Why Do Female Dogs Hump? And How To Stop It?

Have you ever seen a female dog humping another dog, a toy, or even a person’s leg and thought, “Yikes, why are they doing that?” Well, it can be kind of embarrassing, especially if it happens at the park with other dogs and people around. But here’s the thing: when female dogs do this, it’s not always for the reasons you might think.

It’s not just male dogs that do this; female dogs do it too. It is a totally normal behavior, even if it does make us humans blush a bit. All you need to do is understand your furry friend and know how to guide them on what’s okay and what’s not.

For example, I have a female dog who’s pretty old, and she’s been spayed, which means she can’t have puppies. Sometimes, after she’s been playing with my younger male dog, she’ll start humping him if he lets her. Interestingly enough, it’s observed that neutered males are more prone to this behavior than those males who haven’t been neutered, possibly because they don’t have the mating experiences that teach them to be choosy.

Dog humping isn’t just about dogs humping other dogs. Some female dogs might go for a person’s leg or grab a pillow or a toy. So, why do female dogs do this? Is it something you should worry about with your dog? And how can you get your female dog to stop? Let’s dive into these questions!

Why Female Dogs Do the Hump Thing

Humping is something dogs just do, and they do it for a bunch of different reasons. It doesn’t matter if they’re just little pups or older dogs; they might start humping their brothers and sisters, other pets at home, or even dogs they’ve just met at the park or when they’re hanging out with other dogs at a daycare place. However, I made sure to list some of the most common reasons for you down below and ways to tackle them:

1. Getting Too Excited or Stressed 

It turns out that one of the big reasons a female dog might start humping is because she’s feeling anxious or super excited. Research shows that out of dogs that seemed worried or stressed, about 65% did hump people. It’s kind of like they’re trying to burn off some steam.

It’s like their way of calming themselves down. This is actually one of the top reasons I see for humping when I talk to people about their dog’s behavior. 

A dog might start feeling all jittery in new places or if there are too many things happening around them. Maybe they see new dogs/pets or people coming into their home, and they don’t know how to handle it. Identifying the stressor and easing your pet into the changed scenario is beneficial.

When there’s a whole lot of action around them, a dog might not know how to chill out. They might start humping when they’re super happy, like when you get home after being out all day or when visitors drop by. This could also happen when they’re in places with lots of different dogs and things they can’t control, like at the dog park or daycare.

2. A Gesture to Start Playing

Did you know that humping can be a way dogs start playing with each other? Yep, it’s true. Sometimes, a dog might try to start a playtime with another dog by humping. Or, you might see them doing it while they’re roughhousing. It can be a bit awkward to see your dog suddenly hump another during play, but if it’s just a quick thing and the rest of their play is all good, it’s usually fine to just let them be. But keep an eye out for signs that they might be feeling too worked up or like they’re trying to boss other dogs around during play.

It’s also important to check that the dog being humped isn’t getting upset or stressed. Some dogs are cool with a little humping as part of playing, but others might get really annoyed and even snap back. Learning more about how dogs play and interact can be super helpful.

3. Dominance in Female Dogs – A Misconception!

Let’s talk about a tricky dog behavior – dominance. Often misunderstood, the idea of dominance has led to some not-so-great training methods. But here’s the thing: humping in dogs can sometimes be about dominance or social status, though it’s more complex than it seems.

The act of your dog humping things isn’t about trying to be the boss. It’s not tied to any signs of being aggressive or showing who’s in charge. Dogs that are friendly with each other doing things like licking each other’s faces, may also engage in mounting.

Contrary to popular belief, the dog doing the humping isn’t always trying to assert dominance. Sometimes, it’s the less confident dog that resorts to humping. They might not know how to interact with a more confident dog and hump as a coping mechanism. Interestingly, the more confident dog might just tolerate it! Humping related to social status often comes with other behaviors, like specific body postures, rolling over submissively, or licking another dog’s face.

When a dog humps a person, it’s usually a sign of stress or excessive excitement, not dominance. The concept of dominance between humans and dogs is not really applicable. Humans are in a position of control over dogs, managing their essential resources, and dogs are aware of this hierarchy.

4. The Role of Hormones 

When you see a female dog humping, it might surprise you, but vets have learned that it’s often not about mating at all. In studies that looked at female dogs and their hormones, like estrogen (which is important for making babies), the levels didn’t really make a difference in how much they humped. What’s interesting is that girls are more likely to hump other girls who are ready to mate. 

This explains why even neutered males might react to the scent of a female dog in heat and instinctively hump. 

Note: Bringing your female dog to a dog park while she’s in heat is a definite no-go. Her presence alone can stir up chaos among even the most well-behaved dogs. 

Additionally, some dogs discover that humping feels good and might do it more frequently, whether with another dog, a person, or even a favorite pillow.

For instance, watch this video showing a young puppy humping an adult dog during play. It’s likely a mix of hormonal urges as he approaches maturity and the excitement from playing. The adult dog tolerates it but gently signals for him to stop, showcasing confident and well-adjusted behavior.

5. Soothing an Itch Can Lead to a Habit 

Dogs, including your female pooch, might start humping as a reaction to discomfort in their private areas. Think of it as their way of scratching an itch that they can’t otherwise reach.

However, this behavior might lead to a pattern that’s hard to break. Here’s the catch: if the itchiness is constant and the dog keeps humping to get some relief, she could start doing it out of habit, not just need. This can spiral into what’s known as obsessive-compulsive behavior (OCD). If the original cause of the itch isn’t treated, the dog gets caught in a loop – the itch leads to humping, which feels good and eases the discomfort, creating a cycle that keeps repeating.

To prevent this, you’ve got to address both issues – the medical and the behavioral. Treating the underlying health problem that’s causing the itch is essential. Then, you can start working on breaking the humping habit. Sometimes, a distraction like a quick spritz from a water bottle can redirect your dog’s attention and stop the behavior in the moment.

And just a note – OCD behaviors aren’t rare in certain dog breeds, like those bred for retrieving. These dogs have a natural drive to keep going and going, and this can extend to humping. So, in these breeds, you might find that breaking the humping habit takes a bit more patience and consistency.

When should you worry?

If your dog’s humping becomes excessive or accompanied by other odd behaviors (like too much licking) to the point where it interferes with her daily activities, like eating, drinking, or playing, it’s time to consult a professional.

In such cases, I recommend seeking the advice of a certified behaviorist to determine the best course of action.

Health Conditions That May Lead to Humping in Female Dogs

While humping is often considered a behavioral issue in dogs, there are certain medical conditions that could be underlying this action. It’s essential to explore and eliminate these possibilities,

Bladder infections: Such infections can result in pain and an inflamed genital region. Humping might be an effort from the dog’s side to alleviate the pain associated with it.

Dermatological disorders: Skin issues, whether due to allergies or infections, can be excessively itchy and agitating. To soothe the itchiness or pain, dogs might resort to humping as an alternative to scratching or licking the affected area.

Persistent erections (Priapism): Prolonged erections can be agonizing for dogs. Rather than attempting to lick the area, some dogs may choose humping as a way to mitigate the discomfort.

Addressing and Reducing Humping in Dogs

Humping might be instinctive for dogs, but it can lead to complications:

• It can provoke a hostile response from other pets or dogs who don’t appreciate the behavior.
• Vigorous humping by bigger dogs can inadvertently harm smaller or older dogs.
• If not checked early on, habitual humping might become deeply ingrained, especially in younger dogs.
• Humping induced by stress or anxiety, if not tackled, can escalate into more aggressive tendencies. Constant stress can deteriorate a dog’s overall well-being, potentially causing issues like hypertension among other health complications.
• Overzealous humpers, particularly in breeds with elongated backs such as the Dachshund or Corgi, might be prone to spinal disc injuries.
• It’s worth noting that humans, especially kids, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems, can be susceptible to infections if accidentally grazed by a humping dog’s nails.
• Even if the act is playful, other dog parents might not be comfortable with your dog exhibiting such behavior towards their pets.

Should You Stop Your Female Dog From Humping?

Most of the time, humping is harmless. However, there are situations when intervention might be necessary.

As a general rule, if your dog’s humping is causing distress or harm to another dog, it’s advisable to step in.

If the other dog doesn’t seem bothered, there’s typically no need to interfere. Remember, moderate humping can be a normal part of dog-to-dog interaction. But always monitor the situation to ensure it’s not causing any issues.

If you’re expecting situations that might trigger her humping, like having guests over, try to redirect her attention early on. Get her involved in an activity she enjoys and can’t do at the same time as humping, like a down-stay on her bed. It’s better to guide her toward the behavior you want to see rather than just telling her to stop what she’s doing.

Instead of punishing your dog, try redirecting her focus with a high-value treat or a favorite toy. The goal is to gently steer her attention elsewhere, especially in situations where she typically exhibits humping. And don’t forget to praise or treat her for this positive shift in behavior.

Now, You might be wondering, “How long will it take to train my female dog to stop this behavior?”

The duration to train a dog out of humping behavior can range from a few weeks to several months, largely depending on the dog’s temperament, the reason behind the behavior, and the consistency of the training approach employed. Younger dogs or those with a history of responsive training may adapt quicker, whereas older dogs or those with a behavior deeply ingrained may require a more prolonged effort. 

For instance, it may take 10-15 repetitions for a poodle or around 100 for a beagle. Consistency is key.

Does Spaying/Neutering Impact Humping Actions?

Spaying or neutering your pet may reduce instances of humping propelled by hormonal urges. Apart from behavioral control, neutering also aids in preventing accidental litter and minimizes the risk of cancers linked to reproductive organs.

 But remember, it’s not an instant fix. It might surprise you, but yes, spayed females might still hump. It takes a while for hormones to settle down, and sometimes, the behavior sticks around just because they’ve learned it. 

Nonetheless, if the behavior is frequently exhibited due to hormonal reasons before the procedure, it’s imperative to address it. Remember, while it’s an instinctive act, when repeated excessively, humping can become a reinforced habit. Such habits may persist even post-neutering or spaying.

In such scenarios, professional obedience training or alternative approaches like group sessions or time-outs could be beneficial.

How to Control Dog’s Stress-Related Humping Behavior

Now, Let’s dive in and explore how to manage female dog humping behavior with compassion and effectiveness:

1. Evaluating Environmental Stressors:

Assessing environmental factors that may be causing stress to your dog is essential. If your dog exhibits humping behavior in certain situations, reconsider their exposure to those environments. For example:

If visiting dog parks or daycares triggers humping, consider less crowded alternatives. Arranging playdates with familiar dogs or visiting parks during off-peak hours can be beneficial, especially for dogs that hump as a means of controlling other dogs’ play.

For dogs that hump people or other pets, managing excitement and stress is key. You can do this by keeping your dog in a separate area until they’ve calmed down. In cases of fear-based stress, it might be necessary to keep them separated throughout the visit. Working with a certified dog trainer or behavior consultant on desensitization and counterconditioning can be invaluable.

2. Intervention and Redirection Techniques:

Being proactive in managing your dog’s behavior is crucial. When you notice signs of mounting or humping:

Use a verbal cue, like their name, to interrupt and grab their attention. Redirect them to a different activity if needed. You can then decide whether to allow them back to play or have them take a break to calm down.

I once had this same challenge with my dog. Every time I saw my female pooch start to whine, lick, or rub against stuff, I knew what was coming next, so I started using the “leave it” command. It’s pretty simple. Whenever I saw those cheeky behaviors, I’d firmly say, “leave it.” Then, quick as a flash, I’d distract my pooch with a favorite toy. Sure, it took some patience, but believe me, it worked wonders! Keeping those unwanted humping habits in check has never been easier.

If your dog doesn’t respond to verbal cues, physically intervene and give them a break. Persistent humping may indicate overstimulation, stress, or hormonal influences. In such cases, group play might not be suitable until these issues are addressed.

3. Providing Alternatives:

If your dog resorts to humping objects or people due to stress:

Consider providing a designated object, like a pillow or stuffed animal, for them to hump. This can be a temporary measure while addressing the root causes of their stress, or a long-term management strategy for some dogs.

4. Avoiding Punishment:

It’s important to remember that humping is a natural canine behavior. Punishing your dog for humping can lead to increased anxiety, harm your relationship, or even escalate to aggressive behavior. Focus on calmly interrupting the behavior and understanding the underlying causes.

FAQ: Female Dog Humping Behaviors Explained

Can Spayed Female Dogs Still Hump? 

Absolutely. While spaying a female dog can reduce the urge to mate by eliminating her heat cycles, it doesn’t completely remove sexual behaviors. Spayed female dogs might hump as a playful act or to establish a social hierarchy.

Do Female Dogs Hump More When In Heat? 

During their heat cycle, female dogs may exhibit increased humping due to the surge in hormones that comes with being in season. This behavior is a normal part of their reproductive cycle.

Why Does My Female Dog Hump Me and Not Any Other Person? 

Well, there’s not a one-size-fits-all answer, but there are several explanations that could make sense of when a female dog humps your leg or arm.

For starters, your furry friend might view you as her main source of care or fun. This means she might be more inclined to show you her playful side, which could include humping. It’s also possible she’s picking up on subtle signals you’re sending with your body language, which could unknowingly encourage her to hump.

Another factor could be the unique bond you share with her. If she feels particularly close to you, she may express her comfort and affection in this way, which she might not do with any other person if their bond is different.

Why does my female dog hump when we have visitors? 

Mounting can be what animal behavior experts call a displacement behavior. This means it’s a behavior that shows up when a dog is dealing with conflicting feelings. For example, when a new person visits your home, your dog might feel excited but also stressed, which can result in her humping the visitor or other objects.

Can more playtime stop my female dog from humping?

Yes, giving your dog more playtime and exercise every day can help. It burns off energy and keeps them calm, which might be why they are humping. Each dog breed needs different amounts of exercise, so making sure your dog gets the right amount of active play can really help with this behavior.

What should I do if my dog’s mounting behavior is excessive? 

If your dog is mounting obsessively, or if it’s leading to problems with other dogs, you can address this behavior through methods like obedience training, desensitization, and preventative strategies.

Does your dog exhibit frequent humping behavior? Understanding the triggers and causes can be the first step in addressing this issue. 

Feel free to share your experiences or thoughts in the comments!