Why Do Female Dogs Hump?
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While it can be a little embarrassing and awkward, humping is normal canine behavior.
But why do female dogs hump?
Despite a popular myth, dogs don’t hump to establish social dominance. Instead, there are quite a few very natural reasons that dogs hump. Here’s why your girl pup might be humping you, another person or dog, or even an object.
Key Takeaways
- Yes, female dogs hump—and in most cases, it’s totally normal behavior.
- Your female dog might hump when she’s excited, stressed, playful, or looking for attention.
- Despite a common myth, humping doesn’t mean your dog is trying to be dominant.
- If you’d rather your dog didn’t hump, positive reinforcement and gentle redirection can help.
- If your dog suddenly starts humping or you notice other concerning changes, check in with your vet.
Do Female Dogs Hump?
Yes, female dogs hump, and it’s completely normal. In fact, all dogs hump, regardless of gender.
That’s why it’s important to set expectations so your dog learns what is and isn’t OK behavior.
Always use positive reinforcement when confronting a behavior you’d like to change. If your dog is humping, never yell at them. The goal is to modify the behavior without punishment.
Why Do Female Dogs Hump?
There are several reasons why female dogs hump, including:
- Juvenile hormone increases: Puppies that are just learning to explore the world and discovering appropriate behavior may hump quite frequently.
- Overstimulation: Overstimulation can occur in response to a new situation or person. Your dog might respond to a new dog or person by humping them or a nearby piece of furniture or toy. Dogs who aren’t well-socialized may hump other dogs excessively, because they have not learned how to play well with others. It’s kind of like having too much energy without an outlet for it and can be curbed with proper training and socialization.
- Natural sexual behavior: When dogs hump other dogs as part of a sexual behavior, you may also notice “flirtatious” behavior such as play bows and pawing.
- Stress and anxiety: For some dogs, humping is a natural response to stress or excitement. Dogs that have other mechanisms to deal with stress—such as a favorite toy to chew or a crate to retreat to—may not hump as often as dogs that don’t.
- Abnormal hormone production: Humping can also indicate potential medical issues, particularly if the humping started suddenly. If a dog starts humping suddenly (or excessively), a trip to the vet is warranted.
- It’s become a learned behavior: Many dogs will hump as an attention-seeking behavior, especially if it gets a response from their humans. Being humped by a dog isn’t exactly something to ignore, so the behavior naturally gets a response. This makes it a surefire way to get attention—and that can be a tough pattern to break. A trainer can help you redirect your dog’s behavior.
How To Stop Your Female Dog From Humping
You’d like to stop your dog from humping your leg—fair enough. But how do you do it?
Follow these steps to keep your dog from committing a furry faux pas.
- Have your female dog spayed. Spaying has several health benefits, but it also discourages humping (this can take a few months post-spay, however).
- Teach the “leave it” cue. When your dog tries to mount something, giving the cue “leave it” can break the cycle.
- Watch your dog when they’re getting ready to hump. They will generally show signals such as panting, whining, or pawing. As soon as you see these warning signs, distract your dog with a toy or a training cue, such as sit or stay, followed by a treat.
4. If your dog is mounting to get attention, do not reward them with any attention—ignore them in that moment. For dogs who are very persistent, working with a fear-free-certified professional dog trainer may help.
When To See a Vet About Dog Humping
Humping is normal in female dogs, but there are still situations that may require a vet visit.
Schedule an appointment with a vet if your dog:
- Begins humping suddenly, as it may be an indication of a health problem
- Is also licking excessively their private areas
- Is humping more frequently (in this case, it may have become a learned behavior that will need training to redirect)
- Seems stressed
Some dogs may also hump out of boredom, which means your dog might need more exercise and mental enrichment. Your vet can offer tips on how to make sure their physical and mental needs are being met.
In the meantime, try the following ideas to give your dog a healthy outlet for their energy:
Dog Humping FAQs
Why do female dogs hump after being spayed?
Hormones don’t immediately leave a dog’s body after they’re spayed; it can take up to three months post-spay for a dog’s hormones to do so. If your dog is humping after being spayed, it could be because the behavior has been reinforced and learned. In that case, working with a trainer may be beneficial.
Why do female dogs hump specific things or people?
It depends. Sometimes dogs target something or someone because it gets them attention. Other times, dogs just choose something nearby that is favored or something soft. Usually, humping is just a release of pent-up energy.
Why do female dogs hump male dogs?
It depends. They might be doing it out of excitement or stress, regardless of the other dog’s gender. Either way, it’s important for pet parents to learn how to control the behavior by redirecting it.
Why does my dog hump my leg?
Female or male dogs will often hump their pet parents’ leg due to anxiety or stress. They also might do it because they want attention—and they’ve learned that this behavior gets a reaction from you.
