Why Female Dogs Hump?

Photo credit: Bigstockphoto
Photo credit: Bigstockphoto

If you have a male dog then humping is technically normal but what if your female dog starts humping? Is this normal? If this is the case then you need to know why female dogs hump. With that being said, let this article shine a light on this issue.

Like male dogs, female dogs also hump. It could be a thing, pillow, toy and even your leg. This behavior is called mounting which often happens before the dog matures. This behavior may also mean playfulness, stress or desire. It could also be a symptom of a medical issue so you might as well be on the lookout for this behavior. So why do female dogs hump? Here are a few reasons.

To express dominance

Yes, like it or not, female dogs may hump to claim their dominant position or ranking over another dog or person. It can be triggered by a variety of emotions like anxiety, stress or an invitation to play. It is also an indication that they are the “top dog” in this situation. So don’t think that this is out of the ordinary as dogs often display this kind of behavior.

Your dog is bored

Like humans, dogs can get bored too. This usually happens when they are left alone for extended periods or if they do not have enough toys to distract them the whole day. Humping happens to relieve stress and boredom. While other dogs express their frustration through barking, howling or whining, some dogs hump as a reaction to relieve stress. If this happens, establishing a regular walking, running or playing routine can help them from getting bored.

Considered normal

Don’t be surprised if your female dog humps. There’s always a reason for this, it’s like when people bite their nails. Just as long as the humping isn’t repetitive, constant and disruptive, it is perfectly normal for female dogs to hump and is a part of their activity.

Behavioral or medical issue

If in case your female dog humps more than the usual and is becoming more disruptive than playful then there must be an underlying medical condition going on. A female dog may hump due to physical pain. It could be trouble urinating or an infection in the urinary tract. If they excessively lick or chew their genital areas then there might be an issue going on. A visit to the vet may give a light on this situation.

If the dog is rescued or has been abused and neglected, humping may also be a response to stressful conditions. This happens when the dog has poor socialization; they may tend to hump anyone or anything. This can be addressed through proper training.

You see, humping is a normal activity among dogs both male and female. However if the humping becomes out of hand, it is important to have your pet checked. Training and conditioning can also help but if there is a medical issue going on, it is best to have it corrected as soon as possible. Doing so can help change your dog’s behavior and other complications.