Because of the sexual connotations, humping (also called thrusting or mounting) is among the top embarrassing behaviors that dogs can subject their owners to. It’s right up there with dogs smelling people’s butts. But what many people don’t realize is that when a dog humps the air, it is not always a sexual behavior. Read on to find out what makes your dog hump the air, your wife, a table leg, or really anything he or she can find.
Both male and female dogs, including spayed and neutered dogs, will occasionally hump. However, humping is more common among non-neutered dogs with rising testosterone levels. There are several explanations for this behavior.
Dogs commonly display humping behavior when they are excited. Humping the air or your leg is a physical outlet for emotional excitement. It is not necessarily a sexual act. A dog humping the air can simply indicate he or she wants to play or wants attention.
It’s important to ensure your dog gets plenty of social interaction with family members and other animals on a daily basis. Dogs that are socially deprived can sometimes get overexcited when they meet new people or other dogs and mount them in excitement. Some dogs hump to release energy when they are presented with a favorite toy.
Some dogs hump when they are stressed or anxious. In these pooches, the humping can indicate any underlying issue such as separation anxiety. Dogs will hump to release the emotional overload they are experiencing because they have limited ways in which to do this. Other signs of anxiety in dogs include lack of appetite, lethargy, and sniffing or scratching behaviors.
If you have ever laughed at your dog or given him the eye when he humps, he might have picked up the cue that this is something “fun.” So, the next time he wants you play with him or spend time with him, your dog might hump the air to get your attention. Over time, this behavior can get reinforced or even become problematic, leading to embarrassingly excessive humping.
Some dogs are compulsive humpers. They will do it everywhere and all the time. This should be discouraged (see tips below).
Dogs sometimes hump to assert dominance over other pets in the family or even their humans.
Certain health conditions like urinary tract infections, a red or sore bum, allergies, or a swollen private area can make your dog hump the air out of frustration. This is an attempt to get relief from symptoms like itchiness. If you notice other signs like redness or swelling in your dog’s genital area, call the vet.
A dog humping the air when excited does not necessarily indicate sexual excitement. It can simply be due to emotional overload, stress and anxiety, attention seeking behavior, or a way of exerting dominance.
Your dog might lick you and hump the air out of joy. Licking is your dog’s way of greeting you and welcoming you home. Many dogs nibble and lick to show affection. Humping simply means your dog is excited to see you.
If your dog selectively humps your wife, it could be a sexual behavior. Dogs have a keen sense of smell and pick up the smell of female hormones that humans are unaware of. Not surprisingly, humping can sometimes be a sign of sexual arousal in dogs. It is a part of the mating ritual and is more common in dogs who have not been neutered or spayed. However, all dogs, male and female, spayed and neutered, can hump a person they find attractive or of sexual interest because of pheromones.
Many dogs feel pleasure when they hump. If the humping is due to excitement, the release of energy feels good. If a dog is humping the air to exert dominance, it is also pleasurable.
Dogs sometimes hump because of anxiety. They might hump the air, their bed, or your leg to calm themselves down. It’s like a human chewing on their nails when they’re anxious. If you notice your dog tends to hump after being punished, it could be related to anxiety.
If your dog has a humping or mounting problem of epic proportions, some positive reinforcement training and redirecting can help put a stop to it. Too much humping by your dog should be discouraged. Not only can excessive humping be embarrassing, it can also cause injuries.
On the other hand, if your dog occasionally humps the air, or you, or other animals, you can safely ignore the habit and let her continue.
Here are some tips on getting your dog to stop humping: