No one would mind if their dogs only humped other dogs at the appropriate mating times. It's how they reproduce, and if their level of discretion leaves something to be desired, well, dogs will be dogs. But some dogs aren't very selective about the objects of their affections. They'll try to hump arms, legs, teddy bears, sometimes even cats.
This type of indiscriminate humping isn't about mating. Even a dog who is frenzied by hormones knows the difference between a receptive partner and someone's leg. It's not even about pleasure, although that may play a role. Dogs mainly hump because they're trying to assert themselves. The longer they get away with it, the more powerful they feel.
Humping usually starts during a dog's adolescence - between 6 months old and 2 years old - depending on the breed. This is the time when reproductive hormones are starting to reach adult levels, and some dogs go a little bit crazy. And dogs are always trying to prove that they're tougher than the next guy. Some do it by humping. Others do it by putting their feet on another dog's back. They reach sexual maturity before they reach emotional maturity
Humping is not strictly a male behavior, although males are the worst offenders. Unlike females, whose hormones ebb and flow with their reproductive cycles, males maintain fairly steady hormone levels all the time. The hormones themselves don't cause humping, but they make dogs more likely to do it. That's why neutering or spaying is the best way to reduce or eliminate this unpleasant behavior.
There's another reason that males are more likely than females to latch on to human legs, one that has nothing to do with reproductive urges. Males are just more competitive. They're always trying to prove (to people as well as to other dogs) how big and tough and independent they are. Humping is just one way in which they push the boundaries and assert their dominance within a family.
Watch a litter of puppies at play, and you'll see that they spend quite a bit of time climbing on top of each other. The more assertive dogs may take advantage of their position and throw in a little humping. It's their way of saying that they are, quite literally, top dogs. They hump to show their dominance more than for any other reason.
Once dogs are out of the litter and living with people, the same instinct remains. Human legs don't have special appeal, but they're accessible and easy to wrap paws around. In the wild, dogs never mount dogs who are higher in rank than they are. The only time that a dog tries this with people is when there's some confusion in his mind about who's in charge and who isn't.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Preventing Common Puppy Behavior Problems
What I'd like to do in this post is outline basic steps that you can take to prevent common puppy behavior problems.
Before we start, I want to mention that unusual and/or unaccountable dog and puppy behavior often has its roots in some sort of pathology. For problems that seem to be unresolvable and "strange," I recommend that you have your dog checked out by a vet. Medical and nutrition problems as well as early trauma do account for a significant percentage of dog and puppy behavior problems. Don't neglect this avenue of research.
Here are the most common puppy behavior problems that most of us, at some point, need to prevent:
The basic protocol for gradually correcting and thus preventing such behavior problems is not complicated:
When training, always apply the following behaviors:
Before we start, I want to mention that unusual and/or unaccountable dog and puppy behavior often has its roots in some sort of pathology. For problems that seem to be unresolvable and "strange," I recommend that you have your dog checked out by a vet. Medical and nutrition problems as well as early trauma do account for a significant percentage of dog and puppy behavior problems. Don't neglect this avenue of research.
Here are the most common puppy behavior problems that most of us, at some point, need to prevent:
- digging
- barking
- aggression
- seaparation anxiety
- submissive urination
- chewing
- housebreaking
The basic protocol for gradually correcting and thus preventing such behavior problems is not complicated:
- You, the owner, must remember and behave as the leader of the pack. Your pets do see themselves as part of your pack.
- Be sure to train your dog or puppy every day for 10 or 15 minutes.
- Always give your dogs praise and occasional treats to reward correct behavior.
- You must never yell or physically abuse your dog in any way.
- If possible, enroll into a basic dog training class.
When training, always apply the following behaviors:
- Never yell or abuse your dog (mentioned above)Be persistent in training--behavior change occurs over time.
- Be consistent in training--never vary the training routine.
- Be gentle but unflinchingly firm.
Helpful Related Links to Preventing Dog and Puppy Behavior Problems:
Canine pancreatitis--Recognizing Pancreatitis in Your Dogs
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
How Parasitic Disease Causes Puppy Behavior Problems
Some of the problem behaviors in dogs are a result of an infection from parasite. These include internal parasites such as roundworm and tapeworm, flea infestation, ear mites, and Hypermetria.
Many dog owners are not aware that most parasite infection such as roundworm infestation is a condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. The fact is that it is important for all puppies to be dewormed as well as vaccinated against distemper and hepatitis. Most problems related to internal parasitism involve owners who do not know about the adverse effects of digestive malfunction, but still expect a young dog to control his loose stools, be able to housetrain successfully, and learn all the more complicated lessons of being an ideal household pet. When the puppy does not respond well to the training, the owner sometimes reacts by isolating, punishing or rejecting the pet socially. The resulting confusion and mismanagement of the pet often produce a wide spectrum of behavioral maladjustments.
The following problems are often shown in dogs with internal parasites: Chewing; Digging; Barking; Whining; Unruliness (due to being isolated as punishment); andStool eating which is possibly due to a fecal fixation resulting from excessive punishment associated with stools.
Flea infestation has led to rejection by some dog owners. Most of them will only try to get rid of fleas on the dog. They buy a flea collar or flea spray, but usually do nothing about the fleas infesting the dog's regular sleeping and resting areas. The result of this is that the dog continues to be infested and is eventually moved to the yard. The problems associated with such social isolation then may evolve.
Ear mite infestation led to isolation-based problems involving destructive chewing. Often, the dog’s constant scratching drives his owner crazy and will eventually result from the dog being shut away. Some dog owners neglect the rather obvious ear odor commonly associated with ear mites, and refuse to handle the behavioral problem until the ear problem clears up. Consult your vet when you notice a foul odor coming from your dog’s ear. Your vet will prescribe treatment for the scratching problem which in turn will lead to subsequent behavioral corrections.
It is amazing that most animals displaying signs of hypermetria had histories of heavy roundworm or tapeworm infections as puppies. In cases of Hypermetria, the dogs tend to bump into objects, usually submerge their noses when drinking, and display an exaggerated fore-throw of the front limbs when walking. Some cases of dogs suffering from this condition are abnormally hostile and seemed to be devoid of long-term memory. These dogs had to be re-taught simple lessons every day.
Want more information? See our recommended complete guide to dog health!
More Helpful Links
Housebreaking Puppies in the Winter
Housebreaking a Puppy in an Apartment
Basic Puppy Training Articles
5 Top Tips for Bringing a New Dog Home
Many dog owners are not aware that most parasite infection such as roundworm infestation is a condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. The fact is that it is important for all puppies to be dewormed as well as vaccinated against distemper and hepatitis. Most problems related to internal parasitism involve owners who do not know about the adverse effects of digestive malfunction, but still expect a young dog to control his loose stools, be able to housetrain successfully, and learn all the more complicated lessons of being an ideal household pet. When the puppy does not respond well to the training, the owner sometimes reacts by isolating, punishing or rejecting the pet socially. The resulting confusion and mismanagement of the pet often produce a wide spectrum of behavioral maladjustments.
The following problems are often shown in dogs with internal parasites: Chewing; Digging; Barking; Whining; Unruliness (due to being isolated as punishment); andStool eating which is possibly due to a fecal fixation resulting from excessive punishment associated with stools.
Flea infestation has led to rejection by some dog owners. Most of them will only try to get rid of fleas on the dog. They buy a flea collar or flea spray, but usually do nothing about the fleas infesting the dog's regular sleeping and resting areas. The result of this is that the dog continues to be infested and is eventually moved to the yard. The problems associated with such social isolation then may evolve.
Ear mite infestation led to isolation-based problems involving destructive chewing. Often, the dog’s constant scratching drives his owner crazy and will eventually result from the dog being shut away. Some dog owners neglect the rather obvious ear odor commonly associated with ear mites, and refuse to handle the behavioral problem until the ear problem clears up. Consult your vet when you notice a foul odor coming from your dog’s ear. Your vet will prescribe treatment for the scratching problem which in turn will lead to subsequent behavioral corrections.
It is amazing that most animals displaying signs of hypermetria had histories of heavy roundworm or tapeworm infections as puppies. In cases of Hypermetria, the dogs tend to bump into objects, usually submerge their noses when drinking, and display an exaggerated fore-throw of the front limbs when walking. Some cases of dogs suffering from this condition are abnormally hostile and seemed to be devoid of long-term memory. These dogs had to be re-taught simple lessons every day.
Want more information? See our recommended complete guide to dog health!
More Helpful Links
Housebreaking Puppies in the Winter
Housebreaking a Puppy in an Apartment
Basic Puppy Training Articles
5 Top Tips for Bringing a New Dog Home
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