Dog Behavior Expert Reveals Five Triggers that Cause Frequent Humping in Dogs
Dog humping can be a puzzling behavior for pet parents. It's not about dominance as often thought, but more complex than that. Certified dog trainer Melissa Goodman from Mission Pawsitive has shed light on the topic in her recent Instagram post, and here's a breakdown of the five common reasons she pointed out:
- Over-stimulation: When your furry friend gets slammed with too much sensory information, they might hump as a way to cope.
- Frustration: If your pooch is feeling frustrated, say, because you're not playing with them quickly enough, they may turn to humping to release that energy.
- Stress and Anxiety: Humping can be a technique for dogs to unwind and cope with stress and anxiety. In a way, it serves as a kind of grounding mechanism.
- Attention-seeking: If your dog has learned that humping gets a reaction from you, positive or negative, they might hump as a method for grabbing your attention.
- Over-excitement: Similar to frustration, dogs might hump to get rid of excess energy caused by being over-excited.
While this isn't an exhaustive list, it does cover some of the most common reasons why your pooch might start humping. Other potential causes could be boredom, sexual behavior, or medical issues such as urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, or skin allergies. If you're unsure, it's always best to consult your vet.
Overall, humping is a common dog and puppy behavior, and it usually doesn't create serious problems. If you'd like more insights, check out Melissa Goodman's resources directly. You can also explore our newsletter for expert advice, tips, and trending tech for your beloved pets.
Additional Reading: Mastering the Art of Distracting a Hyper Dog
- Pet parents may find their cats exhibiting similar behaviors, such as aggressive toys-wielding or excessive grooming, as dogs when they become over-stimulated or anxious.
- To maintain a calm and stress-free lifestyle at home-and-garden, it's crucial to provide pets, be it dogs, cats, or even puppies, with an ample supply of entertaining and stimulating toys to prevent excessive humping or other unwanted behaviors.
- In addition to training sessions, pet stores offer a variety of puzzles and interactive toys designed to maintain a dog's focus and reduce the likelihood of destructive behavior such as humping.
- Embracing positive reinforcement methods, offering regular playtime, responding sensitively to your pets' needs, and providing a comfortable and secure environment can help minimize humping and improve overall pet-parent relationships.
