What Age Do Puppies Try To Hump: Understanding Canine Behavior

Is it acceptable to allow your puppy to engage in mounting behavior? If your puppy has developed a habit of mounting you or other individuals, it’s essential to discourage this behavior for several reasons. Firstly, to maintain a healthy and respectful relationship with your dog, and secondly, to ensure they interact appropriately with people. To address this behavior, employ various techniques, such as gently pushing your puppy off, turning away, sitting down, or adopting a posture that prevents them from mounting. If your puppy persists despite these efforts, firmly say “Nope!” and promptly escort them to a quiet, safe room for a brief time-out. This approach helps communicate the message that mounting is not an acceptable behavior and encourages them to develop more appropriate social interactions.

Frequently, Dr. Burch suggests that when an 8-week-old puppy tries to hump another dog, it may be an attempt to establish dominance. This behavior can manifest whether the recipient is a human or another dog. It’s important to note that humping can also be a sign that the puppy is experiencing stress, feeling overstimulated, or simply acting out. This behavior often occurs as a way for the puppy to express themselves in various social situations. Dr. Burch’s insights, from November 21, 2019, shed light on the multifaceted reasons behind such behavior in young puppies.