Got the Hump?!
Why Do Dogs Hump? Understanding Humping Behaviour in Dogs
Humping, also known as mounting, is one of those behaviours that often leaves dog owners feeling puzzled and, sometimes, embarrassed. Whether it's a young puppy, an excitable adolescent, or even an adult dog, humping is a behaviour that occurs in both male and female dogs.
However, the assumption that humping is purely a sexual behaviour or a sign of dominance is outdated and overly simplistic. While reproductive hormones can play a part, in most cases, humping is actually linked to over-arousal—an emotional or physical response to heightened excitement, frustration, or stimulation.
Let’s explore why dogs engage in humping, what it means, and how you can address it.
Humping is a Sign of Arousal—Not Just Reproductive Behaviour
One of the most common misconceptions about humping is that it’s solely linked to reproduction. Yes, entire male dogs may display humping behaviour due to hormonal drives, but this isn’t the only explanation. In fact, many neutered dogs, as well as females, also engage in humping
The truth is, humping is more often associated with emotional arousal rather than sexual intent. Dogs can display this behaviour when they are excited, anxious, frustrated, or overstimulated. It can happen during play with other dogs, interactions with people, or when the dog is simply experiencing a surge of emotions.
For example:
A dog who has been cooped up for most of the day may hump when finally allowed to play, as a release for pent-up energy.
A dog who is frustrated by not being able to interact with something exciting (like another dog on the other side of a fence) may resort to humping as a form of displacement behaviour.
Similarly, a dog might hump when they are feeling anxious or stressed, as a way to release tension.
Both Males and Females Hump
Humping is not limited to male dogs. Female dogs also engage in this behaviour, especially when they are feeling emotionally or physically overstimulated. It's important to recognise that it’s not about gender—it’s about how the dog is managing its emotional state.
Humping in Puppies and Adolescents
Puppies often display humping behaviour during play as they explore their bodies and learn how to interact with the world. For young dogs, it’s a fairly common behaviour that can occur during boisterous play or when they become overly excited.
Adolescence is another time when humping may be more noticeable. Hormonal changes combined with emotional arousal can lead to a surge in this behaviour. However, it’s important to understand that even in young dogs, humping doesn’t always have a direct sexual link.
Why Some Dogs Hump People or Objects
Sometimes dogs direct their humping behaviour towards people or objects such as toys, cushions, or even furniture. Again, this is typically a sign of overstimulation rather than dominance or sexual intent. Dogs may use humping as a way to burn off excess energy or express frustration if their needs for physical or mental stimulation aren’t being met.
This type of behaviour can often be managed by redirecting the dog’s attention and energy to more appropriate activities, such as games, training, or providing enrichment.
How to Address Humping Behaviour
Humping doesn’t necessarily need to be “corrected” unless it’s causing a problem or distress for the dog or those around them. However, if the behaviour is becoming excessive or socially inappropriate, here are a few steps you can take:
Observe the Triggers – Pay attention to when and where your dog engages in humping. Is it during play? When they meet other dogs? When they are anxious or frustrated? Understanding the context can help you address the underlying emotional state.
Provide Mental and Physical Enrichment – Ensure your dog is getting plenty of opportunities to burn off energy and engage their mind. Regular walks, playtime, and enrichment activities like puzzle toys or training exercises can help reduce excess energy that might lead to humping.
Redirect the Behaviour – When you notice your dog starting to hump, calmly redirect their focus to a different activity. Teaching a reliable “sit” or “leave it” command can be useful for interrupting the behaviour without punishing your dog.
Avoid Reinforcing the Behaviour – Be careful not to inadvertently reinforce humping by giving your dog attention, even if it's to scold them. Instead, calmly redirect and provide positive reinforcement for more appropriate behaviours.
Address Underlying Stress or Frustration – If your dog’s humping appears to be linked to stress or frustration, focus on reducing the sources of these feelings. For example, providing more opportunities for socialisation, creating a calm environment, or using calming aids can help.
When to Seek Professional Help
If humping is excessive or linked to aggression, it may be worth consulting with a qualified behaviourist. There could be deeper issues of anxiety or frustration that need addressing in a more structured way.
Conclusion: Understanding Your Dog’s Needs
In most cases, humping is a normal behaviour that stems from over-arousal rather than dominance or reproduction. By understanding the emotional triggers behind this behaviour and providing your dog with appropriate outlets for their energy and emotions, you can help reduce humping and ensure your dog is happier.