Confused about my puppy?

Question

I have a mini. chihuaha and he has been humping my arm lately. I know this mean he needs to release soem tension but he has no mate what do i do? It's to the point where if ur sitting on the couch you have to fold ur arms or watch out for him.

thanks guys this really helps i was worried because i have small kids

i really don't wanna have him nuetered because I'm gonna get a female to have babies with him i'm just trying to slove this problem

Answer 1

Dogs hump as a way to determine dominance. If he is allowed to hump you, then he has dominance over you. It's a pack concept, if the dog you are humping allows it, then you are higher in the pack hierarchy then that dog. Your dog is trying to find his place in your pack. When he tries it, you should nudge him hard, (not a hit though!) and make a noise that you are comfortable making, a growl even but try not giggle when you're doing it... My husband uses "Et" saying it really sharply. I use more of an "Ut". We saw the technique on "Dog Whisperer" and it really works. By the way, just because a dog is neutered, does not mean he won't hump. It's not sex, it's dominance.

Answer 2

If he's not neutered, get him neutered. Depending on how old he is depends on how much testosterone he has in him. If he's a few years old, he may never stop doing it even after neutering. Just one of the bummers of having a male dog. Neutering usually helps, or even "cures the problem" But in the mean time, get an empty soda can, but a few coins in it and tape the lid shut. Everytime he tries to hump anyone or anything, shake that can!! Tell him "NO!!" in a very agressive voice, and push him away from you. Good luck

Answer 3

Observations have shown that those (mostly males but sometimes females) who are aroused or excited often times exhibit mounting behavior. This is referred to as a social overture during play. It is believed to have nothing to do with dominance or with one animal trying to convey something to another. Latest research has shown mounting to be a normal canine response that occurs commonly when dogs, especially adolescents, experience emotional states of arousal.

The key to prevention is teaching a dog skills like come or sit/maintain. For example if the dog is going into a state or arousal, they can be cued to stop the behavior and calm themselves down before mounting occurs. With the skills you've taught your dog, you will be giving them something else to do besides mounting. In the event mounting occurs you may need to interfere, but do so very carefully so you do not further arouse the dog or cause the dog to feel threatened.

When mounting is occurring, if you are concerned that one dog is getting annoyed and can not defend themselves or get away from the humper, step between them and separate them with your body. This is only if the dog has not been taught skills with distractions, and is not responding to your cues. If the humping dog can not calm down on their own and is bothering other dogs, crate them or pull them aside and wait until their arousal level lowers. If the "humper" is not particularly bothering the other dogs - let 'em go for it. Look at it as mother nature's way of giving them an opportunity to practice for sex.

There is evidence that some female dogs exhibit "male" characteristics, such as marking and mounting, which is believed to be associated with higher levels of testosterone.

Researchers are tossing the whole dominance theory and rank reduction stuff to the wind. The most recent thought is that humping is simply a social behavior/motor pattern that dogs have. All it means is that the dog is excited or in an aroused state (they are hyper). Females do it too. Dogs do not understand rank because they do not relate to the experiences of others. They are self aware but not other aware. They can not understand "you lose, I win." All they relate to is the present (this feels good) and the past (this was reinforcing and felt good before).

Dogs live in the present, but bring their past experiences along with them to determine how they will respond to present circumstances and situations. What they cannot perceive is the future or how to control or influence the future.

Another dog's play style may be too rough for your dog and could end up getting one of them in trouble. A dog's play style cannot be changed. If you are concerned with another dog’s play behavior, you will have to manage your dog and only allow them to play with dogs that have mutual play behavior. You are taking a chance every time you let your dog play with an unfamiliar dog because that unfamiliar dog may misinterpret your dog's behavior as threats rather than as play.

Answer 4

Your puppy may be trying to convince you that he's the boss- it's a leader of the pack thing that dogs do. Push him down gently but firmly and tell him "NO!" Be consistent and it should help. Neutering is a great idea, by the way, as it calms down the dog and he won't get you "messy"- seriously.

Answer 5

Your dog is showing dominance over you.
This is common.
Give him a swat and let him know this type of behavior will not be tolerated when it is done to humans.
He is not releasing tension it is a male dominance behavior and he is showing you exactly who is in charge in your home, HIM.

Answer 6

It is a dominance thing. He is telling you he is in charge and you are not.

Watch Cesar Milan the Dog Whisperer on the History Channel

Answer 7

LOL thank goodness he's a mini! It's normal - but you do need to let him know it's not tolerated. Get him a stuffed toy (but don't cut a hole in it as was recommended earlier!) and he'll do the rest.

Answer 8

He is showing his dominance not releasing tension. Have you had him nuetered? I would have this done and he will settle down.

Answer 9

Basically the dog is showing "dominence" over you, and it is time for you to tell your dog (in dog language) that you are the ALPHA of the household

Answer 10

well usually breeders are looking to hire a male dog to breed, and well then his tension will be released or just fix him