Q&A for How to Stop a Dog from Humping

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Question

When should you get your dog neutered?

Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD
Veterinarian
Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998.

Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Six months of age is the general recommendation. For giant breeds of dogs some veterinarians will say around one year of age.

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Question

Is mounting a sign of dominance?

Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD
Veterinarian
Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998.

Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Many times it is. That doesn't mean that you can't curb your dog's humping habit.

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Question

Do puppies hump?

Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD
Veterinarian
Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998.

Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Yes they do. They do this both as a means of playing around and to show dominance.

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Question

How do you stop a puppy from biting?

Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD
Veterinarian
Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998.

Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Distracting the biting puppy (giving it a chew toy) is the best way. If it doesn't stop, gently squeezing its muzzle and saying "no" can also work.

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Question

My dog is now 9 months old and he is very active, but he still humps me. How do I stop that?

Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD
Veterinarian
Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998.

Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

If he is not neutered yet, get him neutered. If he is, take him to obedience training classes. You can find good classes at pet stores or veterinary clinics. Taking him to obedience training will help to teach him proper manners and help him learn his role in your household "pack."

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Question

How do I get my 5 year old rat terrier to stop humping people and my puppy? When I tell him no and remove him, he growls.

Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD
Veterinarian
Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998.

Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Mounting (humping) is a form of social dominance in dogs. Try to give your rat terrier more exercise and work on obedience training with him. Also make sure that it's clear to him that you are the "pack" leader (make him sit and stay while you place his food on the ground, make him wait while you go in and out of doors ahead of him). If none of these things work contact your veterinarian for further advice.

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