mounting behavior

Mounting, humping, hyper-exciteability

"Dominance" or ... ?

Is he neutered? If not, DO IT NOW!
A study by Scott & Fuller determined a 66% reduction in mounting in neutered dogs.

The Down & Dirty on Humping: Sex, Status and Beyond - Dr. Ian Dunbar

Photo courtesy of Kyra Collins, JRT Rescue, Milwaukee, OR

"When is that neutering appointment?"

Mounting behavior can have roots in a misaligned leadership situation between dog and owner, but for many (especially terriers and young puppies) it has more to do with a highly aroused state of excitement. Girl dogs mount as much as boy dogs - sometimes it seems almost involuntary, as if the back half of the dog's body has taken on a life of its own.

Dogs who mount toys or furniture aren't trying to dominate the couch,
but rather releasing pent-up energy and frustration.

My recommendation is to treat it like any other exciteable behavior - interrupt, redirect and instruct: concentrate on what you'd rather they be doing:

"ah-ah" (stop)
"here" (look)
"sit" (listen and do this instead).

Work on sit for petting. Work on tricks. Practice behaviors that promote a calm state of mind and body as much or more than highly aroused competitive games. Train the dog to look to you for direction when it wants or needs something - this is leadership.

Aroused games must have rules.
You must set the rules for these games. The dog must be calm and connected in order to be given the cue to tug or wrestle. The game ends if the dog breaches the acceptable level you have set. The dog must stop immediately when told and not start again until specifically instructed to do so.

Give the dog a job, give it enough exercise - both mental and physical.
Work on self control exercises, work-to-earn exercises.
Teach your dog to learn how to handle exciting situations.
Teach the dog to go get a toy - if you are consistent, when the dog feels strung out, it will think "where's that toy?" instead of "where's that leg?"
Socialize well so life isn't so novel.
Be a good leader.

This handout may be reprinted in its entirety for distribution free of charge and with full credit given:
© CAROL A. BYRNES "DIAMONDS IN THE RUFF" Training for Dogs & Their People -
ditr_training @ hotmail.com - http://www.diamondsintheruff.com

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