Ok, so I have a beautiful 4 month old Shih Tzu named Charlotte. Today, while playing with a toy (about her size), she mounted it and started humping it. I thought they only did that when they were older. Is it normal for a puppy so young to start humping? How can I tell if she's in a heat??
2007-01-12 03:49:21 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
for most dogs, that is a sign of dominance. now, shih tzu's are TOTALLY different. our shih tzu humped her bunny (her toy, about the same size as her) for years. 14 to be exact. the vet told us not to ever take it from her, and that chances are, she'd start suckling on it too, sure enough,,,, she would sit there with the paw of the bunny in her mough, sucking on it and chewing on it. it was made of that immitaion sheeps skin stuff.... it's the strangest thing, and i've never heard of any other breed doing it, but with shih tzus that is normal. just make sure that you never take it from her, and that if it gets dirty, just throw it in the washing machine. she will get very attached to it, and if she loses it, she'll mope around and get very depressed.
btw, aren't they the sweetest puppies???!!! lol
congrats on your new baby, and yes, don't worry about this, it's completely normal.
good luck!!
2007-01-12 03:56:50 · answer #1 · answered by Silver Thunderbird 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Don't worry, it doesn't mean that she is in heat. Humping is a behavior that dogs do either to show their dominance or in mating. It's fairly common for puppies to practice this behavior on their littermates or toys.
I do recommend getting her spayed soon, though. Typically this behavior doesn't become a regular habit in females as much as it does in males, but she's about that age where getting spayed will be a huge benefit. If you spay her before her first heat, it will save her from possible diseases and also some unwanted behavior problems.
2007-01-12 03:57:42 · answer #2 · answered by Steel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
mom's shih-tzu started this about the same time. we had no plans to stud so he was neutered. he stopped the humping. as for the heat cycle the friend who had his parents had several females one went into heat @ 6mths and the pthers between 9-12 mths. i can't help on the signs, it's been so long i can't remember, and kathy passed on almost 16 years ago. ask your vet about the signs.good luck
2007-01-12 03:56:33 · answer #3 · answered by ♥ cat furrever ♥ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey don't worry. We have lots of pups that have done done that at a few weeks. Just try to distract her. I doubt she's in season yet but if she is, the main thing you will find is bits of blood everywhere. When that happens- just keep her away from males. Or if that isnt possible- go to the vets and get a spray to deter males. Unless u want puppies ;-) Have fun.
2007-01-12 04:00:55 · answer #4 · answered by xMwahahahahahahax 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Humping is rarely sexual, is from dominance or excitement. It IS normal.
Fix your pup and you won't have to worry about it going into heat.
2007-01-12 04:02:59 · answer #5 · answered by jkc92618 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take the toy and tell her No. Then call your vet and see if she is old enough to be fixed.They will do that sometimes when they are excited.They can come away in love with that toy and think it gets them pregnant...Call the vet and throw that toy away.I know I been there done that.....
2007-01-12 04:59:00 · answer #6 · answered by Maw-Maw 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Dogs do that. Its not just because theyre in heat, its also common in dominate dogs. Thats why females will exhibit this behavior.
2007-01-12 03:53:26 · answer #7 · answered by amosunknown 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes that is normal. My best friend's dog is 3 mo and is also doing that.
2007-01-12 04:06:08 · answer #8 · answered by krchamp 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
she is fine my friends puppy did that forever he is now a year old they will most likely grow out of it do not worry and the best of luck
2007-01-12 03:53:20 · answer #9 · answered by riley h 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its normal. i have a girl min pin and shell hump my other dog also
2007-01-12 04:18:39 · answer #10 · answered by juicyfruitishandsome 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋