Skip to main content

How to stop your dog from humping legs so you can save face

Polite society has changed over the years. We used to not discuss politics at the dinner table. Now, it’s all we discuss at the dinner table. However, humping in public remains a faux pas.

Unfortunately, not all dogs got the memo. Some pups will mount other dogs or humans. Their habit isn’t limited to living creatures, either — pillows, blankets, and fence posts are all fair game in their minds.

Recommended Videos

Remember, dogs don’t always play by the same rules as humans. After all, it’s usually frowned upon when a human pees outside, but we praise our pups for it. However, humping is a habit worth stopping. It can not only be embarrassing but could also cause issues with other dogs. Let’s discuss what triggers this behavior and how to stop a dog from humping.

a dog humping a person's leg at a park
RealPeopleStudio / Shutterstock

Why do dogs hump?

We often associate humping with sexual activity. Though that’s not always the case with dogs, it can be. Unfixed dogs are generally more prone to sexually-motivated mounting. Mounting is a way to achieve sexual pleasure, and some puppies may even hump their littermates. Intact male dogs may try to court females to mount and hump something else if prevented.

Even females will hump because it feels good.

How can you tell if your dog is humping for sexual pleasure? The mounting will usually come after some flirting, such as licking, pawing, and playfully bowing.

However, oftentimes humping has nothing to do with sex.

Why do fixed dogs hump?

If your dog is spayed or neutered and humping, you may tell them, “Dude, it’s not going to work.” However, chances are they’re mounting for other reasons, including:

  • Dominance. Dogs may mount a pet or person to exert control over another animal in the house or even you.
  • Stress or over-excitement. Sometimes, dogs hump as a way to relieve stress. Other times, they may be overstimulated and need a way to cope with their excitement.
  • Play. Canines may not know what acceptable play looks like and think humping is a game.
  • Medical issues. If your dog begins humping out of the blue, they might be sick or in pain. Urinary tract infections, incontinence, and allergies can trigger mounting, particularly if the pup is also excessively licking or biting the genital area.

a dog sitting at the park

How to stop a dog from humping

A humping dog can be a massive turn-off when you have guests, even if the behavior isn’t sexual. It can also cause issues during doggie playdates. It’s possible to curb this behavior, though. Try these tips.

See a veterinarian

A vet can help you rule out any medical conditions. If there is a medical issue, they can prescribe treatment so your dog feels better and stops humping to self-soothe.

Neuter or spay your dog

Intact dogs will be more sexually motivated to hump. Neutering your male dog will give him one less reason to want to mount your leg or another dog. Spaying a female dog can also reduce her urge to hump, particularly if she only does it while in heat.

Re-direct

Pups may show certain signs they are about to hump, such as licking another dog or pacing. Take note of these patterns. When you notice your dog going into its pre-mounting mode, try to stop the behavior before it starts by distracting the pup. Throw a ball, wave their favorite toy around, or call them over for a snuggle.

Set boundaries

We don’t like saying no to our dogs. Remember, our dogs crave our direction and want to please us. A firm “no” and gentle push off our legs when they hump may be just the message they need to stop.

Avoid triggers when possible

Some dogs only hump in certain situations, particularly if the behavior is stress-induced, and avoiding them can eliminate humping. For example, as fun as dog parks may seem, they could be a source of anxiety for your pet. Consider socializing them on a playdate with one other dog instead.

Work on training

You likely can’t avoid every single stressful or overstimulating situation for your pet. For example, you probably want to have visitors in your home. Training your dog to sit and stay and using those commands in stressful situations can help mitigate mounting. You may want to consider working with a trainer or behavioral specialist.

Dogs will be dogs

When your dog humps your gram’s leg, your face may turn 50 shades of red. You love your dog but talk about awkward! Though sometimes the behavior is sexual, particularly with intact dogs, that’s not always the case. Dominance, boredom, stress, and overstimulation are common reasons for mounting. Your dog also may have a medical issue, such as a urinary tract infection. You can stop a dog from humping by getting them spayed or neutered, though it’s not a fix-all (altered dogs sometimes hump, too). Re-directing, discouraging the behavior, and avoiding trigger situations can help. Be sure to see a vet to rule out medical issues. A behavioral specialist or trainer can help you work out the kinks and reduce doggie mounting.

Topics
BethAnn Mayer
Beth Ann's work has appeared on healthline.com and parents.com. In her spare time, you can find her running (either marathons…
Why does your dog smell bad? Here’s how to fix it
One of these things might be the cause of your stinky pooch
Dog leaning on human in blue sweater

Whether your dog is a young pup or an old buddy, a stinky canine could be a cause for concern, and not just for your nose! While we love that most of our dogs spend relaxing evenings on our laps or at our feet, it can sometimes be miserable to be so close to them when they are smelly. This is not only stinky for you, but also for them when you banish them to another room. So why does your dog smell so bad? Let's bring cuddling back into your nighttime routine and find out why your pup might be a stinky dog.

Why does your dog smell so bad?

Read more
Are cats cleaner than dogs, really?
Here are the ways that cats are cleaner than dogs
Two people holding up a dog and a cat

Lots of pet parents believe that felines are neater than canines and choose their companion animal as a result. But are cats cleaner than dogs, really? You've probably spotted your kitty grooming almost constantly, while a pup pup might be found rolling around in the mud — or something worse. It turns out that, in this case, the rumors prove true, and you'll get a cleaner buddy if you stick to a cat. Here are five reasons why mousers have the edge in this department.
Are cats cleaner than dogs? Yes, in 5 ways

There isn't just one standout way that cats beat dogs here. Instead, it's actually a few factors combined that create the cleanliness disparity.
Grooming

Read more
Are dogs smarter than cats? We dig into the research
How to test your dog or cat's intelligence
A black pug wearing glasses

Every pet owner thinks their furry friend is the best pet in the world, and the good news is that every pet owner is right! Our cats and dogs light up our lives in ways nothing else can, and they never fail to impress us with their one-of-a-kind talents and personalities, just like the Husky that figured out that his home's lights were voice activated! Some animals are incredibly in tune with our emotions, while others are surprisingly clever. Sometimes, though, it can be hard not to compare one animal to another.
Are dogs smarter than cats? It can be challenging to remain unbiased if you have a favorite species, but science has finally provided an answer to settle the debate. Pet owners and animal lovers have pondered this question for years, but the answer may be more complex than you might expect.

Are dogs smarter than cats?

Read more