Our dog is humping our ten-month old son. How do we stop?

Question

We are very concerned that our english bulldog is acting weird. He is very docile, but obviously, he wants to play with our baby, but is this normal?> We are just scared that this is leading to violent behavior, which he is not accustomed to.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

WE HAD TO NEUTER OURS! IT WORKED!

Answer 2

I would urge you to read the website below.. the guy has extensive training with dogs and his articles on dog behaviour, children and dogs particularly and preventing dog bites in children are fantastic and eye opening. I have so much more knowledge now.. years ago I owned a staffy x and now I shudder at the 'playful' behaviour it had towards my child at the time.. if only I had known about dog behaviour back then!
In short, the dog is displaying dominant behaviour.. a pack behaviour that dogs, especially males, display when 'ranking' family members. He is showing the child he is higher ranking.. which is VERY dangerous. His obvious sexual gratification is also inappropriate. Take the dog outside or remove the dog from the situation as soon as possible.. when he does this, tell him a firm 'no!' and put him into his kennel / crate or laundry, whatever works for you. Please, read Ed's site.. he has trained dogs professionally (inc. K9)for 40 yrs or so from memory and he knows what he's talking about.
Sterilising your dog would certainly help, but if he's an adult dog the 'humping' would most likely remain as the behaviour is imprinted. His aggression levels would definitely drop severely though. My staffy years ago twisted off and had to be put to sleep at age 9.. when my baby was 8 months, as he would have killed him.. no doubt. My fault.. I allowed the dominant behaviour for years, not recognising the signs until he became dominant aggressive towards everyone but myself. He was the most docile and loving dog for me, so don't be fooled into thinking your dog is safe.

Answer 3

Yes, he is showing dominance over your son, but "no" neutering will not solve this problem. Even wethers (goats that are castrated very young and raised for meat) will exhibit mounting behaviours. Also, neutering/castrating a dog can result in health problems for him including a higher risk of prostrate cancer, bone cancer, increased risk of CHD (hip dysplasia) plus about a dozen other health risks.

Stop the dog's mounting behaviour by dominating the dog. Pull him off the child and put the dog onto his back on the floor and hold him down by the neck, growl at him while you look him in the eye. You will be telling him that you are the top dog, not him.

If the behaviour continues, you may have to keep him away from your son except in situations when you can closely supervise. Using a plastic kennel crate may be a good idea.

Answer 4

disipline the dog - yell, spray with water, neuter, whatever...It is a form of dominance that should be stopped immediety! It very well could turn into a power struggle between the two of them down the road especially if you were close to the dog before the baby was born. the dog may not want to be in second place! I know our 2 malamutes were acting like they were in charge of our newborn and we had to put a halt to that! Good luck!

Answer 5

If it is honest advice you want-get rid of the dog.
I am a dog lover-but that is not healthy and I would not
even tolerate that from any animal.
Your child can not even defend his self.
And you mentioned violent behavior-no chances where a child is concerned.
Only takes one time for your child to push or anger the dog during his height of involvement and he may get nasty.
NO GOOD!

Answer 6

The dog is displaying natural behaviors: he feels he is higher ranking than your child. Don't listen to the people who say to get rid of the dog, they are just aghast at what the dog is doing, not so much the reason behind it. Pull the dog from the child and secure him in a kennel to let him know who is boss. Another's suggestion of pinning him down and looking him in the eye works too. You have to let the dog know that the baby is above him.

Answer 7

Hi


Your dog is humping your son, to show he is dominant over him. First, you need to get the dog neutered. This is simply better for his overall health and you wont be adding to the overpopulation of dogs. Second, obidence classes can help him learn who is the alpha dog (you and your husband) he thinks HE is in charge, and he is showing it by humping your son. Its not an aggressive thing, dont worry.

Answer 8

bye bye puppy.

for those that say the dog is displaying natural behaviors......this is true for a dog that has established itself as the pack leader! once a pack leader, always the pack leader! it is difficult if not impossible to de-thrown the leader of the pack. the dog should have been taught from the time it was a puppy that he was NOT the pack leader! i have three dogs and two kids and have NEVER had to deal with this problem. i've had dogs since both of my children were very small! :)

Answer 9

If your Bull Dog is neutered it is still normal behavior, if he isn't it is still normal behavior but he could get aggressive. Please neuter your dog, you will have a much better dog and he won't be prone for prostate cancer as he ages.

Answer 10

i could say enable them to establish a relationship on their very own words. If the older one would not chew, i assume it is going to likely be risk-free to enable them to, because of the fact he can shelter himself from the domestic dog, or he could be subordinate to the little guy, that isn't ensue.

Answer 11

Get rid of the dog.