Owners of dogs usually dislike observing their pets engage in humping conduct. When viewed through the lens of humans, mounting and humping behavior often have conspicuous sexual overtones.
However, dogs do not always fall into this category.
Humping is one of the various methods through which dogs socialize and engage with each other. Nonetheless, it may progress to include items, furnishings, and even human beings.
Few things are more unpleasant than witnessing one’s dog attempting to hump a visitor. The majority of pet owners will reprimand their dogs, provide them with a toy or instruction, and then disregard the incident.
Nevertheless, humping may develop into a significant issue for certain dogs.
It is even more concerning to witness young puppies engaging in humping behavior.
Although it is typically associated with adulthood and is crucial for reproduction, witnessing a young puppy engage in this behavior can be surprising. However, it is important to note that this conduct is not solely reserved for adult canines, despite common beliefs.
It may be surprising, but puppies can begin at a much earlier stage than what many people believe.
When Do Puppies Begin Humping and Mounting?
Typically, dogs should start exhibiting humping behavior regularly as they approach sexual maturity.
The age at which a dog can be considered fully grown varies depending on the breed, typically occurring at approximately six months of age. However, for larger breeds, this process may take up to two years as the rate of their development varies.
Although six months is typically the age at which puppies start humping, it’s possible to observe this behavior in puppies as young as eight weeks old.
5 Reasons Why Young Puppies Hump
Adults engage in humping for various reasons, making it a complex behavior with multiple functions.
The main purpose of this behavior in dogs is to ready themselves for future breeding opportunities, but it can additionally function as a means of demonstrating dominance or enthusiasm.
Puppies, who often have innocent meanings, may begin humping at the age of eight for various reasons, as outlined below.
1. Social Status
The term “pack” isn’t mere linguistic ornamentation, as pet specialists frequently use it to refer to you and your household.
Dogs perceive households as packs.
Dogs used to live in packs with clear hierarchies well before they were domesticated. Presently, even untamed canines display a commitment to safeguarding and ensuring the health of their community.
Although contemporary dogs are incredibly indulged, they still exhibit the pack mentality. During their early days, puppies usually regard their littermates as a group.
Eventually, it includes you, your household members, and any other animals living with you.
What’s the connection between this and humping? The act of mounting is a way for dogs to express their dominance and position within the pack.
In order to assert dominance, the dominant alpha dog tends to mount and hump the less powerful individuals while the subordinate members of the pack will submit.
Engaging in humping behavior at a young age allows puppies to experiment and try out new experiences.
They are making an effort to achieve the alpha position, which is similar to a young puppy attempting to demonstrate its dominance.
Nevertheless, the conduct may become troublesome if it spreads to involve you.
It is not uncommon for puppies to become overly confident and attempt to mount their owners. It is advised that you address this behavior immediately to prevent future dominance-related problems. In the following section, we will provide you with methods to put an end to humping.
2. Innocent Play
As a form of play, humping is typically exhibited by puppies in the majority of cases.
Although it may seem unusual to humans, rowdy young dogs view it as harmless entertainment.
If two animals who are siblings playfully chase each other and then switch roles to mount each other, there is no need to feel uncomfortable as it is only considered strange if one chooses to perceive it that way.
Your puppy’s conduct indicates a state of pure enthusiasm and joyfulness.
It is a method of managing intense feelings, and it is typical in this situation, typically not indicating any cause for concern.
3. Unbridled Excitement
This argument is akin to the previous one, but it applies at any time your dog feels inundated with happy feelings.
It could occur during an exhilarating playtime with you or following a scrumptious meal, as an instance.
In situations involving a hyperactive puppy, humping is often observed.
You’re familiar with the kind: Juvenile fluff that cannot remain settled for more than a couple of seconds! They’re motors of vitality that are constantly in motion.
In due time, these emotions will become too intense and result in the displacement of any joy through sexual activity.
Your puppy is internally receiving a surge of dopamine that affects its brain. The act of humping is a method of redirecting this energy and fulfilling a strong desire.
4. Feelings of Stress
Although humping is considered a joyful behavior common in most puppies, it may also be a result of negative emotions.
Although puppies may have a relatively simple existence, they are not entirely exempt from experiencing stress. As they are constantly being introduced to new surroundings, stressful situations tend to arise more frequently than one might anticipate.
New environments or situations can cause anxiety in pups.
As an illustration, your canine companion may display anxious behavior when you visit a shop or when an unfamiliar individual visits your residence.
Nervousness can be triggered by unknown sounds in certain instances.
Due to their difficulty in dealing with unfamiliar emotions, dogs tend to engage in destructive actions such as chewing.
Taking everything into account, engaging in humping can be viewed as a relatively harmless method of coping with those feelings.
The most effective solution is to face the cause of stress and take actions to soothe your dog.
5. Potential Medical Issues
Medical issues can sometimes cause puppies to hump, which is a topic that many dog owners would prefer not to consider, but it needs to be acknowledged.
Humping can be caused by a number of common health issues such as urinary tract infections, prostate problems, and tumors.
A possibility is that the act of humping may indicate discomfort or pain.
It is always advisable to consult a vet if there are any signs of unusual behavior in your dog that may be related to health problems. Being cautious is always a wise decision.
Take note of any unusual symptoms or alterations in behavior. Your veterinarian can better understand the situation with any supplementary information provided.
BONUS: Dog Training 101: How to Completely Train Your Dog
Do you feel prepared to initiate the training process for your puppy or dog? Ensuring your pet receives proper socialization and training is crucial for their wellbeing. It’s imperative to commence training as early as possible, teaching your dog fundamental commands such as sitting, staying, coming, going to their crate, and evacuating outside. Interestingly, as a novice, this is a task you can undertake on your own.
Dog training can appear daunting initially, especially if you are new to owning a dog. The reality is that it’s a significant undertaking, but it becomes much more manageable if you break it down into smaller steps. To get you started, here is some helpful information:
- Start a Dog Obedience Program : Learn how to set a basic foundation before you begin to train your dog.
- Train Your Dog Using Games : Training your dog should be fun! Everyone knows it’s easier to learn when you are having a good time, so try implementing some games into your dog training regimen.
- Six Weeks to a Well-Trained Dog : Using this schedule as a guide, you can teach your dog the basics in about six weeks.
- Positive Reinforcement : There are many different ways to train a dog, but most dog professionals agree that the positive way is the best for both the dog and trainer.
House Training and Crate Training
House training, which involves teaching your dog where to eliminate, is a crucial first step in caring for your furry companion, particularly if you do not intend to leave them outside. To achieve this training, you can incorporate crate training, which is a valuable tool that covers not only house training but also several other aspects of training.
- Crate Training Dogs and Puppies : Here are the basics of training your dog or puppy to accept and even enjoy the crate. Not only will it help with housebreaking, but it will also give your dog a place of his own.
- How to House Train your Dog : When it comes down to it, house training is not that complicated, but this doesn’t mean it’s easy. Consistency and diligence are key during the housebreaking process.
- Submissive/Excitement Urination in Dogs : If your dog is still having accidents in the house, it may be more than a simple housebreaking issue. Your dog might urinate out of excitement or to express submissive behavior.
Leash Training Dogs and Puppies
It is important for all dogs to be trained to walk on a leash. This is not only because most places have regulations requiring leashes, but also because it can protect your dog from danger. You should start by introducing your dog or puppy to the idea of using a leash, then teach them to walk calmly and properly on it – even while you ride a bike. A well-behaved dog on a leash will make walks enjoyable for both owner and pet, and can be trained to resist the urge to pull or jump.
How To Socialize Dogs and Puppies
Training your puppy or adult dog to accept new people, animals, and various places through exposure is referred to as socialization. Dogs that are socialized have a reduced likelihood of developing behavioral issues and are generally more accepted overall. Additionally, socialization can act as a preventative measure against the development of fears and phobias.
In essence, ensuring your dog or puppy has social interactions will result in a more content and obedient pet.
Clicker Training for Dogs
Utilizing positive reinforcement, clicker training is a popular and uncomplicated approach to training dogs. While it is not imperative to incorporate clicker training in your dog’s training regimen, it can be advantageous. This method facilitates the instruction of fundamental and intricate commands and tricks to your dog in a prompt and effortless manner, making it simple to acquire the skill of clicker training.
Basic Commands and Fun Tricks
Every dog should learn certain fundamental dog commands and tricks such as come, speak, drop it, stay, back up, etc. These basic commands provide your dog with structure, help you tackle typical dog behavior difficulties, and ensure the safety of your dog.
Proofing Behaviors and Troubleshooting
The final stage of teaching your dog a new behavior is called proofing. Master the skill of proofing so that your furry friend listens to you just as attentively outside your home, like at a friend’s house or the park, as he does within the comfort of your own living space.
Don’t forget that even if you are in the advanced stages of training, you may still encounter behavioral issues. Familiarize yourself with the most prevalent canine behavior problems and discover how to address them. These manuals can be beneficial in guiding you through this aspect of the training program.
- Proofing Behaviors : Practice behaviors in a variety of situations with different levels of distraction. Without proofing, your dog may behave well in your living room, but seem to forget all his training when he is outside the house.
- Teach Your Dog Self-Control: This method teaches your dog that nothing in life is free, but that he needs to earn things like food and attention through obedience.
- Common Dog Behavior Problems : Understanding potential behavior issues can help you detect and address them before things get out of control.
- Dog Behavior Management Versus Dog Training : While dog behavior management and dog training are two different things, they are not mutually exclusive. Behavior management is an important part of any dog training program.
Advanced Dog Training
After your dog has become proficient in the fundamentals, you can contemplate progressing to more intricate maneuvers. These endeavors will not only enhance your dog’s physical and mental agility, but also foster a deeper connection with your furry friend.
Always keep in mind that training is a continuous journey and it never truly ends. It is crucial to consistently work on obedience training for your furry friend’s entire life. Similar to how individuals who learn a language during their youth but do not speak it regularly may lose the knowledge over time, your dog can also experience the same outcome. Practicing even the simplest commands and tricks will aid in keeping them sharp in your dog’s memory. Additionally, it is a fantastic opportunity to bond with your pet.
