Expert: Alan J Turner, SATS LL1 - 2/22/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have a great little (ten pounds) 7 1/2 month Havanese/Bichon Frise puppy named Charlie. We've had him since he was three months old and he's my first house dog. Charlie does something I have never seen my former dogs do - he humps his stuffed toys and bedding and my children's legs, esp. my five-year-old daughter. We are having him neutered in two weeks. Will that help this behavior? He still squats to peepee and never lifts his leg, but he seems very attracted to girl dogs:) I've read that humping can be a dominance thing, but he seems submissive enough- he rolls over to let us rub his belly, allows us to take his food, toys, etc. Thanks so much for your valuable time. I just found this website- how wonderful you all are for helping us take better care of our pets.



ANSWER: Dear Nette,

Thanks for the question. It's not unusual for puppies to mount. Neutering will probably not reduce the behavior.

Mounting by puppies is usually a social, not a sexual behavior. Puppies mount other puppies long before they reach sexual maturity, which is around 6 months. Some profess it to be related to dominance but in most cases, it's usually play or attention seeking behavior. More than likely, Charlie is telling you he needs more physical and mental stimulation.

These are short term, management techniques; obedience training is the long term solution.  

When Charlie mounts people or objects, label the behavior and immediately redirect him. For instance, Charlie mounts – you say "Rude, that's rude", and call him over to you. Then tell him what you'd like him to do. Hold a quick 60-second practice session. Ask him to sit or down or stay or whatever he knows. Get him to do 3-5 behaviors and then engage him in a game of ball, take a walk or play fetch.

If he won't come, attach a leash or long line and let him drag it around the house. Then you'll be able to pick up the lead and take him a few steps away.

Here are some suggestions for preventing the behavior.

Remove his favorite items. Review how your children interact. Do they play wrestle, tumble? If so Charlie may view them as puppy playmates, because they play like puppy playmates. It's best to play games that don't include "hands-on-dog" contact. Instead, attach a leash and play hide-n-seek, fetch, sit, et cetera. Take him on leashed walks.

You may already have done so, but if not, take that rascal to a group obedience course. OR ask your vet for the name of a good trainer. Or visit http://apdt.com and search for a trainer near you. Good luck with your puppy. Thanks for writing.


Alan J Turner
Owner: http://howsbentley.com
Editor: http://animalnewsnetwork.org

Visit the signature web sites for information about puppies and dogs.






---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks so much, Alan. We live in a rural area in South Georgia and there are no trainers within 50 miles (according to the website you included. I also don't know of any obedience classes. He is leashed-trained and knows to sit on command and go to his crate on command. I am working on down now. He also understands "outside" and "bye bye" (he loves to travel)and "drop" when he fetches a toy.You are right that Charlie mounts my youngest girl when she's on the floor playing with him. I've been home this week and he's done much less of it, so as you stated, he probably needs extra stimulation on work days.  I do try to get him with other dogs weekly and we take him out so he's around lots of situations and people. Are obedience classes absolutely necessary or can't I train him at home myself? Can the sessions be incorporated into play ( I throw a ball for him to retrieve and work on down at the same time) or should I have him on the leash and work with him on basic obedience commands for a short time each day? Thanks again.

Answer
Dear Nettie,
Thanks for the note. You can train him at home, but you'll need some instructions beyond email help and advice from non-professionals. None of this (how to train a puppy) comes to anyone in a dream! :)

Yes, it's good to incorporate games into training. You may or may not a leash. It depends on what you're teaching and how he behaves.  

I travel up to 160 miles to work with clients, perhaps some of the trainers listed in nearby cities will travel for a fee. At the very least, you should buy a book. Patricia McConnell is a good author for puppy training books. Good luck with your puppy!

AT