Although humping is typically associated with male dogs, it is also very prevalent in female dogs. Certain girls will hump toys or other objects, air, other dogs, or even people. We speak with Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Chair of The Association of Professional Dog Trainers Nick Hof, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, KPA-CTP, CSAT, to get more information about humping, why girls do it, and how to prevent your female dog from humping. Nick Hof also responds to some of your most frequently asked questions about female dogs and humping.
Hof advised that dog guardians shouldn’t panic. “Humping is a common dog behavior, even though it can be a little embarrassing. You do not need to demonize it nor glorify it. Dog humping typically makes people uncomfortable because they believe it to be either a sexual behavior or a sign of dominance. Hof clarified that although humping frequently results from an increased level of arousal, it is not necessarily sexual in nature. He clarified that female dogs may hump as a stress response.
Hof has personal as well as professional experience with female dogs humping: “I had two female dogs that would hump each other any time I had a guest over due to the heightened arousal level; humping each other was a good outlet for them,” Hof said. ”.
Female Dog Humping May Stem From Boredom and Stress Relief
If you don’t leave your female dog alone for long periods of time and she doesn’t have enough toys and other activities to keep her occupied during the day, another explanation for “why do female dogs hump?” could be boredom or stress relief. As some dogs may bite, howl, whine, tear up shoes or couch cushions when they feel abandoned, so too do other dogs hump out of boredom or extreme stress.
You might want to think about creating a stricter and more regular schedule of walking, running, or interactive play if your dog, male or female, is a habitual humper. By spending time with your dog and giving her a routine, you can take away her need to hump things, people, and other dogs out of boredom or anxiety.
Why Do Female Dogs Hump Specific Things or People?
Dogs will often pick specific things that they enjoy humping. Toys, a sofa arm, or a person’s leg are some examples of these things. Sometimes the decision is made to draw attention, as when someone is humped. Other times, dogs will simply select a soft object that is close by or their favorite. Usually, humping is just a release of pent-up energy.
Is it normal for a puppy to hump?
Male or female, humming is typically a normal aspect of all puppies’ lives. Although it may seem taboo to us, it’s important to keep in mind that puppies frequently hump their chests for no particular reason. Generally speaking, male and female humping is a form of stress relief, an act of dominance, or a way to lessen excitement during play. If males or females aren’t properly trained and disciplined, their humping is likely to become excessive and agitate other dogs.
If your adult dog has recently started humming, it might be a sign of a health problem. Humphing may signal priapism, urinary incontinence, a UTI, skin allergies, or other conditions if it suddenly develops or becomes more prevalent. We’d recommend visiting the vet in these cases.
FAQ
Are girl puppies supposed to hump?
Do Female Dogs Usually Hump? All dogs, whether they are male or female, can and do hump on occasion. Although it can be embarrassing or inconvenient, or even dangerous if your dog mounts a smaller dog or a child, this is regarded as a very normal behavior.
Is it normal for a 5 month old female puppy to hump?
Puppies don’t enter puberty until they are between six and eight months old, so humping is a non-sexual play behavior. One of the first ways a puppy learns about its own power and social standing is through this. It can therefore persist into adulthood, even if your dog is female and has undergone desexing.
What should I do when my puppy humps things?
The best way to treat humping is to redirect. This communicates to the dog that the behavior is undesirable and enables positive reinforcement if they obey another command. Ask the dog to sit, lie down, or stay when the humming begins, and give them a treat if they comply.
Why do female puppies hump their owners?
Arousal responses in female dogs, such as humping, can be brought on by a variety of circumstances. Female dogs hump in response to stress, play, overarousal, excitement, and frustration. Dogs may hump when they are playing, stressed, anxious, excited, bored, or frustrated.