- This article has been reviewed by a pet health professional. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
Does your dog get a little too friendly with their favorite toys? Or worse, another pet or a house guest? Humping, or mounting, happens for many reasons. It could be due to instincts, stress, excitement, a desire to show dominance, or even a health issue, says Dr. Nell Ostermeier, a vet and advisor for Figo Pet Insurance.
Below, we’ll explore why dogs do this and share tips to help stop the behavior.
7 Reasons Dogs Hump
Let’s face it—dogs humping can be awkward for us humans, but it’s completely normal for them. Male and female dogs hump, and it’s not always about mating. Even spayed or neutered dogs might hump for other reasons.
Here are seven common reasons why dogs hump:
1. They’re engaging in sexual behavior
Humping is often tied to a dog’s natural instincts. Dogs who aren’t spayed or neutered might hump other pets, people, or even toys to release energy.
Even after a spay or neuter surgery, some dogs may keep humping for a while because their bodies still have leftover hormones. Male dogs may even show signs of arousal, like getting an erection, during this type of humping.
2. They’re excited
When dogs get super excited, they might start humping as a way to let out all that energy. This can happen during playtime, when they meet someone new, or even when you come home from work.
It’s a dog’s way of showing they’re really happy—even if the target of their excitement doesn’t appreciate it.
3. They’re playing
Puppies sometimes hump their littermates as part of playing or practicing for later in life.
If a puppy doesn’t learn proper social skills as they grow, they might keep humping other dogs during play as a way to interact or express themselves.
4. They’re stressed or anxious
“For some dogs, humping is a reaction to stress or anxiety and serves as a coping mechanism to channel their nervous energy,” says Qiai Chong, chief animal behaviorist and co-founder of Pet Coach Singapore.
For example, your dog might start humping after meeting a new pet, hearing loud noises, or being left alone for a long time.
5. They’re trying to gain the upper hand
Some dogs hump to take back control of an interaction or play dynamic. While many people think dominance is a common cause of humping, the alpha dog theory is a myth.
6. They’re acting on instinct
For some dogs, humping becomes a habit. Maybe they started humping because of instincts, but over time, they kept doing it because it felt good or comforting.
Some dogs hump when they’re bored, looking for attention, or just because they’ve done it before.
7. They have a medical problem
Humping isn’t always about behavior—it could mean your dog doesn’t feel well. Problems like urinary tract infections, skin conditions, or other health concerns can make dogs feel uncomfortable, and they might hump as a way to deal with the irritation.
If your dog is humping a lot, very suddenly, or it seems unusual, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet.
Why Dogs Hump People
Dogs often hump people to get attention. Chong says they quickly learn that this behavior gets a reaction—whether you laugh, scold, or push them away—which makes them more likely to do it again.
Sometimes, dogs might also hump a favorite person because they’re feeling stressed or anxious as a way to calm themselves down.
Why Dogs Hump Other Dogs
While some dogs mount other dogs in nonsexual contexts as a way to “dominate” them, Chong says that’s rarely the case.
Most of the time, dogs hump other dogs because they’re excited, playful, or trying to cope with social situations.
Why Dogs Hump Cats
While dogs humping cats isn’t very common, Chong says it can happen when your pup is overstimulated, stressed, or confused during social interactions.
For instance, your cat might not understand your dog’s play signals and ignore them, leaving your dog frustrated. Humping then becomes an outlet for that frustration.
Why Dogs Hump Objects
If your dog humps a toy, blanket, or furniture, it’s often because they’re excited or have extra energy to burn.
Chong explains that some dogs also hump objects as a way to calm themselves when they’re feeling scared or stressed.
Should I Let My Dog Hump?
Humping might seem rude to us, but it’s not always a big deal for dogs. For example, Dr. Ostermeier says that a dog mounting one of their favorite toys doesn’t necessarily need redirection. After all, they’re not hurting anyone.
However, if your dog is humping other pets or people who don’t like it, that’s a problem. Humping can also turn into a bad habit if it becomes a dangerously obsessive behavior. In those cases, it’s important to step in and stop the behavior.
How to Stop Dog Humping
“In all cases, humping is a self-reinforcing behavior, providing dogs with physical relief or a sense of satisfaction,” Chong says.
To stop it, you’ll need to figure out what’s causing the humping and address it directly. Remember: Punishing your dog isn’t the answer. Negative reinforcement can confuse them and hurt your bond. Instead, try these strategies:
- Redirection. Chong and Dr. Ostermeier recommend teaching your dog commands like “sit” or “down” that don’t allow for humping. If they start humping, give the command to redirect them. Only reward your dog after they stop humping and follow your command.
- Avoidance. If your dog humps you, don’t yell or push them away. Instead, calmly walk away and only give them attention when they’ve settled down. This shows your dog that humping won’t get them what they want.
- Soothe anxiety. If humping happens when your dog is stressed, work on reducing their big feelings. For example, start training for separation anxiety or remove triggers that make them nervous.
- Spay and neuter. If your dog hasn’t been spayed or neutered, schedule the surgery with your vet or a low-cost clinic. While fixed dogs can still hump, the procedure often reduces humping caused by hormones.
- Check for medical issues. If your dog starts humping suddenly or shows other signs, like licking their private areas, they could have a medical problem. A vet visit can help identify or rule out any health concerns.
If you’re unsure why your dog is humping, a professional trainer or pet behaviorist can help figure it out and offer the right solutions. With the proper help, your home can be hump-free in no time.
