That most unusual subject line was read out loud yesterday to me as I waited in line at the pharmacy getting the mother in law some much needed cough drops.

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The headline 'surprise' came from one of the 'National Enquirer' type magazines, and definitely provided a good laugh :-)

If you happen to have a 'humping dog' problem, don't fret, for leg pregnancy won't happen..

BUT it did get me to thinking about how so many of our dog's behaviours are misunderstood- including mounting or humping..

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Why do they do this?
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Humping, otherwise known as mounting is what male dogs will do when they mate. Female dogs do this as well, of course less often. Dogs also mount furniture, toys, people's legs, and for a few reasons.

Yes it can still be displaying sexual behaviour, hence that 'special' stuffy toy that your dog does 'unnamed' things to. Dogs are animals, as are we, and they still have sexual behaviours in spite being neutered/spayed.

Other triggers can be with types of anxiety-I can use my 'new' dog Jessie as an example. Things are cool with both him and my other dog Lewis, we can walk on the trail with bouts of peeing, running and playing, then when other dogs show up, Jessie hops on top of Lewis and proceeds to embarass me and Lewis..

Then there is the most common explanation, displaying DOMINANCE. You commonly see this with puppies, and often with adult dogs. It's saying 'I AM IN CHARGE' in a socially not always acceptable way.

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What Can You Do?
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If your dog isn't spayed/neutered, then get this done.

You don't need to address the behaviour all the time, BUT when it's excessive, involving your neighbors leg, or crushing the small dog on the dog walk, then you need to come up with some strategies.

Assuming your dog is 'fixed' then let's use some positive rewards based training. Correcting in a harsh manner for humping can  cause more serious problems.


1. Get back to BASIC training skills. You want your dog to be able to sit, come, lay down on cue.

2. Distract- get the ball, offer the squeaky toy, the kong filled with peanut butter..

3. Don't get too worried- for your dog isn't and if you get all angry, the behaviour won't be changing, but you can sure damage the relationship with your dog.


As with many unwanted dog behaviours, some time spent learning positive rewards based training will pay off in spades, and you WILL change the undesired behavior.


 
Best Wishes

Dr Andrew J

P.S. My Boxing Day Special ENDS in 2 days- here is the BEST deal EVER offered on my manual, Veterinary Secrets Revealed, where you can grab a copy for 60% OFF:

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DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational
purposes only and is not intended to replace the
advice of your own veterinarian. Dr Andrew Jones
resigned from the College of Veterinarians of
B.C. effective December  1 2010, meaning he
cannot answer specific questions about your
pet's medical issues or make specific medical
recommendations for your pet.


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