Dog Humping Behavior: 7 Things That Could Be Behind It
- RXSciences™
- Jun 13
- 4 min read
For many pet parents, dogs are more than just animals. They’re a cherished part of the family, even half of their soul.
Although they can't speak human language, dogs often communicate through body language, behavioral changes, or certain habits—one of which is humping.
At RX Sciences, we believe every dog deserves the best care and to be fully understood by their humans.
Understanding why dogs hump is a key part of that care. Let's explore the possible reasons behind this behavior and how you can address it if it becomes too frequent or problematic.
What Is Dog Humping?
Dog humping, also known as mounting, is when dogs thrust their hips against a person, another dog, an object, or even the air.
When mounting another animal, dogs usually aim for the back end. Some dogs may also hump a person’s leg, toys, shoes, or furniture.
Although this behavior can be awkward or even embarrassing—especially when it involves people—it’s actually quite common.
Most of the time, it’s harmless and normal. However, it may be something to manage if it starts to affect your dog’s relationships or comfort.
Why Do Dogs Hump?
Humping might look like a sexual act, but it’s often not. It can be instinctive or learned and is normal in both male and female dogs. However, it may turn into a problem when a dog humps people, bothers other pets, or does it excessively.
Here are 7 reasons dogs hump:
Hormones
In unneutered male dogs, humping is often influenced by testosterone. It typically happens when a female dog is in heat. Similarly, some unspayed female dogs may also mount people or objects during this period.
Many pet parents expect this behavior to stop after neutering, and while neutering may reduce it, not all humping is sexually driven.
Play
Puppies as young as 3–6 weeks old can start humping during play—both males and females. This can continue into adulthood, especially during playful interactions with other dogs or people.
Social Status
In some cases, humping can be a way for dogs to express dominance or social status.
A dog might mount another dog to establish hierarchy. However, this usually comes with other social signals and is less likely to happen between a dog and a human.
If your dog humps frequently without other signs of dominance, another cause is probably at play.
Excitement
Dogs may also hump when they’re overly excited. This can happen during playtime or greetings. Some dogs express their joy by mounting when they see their favorite friend, whether it's a canine or human.
Anxiety
Some dogs hump as a displacement behavior when they feel anxious. It helps them release nervous energy—similar to how humans might tap their feet or fidget when stressed.
Attention-Seeking
Sometimes dogs learn that humping gets them noticed. If you react—even by pushing them away—they may take it as interaction or play. This can unintentionally reinforce the behavior.
For instance, a dog might hump you to get you to play. If you respond physically (like pushing them off), they may interpret that as a win: “I got their attention!”
Medical Issues
According to experts, dogs with urinary tract issues, skin allergies, or other health problems may hump in an attempt to soothe discomfort.
If your dog humps persistently and none of the above reasons seem to apply, it’s best to consult your veterinarian. They can rule out any underlying medical causes.
How to Stop Your Dog from Humping
Because there are multiple reasons for humping, it might take some time and patience to figure out what works best for your dog. The goal isn’t to punish, but to guide your dog toward better behavior.
Here are three strategies that may help.
Catch Your Dog in the Act
Timing matters. The most effective way to correct humping is to interrupt it at the moment. Once the behavior stops, use positive reinforcement to encourage change.
As soon as you see your dog humping, call their name and use a clear, firm cue like “stop,” “off,” or “uh-oh.” Avoid common words like “no” or “down” that may confuse them. You want to get their attention without scaring them.
If your dog stops, reward them immediately with praise, treats, or a toy—whatever motivates them most.
This helps them associate stopping with a positive outcome. If possible, remove the object or person they were mounting to prevent the behavior from continuing.
Redirect Their Attention
If your verbal cue doesn’t work, try redirecting your dog to a toy, game, or puzzle. Find something they love and offer it consistently whenever you notice humping behavior.
Each time they shift their focus away from humping, praise them. Over time, your dog will learn that playing or chewing a toy brings better results than humping.
Seek Professional Help
Some dogs need a little extra support. If your dog continues to hump despite your efforts, consider working with a professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist.
In more persistent cases, you may need to manage the situation by avoiding high-trigger environments. This includes separating your dog from guests or preventing access to objects they often mount.
Final Thoughts
Humping might be embarrassing, but in most cases, it’s perfectly normal. The key is understanding what’s behind the behavior—whether it’s hormones, excitement, or something else—and responding with patience, empathy, and consistency.
By tuning in to your dog’s needs and using positive reinforcement, you can help them navigate their instincts in a healthy way.
Anyway, caring for your dog goes beyond just watching their behavior. Support their health with science-backed supplements from RX Sciences. Protect their organs today for a healthier tomorrow~