It is quite the ‘awkward turtle’ when your dog starts humping. When your friends come over they are subjected to this special show too. How embarrassing! To us humans, the behavior seems inappropriate as we think of it as sexual. However, to your dog, it is not like that at all.
Energy Release
Dr. Andrea Y. Tu has shed some light on how we should perceive dogs humping. She explained that it is a natural behavior and that in most cases, you should just let your dog hump!
The reason for Humping behavior is because your dog’s energy is fired up. When they are in situations that are particularly exciting, such as playing or meeting with people, they feel the need to release that energy.
Humping is their way of doing this.
To them, it is a nonsexual act. This is why dogs who are neutered also form a habit. It happens in both males and females.
Now that you can understand what your dog is actually doing, you can try to associate it with the possible feelings of boredom or frustration. They may be saying ‘I need more playtime!’
Read These 7 Ways To Cure Your Dog’s Boredom |
You could be thinking okay, I’ve got it, but my dog’s humping is REALLY getting out of hand. What can I do?
When You Should Take Action
If your dog’s behavior is irritating other dogs or if he/she is developing a ‘humping rash’, reach out to a dog behaviorist to help encourage your dog to use other ways of releasing their energy.
The habit can also become out of hand if he/she is clearly doing it as an attention-seeking act or if your guest is having their leg humped endlessly. A trainer can help you teach them to direct their energy on a toy or on a sit/lie down command.
Dr. Tu emphasizes that if it is not problematic in any way, that your dog’s skin is healthy and it does not negatively affect any other dogs or people, let him/her hump to their delight.
Mostly, all you need to do about your dog’s humping is to change your perception of it. If it makes you feel uncomfortable, you need to move past this feeling and realize it is acceptable in the dog world.
Next time your dog is humping away at his or her favorite teddy, there is no need to get embarrassed about it.
When you have visitors and your dog decides to enlighten everyone with their humping, you can explain to them why he is doing it to reduce the awkwardness.
So let’s make humping the joyful experience it is for your dog! A great way of relieving your dog’s boredom is to visit the dog park.
Credit to thedodo.com
Top 15 Laziest Dog Breeds For Couch Potatoes
All dogs need daily exercise. Many dogs are fitness junkies, but let’s face it, not all of us can keep up with them. Some of us want our dog to be lazy with us on the sofa. Wondering which of the dog breeds would suit your couch potato tendencies?
Continue Reading |