Why Do Dogs Hump?

Humping is a common term for what veterinarians call mounting behavior. This is when a dog puts their front legs around another dog and thrusts their pelvis repeatedly (the humping motion).

The mounting behavior can be directed toward the hind end of another dog, the other dog’s head or side, or even toward a person or an object.

Both male and female dogs, whether they are spayed or neutered or not, can perform mounting behavior. So why do dogs hump dogs, people, toys, or even just the air?

Reasons for Dog Humping

Mounting is a natural, instinctive behavior in dogs. People commonly think mounting behavior is strictly sexually motivated, but there are many reasons why dogs hump.

1. Hormones

In unneutered male dogs, mounting behavior is in fact influenced by testosterone—it will occur in the presence of an unspayed female dog or a female dog in heat.

Some female dogs may also mount people or objects when they’re in heat. If the mounting behavior increases in frequency during this time, it’s most likely hormonally driven in intact animals.

Many pet parents assume the behavior will stop once their dog is neutered. And while neutering may reduce the mounting behavior, not all humping behavior is sexual in nature.

2. Play

A dog’s humping behavior can begin in puppies 3–6 week of age, most commonly during play. Both male and female puppies may mount each other.

Mounting can also occur when adult dogs play with another dog or person.

3. Excitement

Humping can occur when dogs are excited, such as during play or after greeting another dog. Some dogs may perform this behavior when they see their favorite dog friend or person.

4. Attention-Seeking

Sometimes dogs hump to get their pet parent’s or another person’s attention. After all—it’s difficult for most people to ignore a dog when they are mounting their leg. If you’re sitting on the ground, the dog may mount you from the side or their back.

A dog may hump to get your attention because you are inadvertently reinforcing their behavior. For example, your dog may mount you to tell you they want to play. You might push them away using your hands or legs. In your dog’s mind, this strategy worked to get your attention, and you are now “wrestling” with them.

5. Social Status

Mounting behavior can also be one way of conveying social status in dogs. Some dogs may mount other dogs to assert their status, but this behavior is usually accompanied by additional social signaling.

Most social communication between dogs can occur without it escalating to one dog mounting the other, and it’s less likely to happen in a social context with the pet parent. In most cases of humping, there is another underlying cause.

6. Anxiety

Some dogs hump when they’re anxious. This is referred to as displacement behavior: The dog engages in a particular behavior as an outlet for their anxious energy, similar to an anxious person tapping their foot.

Should You Let Your Dog Hump Things?

Some dogs hump their favorites toys, blanket, or pillow. They may hump regardless of whether you’re around, and in any environment.

If your dog humps for a short period of time and isn’t causing any injuries, then there’s no harm in allowing the behavior. It may be a self-soothing behavior for your dog.

However, if you think dog humping is an unsightly problem, engage your pet in another behavior whenever they try to mount an object. This may mean keeping all pillows, toys, and blankets out of your dog’s reach.

When Is Humping a Problem in Dogs?

Humping can be a problem when your dog spends most of their time performing this behavior. If you have difficulty distracting and redirecting your dog from humping, it may be a sign of compulsive behavior.

In male dogs, frequent episodes of mounting may cause dermatitis over their prepuce (the skin covering their penis). When a male dog humps objects frequently enough that he causes lesions to form on the tip of his penis, it’s a serious problem. The lesions can be painful, and in some cases, they can cause scarring at the tip of the penis, therefore forming a urinary blockage.

A dog with this condition needs immediate medical attention.

Frequent mounting behavior can also worsen existing painful conditions, such as osteoarthritis in their hips or knees.

Humping also becomes a problem when the situation makes the animal or person being humped uncomfortable.

How Do You Stop Dogs From Humping?

It may be embarrassing to see your dog mount other dogs, people, or children. Many pet parents may pull their dogs away and scold them, but this does not teach a dog to stop performing the behavior. Instead, it may inadvertently reinforce the humping or increase a dog’s anxiety. 

Pet parents may also be inclined to place their dog on leash, tether them, or place their dog in a crate or another room to calm down. While these options do stop the humping behavior, better options include distracting your dog and redirecting them to perform alternate behaviors.

It’s difficult for a dog to hump another pet or person if you focus your dog’s attention on chasing their favorite ball, for example. Or you could call your dog and engage them in calming behaviors, such as getting them to sit or lie down next to you.

When your dog engages in more appropriate behaviors, give them plenty of treats, praise, and attention. You can also keep your dog focused for longer by offering food puzzle toys or a long-lasting chew.

Talk to a veterinarian, certified dog trainer, or veterinary behaviorist if your dog’s humping is problematic and your training efforts are unsuccessful.