - ok...I guess I did) but it's just too hard not to joke - there's some really good information on this thread for those who need to put a stop to it.....

but watch how you do it people ....You don't want this to happen (see photo)

Omg...where DO you all find these things? That is hilarious!

[livingdustmops]

Originally Posted by livingdustmops

I thought this article has some interesting information...

The Dog Trainer : What to Do About Your Humping Dog :: Quick and Dirty Tips

What to Do About Your Humping Dog

Episode 33: October 20, 2009
Dog Behavior
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by Jolanta Benal
Last weekend my best friend came to visit--a rare treat, since we live on opposite coasts. My dog Juniper adores Patti and was thrilled when she appeared--so thrilled that he made a complete air-humping circuit of my admittedly tiny living room. Once I managed to stop laughing, it occurred to me that humping, that common, sometimes embarrassing, often misunderstood behavior, deserved an episode all its own.
Why Do Dogs Hump?
Mounting or humping, of course, is what male dogs do when they mate. But as I’m sure we’ve all seen, dogs don’t only mount when mating, and they don’t only mount other dogs; they may also mount furniture, other animals, stuffed toys, and people. Once a dog whose behavior I was evaluating got on the back of the sofa behind me and began to hump my head. Female dogs mount, though less frequently than males.
Dogs May Hump for Sexual Reasons
Apart from actual mating, dogs still find plenty of reasons to mount. Oddly enough, people often overlook the most obvious of these: sex. Even neutered and spayed dogs display sexual behavior, often accompanied with what looks to a human eye like flirtation--bouncy, playful, physically close. You may see a female dog lift her tail away from her genitals just as she would if in heat and preparing to mate. Male dogs may ejaculate after humping, though if they’re neutered, of course the fluid contains no sperm. Masturbation humping is common, if I can judge by the number of clients who’ve told me about their dog’s special relationship with a pillow or other soft object.
Dogs May Hump When They are Excited or Anxious
Physiological arousal isn’t only sexual. Juniper’s response to our houseguest reflected happy excitement; he had an erection, so maybe there was a sexual component too. Dogs may hump when anxious. I’m not aware of any studies of whether the behavior lowers heart rate and blood pressure or promotes muscle relaxation, but I certainly wouldn’t be surprised. I also suspect that this anxious humping is the kind many popular training books explain as a status grab or an assertion of rank. For whatever reason, people tend to see high rank as the reason for showy, flamboyant dog behaviors such as humping and fighting. In fact, these often arise out of social anxiety. Something to bear in mind the next time a dog humps your leg--not an experience to look forward to, but usually not a portent of a palace coup.
Sexual humping and anxious humping can make people uncomfortable. Of course, if your dog is anxious, it’s a kindness to alleviate that anxiety even if you don’t mind him clasping leg. Also, a dog who routinely expresses social anxiety by humping fellow canines may sooner or later meet one who responds with significant aggression.
Dogs May Hump When They are Bored and Seeking Attention
With pretty much any behavior that you wish your dog wouldn’t do, consider whether he might be bored or seeking attention.
With pretty much any behavior that you wish your dog wouldn’t do, consider whether he might be bored or seeking attention. Take an honest look at how much physical exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction your dog gets. If your bored, underexercised, lonely young dog has learned he can get your attention by humping the couch cushion every evening right after dinner, the best way to stop the humping is to give him something else to fill his time.
What Is Normal Humping and Mounting?
All that having been said, humping isn’t always abnormal. In fact, it usually isn’t. If your dog, like my Juniper, sometimes humps excitedly, laugh and let it go. If your dog flirts and humps, or is humped by, some of his or her dog friends, no worries. Occasional humping as anxiety relief is normal, and so is masturbating. There’s no real way to put this delicately, but the fact that laundry may be unpleasant for you doesn’t automatically signify that your dog has a behavior problem. If your dog humps you occasionally, your best bet is to just get up and walk away.
Compulsive Disorders and Medical Problems
So when should you worry? First, if your dog humps to the exclusion of other activities or constantly licks at or rubs her genitals, you might be looking at canine compulsive disorder or a medical problem. Allergies, for example, can make dogs itch like mad. Check out my podcast on excessive licking for more about canine compulsive disorder, and schedule a vet check ASAP.
Second, if your dog humps every visitor to your house or every dog and dogette he meets at the park, you have all the evidence you need that that social situation is too much for him. Visit the dog park only when the place is less crowded, go elsewhere altogether, or limit playtime to familiar friends. Let your dog rest in his crate with a chew toy when people visit.
You may hear the advice to teach your dog a cue meaning “Leave that alone”; my only objection is that though it may solve your immediate manners problem it doesn’t address the cause. If you believe your dog’s humping arises out of anxiety about people or other dogs, consult a behavior specialist for advice.
Do Dogs Hump to Show Dominance?
As I mentioned earlier, you’ll often hear that humping is a dominance move. Perhaps it sometimes is, but beware of default “explanations” arrived at without much thought Take that dog who tried to hump my head. He repeatedly pushed into my space. He wasn’t friendly. And he had a history of guarding his resting spots and his toys. So maybe when he climbed up on the sofa back behind me, he was pulling rank. On the other hand, he was a young, intact male who had never had training of any kind--in other words, a hormone-packed adolescent who’d grown up in a household with no rules. Maybe he was trying to dominate me, or maybe he was just one of them boys who don’t know how to act. Either way, he needed a good reward-based dog trainer to show him some moves.

Apparently needs to be repeated...

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by livingdustmops

I find it interesting only the breeders have said this is a nasty habit and the pet owners have had a little fun and have moved on. Jeannie, this thread was just about dead and you pulled it back up. Why?

The dominance theory was based on wolves from a study that was flawed..even if you don't want to study about that information which comes from people with PHD's dogs were domesticated over 316,000 years ago...just how long do you think these traits are going to last in a dog...what about humans from 316,000 years...don't you think we have all evolved...please do your dogs a favor and pick up some books on positive training and also read about the flawed thinking based on a group of wolves.

This was man 316,000 years ago..so I would guess there have been some changes made and new ways of thinking.

Oh please....just thinking about what we should be made to give up and go to back to eating because that is what our ancestors did makes me sick.

[livingdustmops]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Oh please....just thinking about what we should be made to give up and go to back to eating because that is what our ancestors did makes me sick.

Well I have to admit some of the men I went out with still thought you hit the woman over the head and dragged her home for a little fun...

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by livingdustmops

Well I have to admit some of the men I went out with still thought you hit the woman over the head and dragged her home for a little fun...

haha so there you go....that solidifies the theory about bad habits going back to ancestors.....

which side of this discussion are you on?

[livingdustmops]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

haha so there you go....that solidifies the theory about bad habits going back to ancestors.....

which side of this discussion are you on?

I am on the side that listened to what my grandparents said, my parents said and then read a lot of books and changed my mind on a lot of issues with dogs...maybe because I so enjoy living with them and studying their ways. Gosh during my grandparents times, they did not come in the house unless it was bitter cold, got left overs or caught their own meals, drowned if didn't want the litter because they didn't spay/neuter then, chained so wouldn't run away and the list could go on...

And you know what, I feed my dogs before me so when I sit down to eat (on the couch) not one of them stares at me or tries to take any food from me while I am eating...they lay down and sleep...

[QuickSilver]

I actually do have an update of sorts... last night the Thorminator made an appearance, so I interrupted the licking and put it back into its pouch. Thor tolerated that, then immediately went back to his little party. I interrupted, Thor waited, then went back. We went through this a few times until I gave up. So yeah, not sure if it's about to become a habit or not. I did cut off a lot of the pee string just in case.

Where do I get one of those inflatable legs??

[red98vett]

Originally Posted by QuickSilver

I actually do have an update of sorts... last night the Thorminator made an appearance, so I interrupted the licking and put it back into its pouch. Thor tolerated that, then immediately went back to his little party. I interrupted, Thor waited, then went back. We went through this a few times until I gave up. So yeah, not sure if it's about to become a habit or not. I did cut off a lot of the pee string just in case.

Where do I get one of those inflatable legs??

hehe - I'll have to ask a MALE dog

my girl only has eyes for Magilla Gorilla and I already posted their date - He was loving all the attention though -

I never did post his AFTER picture

ps - it really COULD be a habit - Chanel went thru a foot fetish stage - she seemed obsessed by the top of her right foot for a while - now has since stopped but I even had it looked at -

[QuickSilver]

red98vett, you are hilarious, girl!

[JeanieK]

Originally Posted by livingdustmops

I find it interesting only the breeders have said this is a nasty habit and the pet owners have had a little fun and have moved on. Jeannie, this thread was just about dead and you pulled it back up. Why?

The dominance theory was based on wolves from a study that was flawed..even if you don't want to study about that information which comes from people with PHD's dogs were domesticated over 316,000 years ago...just how long do you think these traits are going to last in a dog...what about humans from 316,000 years...don't you think we have all evolved...please do your dogs a favor and pick up some books on positive training and also read about the flawed thinking based on a group of wolves.

This was man 316,000 years ago..so I would guess there have been some changes made and new ways of thinking.

I did not bring it back up. someone, posted a serious question, Looking for a serious answer.

The fact that you do not believe in the dominance theory does not mean it is not factual. You might get a kick out of watching your dogs hump your leg, but some of us do not.

For those who do not want this behavior to continue there is a solution.

Is there really any harm in the advice I posted? Will it hurt the dog if she gives it a try? If indeed the dominance theory is outdated then I guess it won't work for her and she can give the dog a teddy bear and post videos on youtube.

There are also people with PHD's that do believe in the dominance theory. There is a man that actually lived with a pack of wolves and experienced their heirarchy first hand.

I don't follow along behind you and attempt to discredit everything you say, why do you feel the need to discredit everything I say.

You all had your fun. I went back and found a thread where the OP had posted on a thread with this same topic previously, leading me to believe that she started this thread just to stir things up.

While you all were on here having your fun, I was off answering serious PM's from people who were wanting a straight answer but were afraid to ask for fear if being ridiculed.