How To Get My Dog To Mount Me: Tips

Can a dog mount their owner? Yes, dogs can mount their owners, a behavior often referred to as “dog humping owner.” This mounting behavior in dogs can stem from various underlying causes, and it’s important to address it appropriately. While some may view this as a sign of dominance, it’s more commonly linked to excitement, anxiety, or even play. This article will delve into the multifaceted reasons behind dog mounting behavior, explore when it becomes problematic, and provide practical strategies for training your dog to stop mounting inappropriate targets, including you. We’ll also touch upon canine sexual behavior as a potential, though often misattributed, cause.

Deciphering Dog Mounting Behavior

Mounting behavior in dogs is a complex issue with no single explanation. It’s a natural canine behavior, but when directed towards humans, it can be confusing and uncomfortable. Let’s break down the common reasons why your dog might exhibit this behavior.

Excitement and Overstimulation

One of the most frequent triggers for mounting behavior is sheer excitement. When a dog is overly stimulated, their energy levels can surge, and mounting can become an outlet for this pent-up energy. This is especially common during play, greetings, or when a dog anticipates something positive, like a walk or a treat.

Playtime: During boisterous play sessions, dogs often engage in physical contact that can include nipping, chasing, and yes, mounting. It’s a way for them to interact and express their enthusiasm.
Greetings: When a dog is particularly thrilled to see you or another person or dog, the excitement can manifest as mounting. It’s a way of saying, “I’m so happy you’re here!”
Anticipation: The anticipation of an enjoyable event, like mealtime or a car ride, can also lead to heightened arousal and subsequent mounting.

Anxiety and Stress

Contrary to popular belief, mounting isn’t always about aggression or dominance. For many dogs, it’s a coping mechanism for anxiety and stress. When dogs feel overwhelmed, insecure, or uncomfortable, they might resort to mounting as a way to self-soothe or to try and control a situation they perceive as threatening.

New Environments: Dogs in unfamiliar settings might exhibit mounting behavior as they try to navigate and process the new stimuli.
Social Interactions: If a dog is unsure how to interact in a social setting or feels intimidated, mounting can be a way to manage their anxiety.
Separation Anxiety: While less common, some dogs experiencing separation anxiety might show mounting behavior when left alone, though this is usually accompanied by other distress signals.
Changes in Routine: Disruptions to a dog’s daily routine or the introduction of new family members (human or animal) can also create stress that may lead to mounting.

Attention Seeking

Dogs are smart creatures, and they quickly learn what behaviors get them attention from their owners. If mounting, even if it’s negative attention (like being pushed away or scolded), is the most effective way your dog has found to get you to interact with them, they might continue to do it.

Ignoring Other Behaviors: If your dog offers other, more appropriate ways to get attention (like sitting politely or bringing a toy) and these are overlooked, they might escalate to more noticeable, albeit inappropriate, behaviors like mounting.
Inconsistent Responses: If you sometimes allow mounting and sometimes push your dog away, they might become confused and continue the behavior hoping for a positive reaction.

Canine Sexual Behavior

While often cited as a reason, true canine sexual behavior, like mounting, is more typically seen between intact, unneutered male dogs. However, neutered dogs and even female dogs can exhibit mounting behavior. In these cases, it’s less about sexual drive and more about the other factors mentioned above. It’s important to distinguish between actual mating behavior and other forms of mounting.

Lack of Socialization and Training

A dog that hasn’t been properly socialized or trained may not have learned appropriate ways to interact with humans and other animals. They might not understand boundaries or the social cues that dictate acceptable behavior.

Puppy Behavior: Puppies, in particular, are still learning about the world and their place in it. Mounting can be a part of their exploratory behavior.
Inadequate Socialization: Dogs that have had limited exposure to different people, dogs, and situations might be more prone to mounting as a way to express nervousness or seek reassurance.

When Does Mounting Become a Problem?

While some instances of dog mounting might be fleeting or easily dismissed, there are times when this behavior becomes problematic and requires intervention.

Inappropriate Mounting

The most obvious problem arises when a dog mounts people or objects inappropriately. This includes mounting your legs, arms, or any other part of your body when you are trying to relax, work, or interact with others. It can be embarrassing, frustrating, and even a sign of underlying issues that need addressing.

Public Embarrassment: If your dog mounts guests or strangers, it can create an awkward and negative impression.
Physical Discomfort: For some owners, being mounted can be physically uncomfortable or even painful, especially with larger breeds.
Interruption of Activities: Persistent mounting can disrupt daily routines and make it difficult to engage in normal activities.

Dominance vs. Excitement: Fathoming the Difference

The idea of “dog mounting dominance” is a popular but often misunderstood concept. While dominance can play a role in some animal behaviors, mounting in dogs, particularly towards owners, is rarely about establishing superiority. Instead, it’s more commonly an outward manifestation of other emotional states.

Misinterpreting Behavior: Owners often incorrectly label mounting as a bid for dominance when it’s more likely a sign of excitement, anxiety, or a learned attention-seeking behavior.
Focus on the Cause: It’s more productive to focus on the underlying cause of the mounting rather than assuming it’s a dominance issue. Addressing the root cause will be more effective in changing the behavior.

Mounting and Anxiety

When mounting is directly linked to anxiety or stress, it’s a clear signal that your dog is not coping well. This type of mounting can be accompanied by other signs of distress, such as whining, pacing, panting, or lip licking.

Recognizing Stress Signals: It’s crucial to recognize other body language cues that accompany the mounting to accurately assess if anxiety is the primary driver.
Addressing the Root Anxiety: If anxiety is the cause, the solution lies in addressing the anxiety itself, which might involve environmental changes, desensitization, counter-conditioning, or professional guidance.

Strategies for Training Dog to Stop Mounting

Successfully training your dog to stop mounting inappropriate targets, including yourself, requires patience, consistency, and a multi-faceted approach that addresses the root cause of the behavior.

1. Identifying the Trigger

The first step in redirecting dog mounting is to pinpoint what triggers it. Keep a log of when and where the mounting occurs, who is present, and what was happening immediately before the behavior.

Observe Patterns: Are there specific times of day, certain people, or particular situations that consistently lead to mounting?
Note Environmental Factors: Does it happen more often in busy environments or when the dog is left alone?

2. Immediate Intervention: Redirecting Dog Mounting

When you see your dog starting to mount, the most effective immediate strategy is redirection. This involves calmly interrupting the behavior and offering an alternative, acceptable activity.

Gentle Interruption: Do not yell or punish your dog, as this can increase anxiety and worsen the problem. Instead, calmly interrupt with a verbal cue like “Off” or a gentle physical redirection.
Offer an Alternative: Immediately redirect their energy by offering a favorite toy, initiating a short training session with simple commands (sit, stay), or engaging them in a quick game of fetch.
Positive Reinforcement: Praise and reward your dog when they engage with the alternative activity, reinforcing the desired behavior.

3. Management and Prevention

While you’re working on training, it’s important to manage situations that trigger mounting and prevent opportunities for the behavior to occur.

Leash Control: Keep your dog on a leash when you anticipate triggering situations, allowing you to prevent mounting before it starts.
Limit Access: If mounting occurs when you are sitting or relaxing, consider having your dog in a separate, comfortable area during those times.
Pre-empt Excitement: Before greeting guests or starting play, ensure your dog has had an outlet for their energy, such as a brisk walk or a short training session.

4. Addressing Excitement and Overstimulation

If excitement is the primary cause, teaching your dog impulse control and how to remain calm is key.

“Calm Down” Cues: Teach your dog a cue for calming down, such as “settle” or “enough.” Reward them with treats and praise when they respond by lying down or relaxing.
Desensitization and Counter-Conditioning: Gradually expose your dog to triggering situations (like guests arriving) in a controlled manner, pairing the trigger with positive experiences (treats, praise) to change their emotional response.
Structured Greetings: Practice calm greetings with guests. Have your dog sit before greeting, and reward them for staying calm.

5. Managing Anxiety and Stress

If anxiety is driving the mounting, you’ll need to address the underlying stress.

Create a Safe Space: Ensure your dog has a quiet, comfortable place to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed.
Consistent Routine: Predictable routines can reduce anxiety.
Professional Help: For significant anxiety, consult a certified professional dog trainer or a veterinary behaviorist. They can help diagnose the specific anxiety triggers and develop a tailored behavior modification plan. This might include using calming supplements, pheromone diffusers, or medication in conjunction with training.

6. Reinforcing Good Behavior

Focus on rewarding your dog for appropriate behavior. This means actively praising and treating your dog when they are calm, relaxed, and not mounting.

Catch Them Being Good: Be vigilant in observing your dog and rewarding moments of quietude and polite interaction.
Reward Calmness: When your dog settles down naturally, offer praise and a small treat.

7. What to Avoid: Punishment-Based Methods

It’s crucial to avoid harsh punishment or physically forcing your dog off. These methods can be counterproductive and create more problems.

Punishment Backfires: Yelling, hitting, or forcefully shoving your dog can increase their anxiety, fear, and aggression, potentially leading to more serious behavioral issues.
Confusing the Dog: If your dog mounts out of confusion or anxiety, punishment will only make them more confused and anxious.

8. Consistency is Key

Everyone in the household needs to be on the same page with the training plan. Inconsistent responses will confuse your dog and hinder progress.

Family Agreement: Discuss the training strategy with all family members and ensure everyone implements it consistently.
All Interactions: Apply the rules and redirection techniques during every interaction.

Addressing Specific Scenarios

Dog Humping Owner’s Leg

When your dog humps your leg, it often signifies excitement or a bid for attention. Immediately interrupt the behavior with a firm “Off” and redirect them to a toy or a simple command. Reward them when they engage with the alternative. Avoid pushing them away roughly; a calm redirection is more effective.

Dog Mounting Owner’s Arm

Similar to leg mounting, arm mounting is usually linked to excitement or a desire for interaction. A gentle interruption and redirection to a more appropriate activity, like playing with a tug toy, is the best approach. Ensure you’re providing sufficient physical and mental stimulation for your dog throughout the day to reduce pent-up energy.

Dog Mounting Other Dogs or Objects

If your dog mounts other dogs, it can be a social faux pas that can escalate into conflict. If it’s a play-related mounting, interrupt and redirect. If it seems more persistent or aggressive, it may be worth consulting a trainer specializing in canine social behavior. Mounting inanimate objects can also be a sign of boredom or anxiety. Provide more enrichment, such as puzzle toys and varied walking routes.

Long-Term Solutions: Enrichment and Exercise

A well-exercised and mentally stimulated dog is less likely to engage in problematic behaviors like mounting.

Physical Exercise

Ensure your dog gets adequate daily exercise tailored to their breed, age, and energy level. This could include:

Daily Walks: Varying routes can provide new mental stimulation.
Running or Jogging: For energetic breeds.
Fetch or Frisbee: Great for burning energy and practicing recall.
Dog Parks (with caution): Only if your dog is well-socialized and you can supervise their interactions.

Mental Stimulation

Mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise. It helps prevent boredom and keeps their minds sharp.

Puzzle Toys: Food-dispensing toys that challenge your dog to work for their treats.
Training Sessions: Short, regular training sessions reinforce good behavior and provide mental engagement.
Nose Work: Activities like scent games can be highly rewarding and tiring for a dog.
Chew Toys: Provide safe and appropriate chew toys to satisfy their natural urge to chew.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’ve tried various strategies and your dog’s mounting behavior persists or is accompanied by other concerning behaviors like aggression, excessive anxiety, or destructive tendencies, it’s time to seek professional guidance.

Certified Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA, CPDT-KSA): Trainers with these certifications have proven knowledge and experience in behavior modification.
Veterinary Behaviorists (DACVB): These are veterinarians with specialized training in animal behavior and can diagnose medical conditions that might be contributing to behavior problems, as well as prescribe medication if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why does my neutered male dog hump my leg?
A1: Even after neutering, hormonal influences can be present, but more often, neutered dogs hump due to excitement, anxiety, attention-seeking, or simply as a learned behavior. It’s rarely purely sexual.

Q2: Is dog mounting dominance a real thing?
A2: While dominance is a concept in animal behavior, mounting as a sign of dominance in dogs, especially towards owners, is often overstated. It’s more commonly a byproduct of excitement, stress, or a lack of appropriate outlets for their energy.

Q3: Can I train my dog to stop mounting me?
A3: Yes, you absolutely can train your dog to stop mounting you. It requires identifying the trigger, consistent redirection, management, and rewarding calm behavior.

Q4: My dog mounts me when I’m happy and excited. Is this normal?
A4: Yes, mounting can be a response to your excitement or your dog’s own excitement. It’s a sign that your dog is feeling aroused and may need help learning to manage that energy more appropriately. Redirecting them to a calmer activity when you’re both feeling excited can help.

Q5: My dog mounts other dogs aggressively. What should I do?
A5: If the mounting appears aggressive and leads to fights, it’s a more serious issue. You should avoid situations that trigger this behavior and seek professional help from a certified dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist immediately.

Q6: Can anxiety cause my dog to mount me?
A6: Yes, anxiety and stress are significant causes of mounting behavior in dogs. If you notice other signs of anxiety alongside the mounting, addressing the underlying stress is crucial.

Q7: Should I punish my dog for mounting me?
A7: No, punishment is not recommended. It can increase anxiety and fear, making the problem worse. Instead, focus on calm redirection and positive reinforcement for desired behaviors.

Q8: How can I stop inappropriate mounting in my dog?
A8: To stop inappropriate mounting, consistently interrupt the behavior, redirect your dog to an acceptable activity, manage situations that trigger it, and provide plenty of physical and mental stimulation.

By approaching your dog’s mounting behavior with patience, consistent training, and a focus on the underlying causes, you can effectively manage and modify this behavior, leading to a more harmonious relationship with your canine companion.