Why Does My Male Dog Mount Other Males? A Look at Canine Behaviour

At Jordan Dog Training, we often get questions about unusual dog behaviours, and one that can leave owners feeling a little puzzled (or even embarrassed) is mounting—especially when a male dog mounts other male dogs.

Many people wonder if this behaviour is a sign of sexual preference, but the truth is, dogs don’t have a concept of sexual orientation like humans do. Mounting is a completely normal canine behaviour with several possible explanations, and it’s usually not about dominance or attraction in the way we might assume.

Let’s break down why your dog might be mounting other male dogs and whether it’s something to be concerned about.

Why Do Dogs Mount?

Mounting (or humping) is a common behaviour in both male and female dogs, and it happens for a variety of reasons—most of which have nothing to do with reproduction. Here are some of the main reasons your dog might be mounting:

1. Play and Social Interaction

Mounting is a natural part of dog play, especially among puppies and young dogs. It’s one of many ways dogs interact, much like wrestling, chasing, and pawing at each other. If the behaviour happens during play without signs of stress or aggression, it’s likely just a normal part of their socialisation.

2. Excitement or Overstimulation

Some dogs mount when they become overly excited. This can happen during play, when meeting new dogs, or even when greeting people. It’s often a way for them to release pent-up energy, especially if they don’t have other outlets for excitement.

3. Habitual or Attention-Seeking Behaviour

If a dog has learned that mounting gets a reaction—whether laughter, scolding, or a distraction—they may repeat the behaviour simply because it gets them noticed. Even negative attention can reinforce the habit.

4. Stress or Anxiety

Some dogs mount as a response to stress or nervousness. This is especially common in situations where they feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or frustrated. If your dog humps excessively in certain environments, it could be a way of self-soothing.

5. Hormonal Influence (Even in Desexed Dogs)

While intact (unneutered) males may mount as part of mating behaviour, desexed dogs can still display mounting behaviour due to learned habits, residual hormones, or general excitement. Neutering often reduces hormone-driven mounting, but it won’t necessarily eliminate it entirely.

6. Establishing Social Boundaries (But Not Dominance)

Mounting is sometimes misinterpreted as a dominance behaviour, but most experts agree that it’s not usually about trying to “be the boss.” Instead, it can be a way for dogs to explore social dynamics and figure out their place in a group.

7. Medical Reasons

While rare, excessive or sudden mounting can be linked to medical issues such as urinary tract infections, skin allergies, or other discomforts that lead to increased sensitivity in the genital area. If the behaviour is persistent and accompanied by excessive licking or other signs of distress, a vet check is recommended.

Should I Stop My Dog from Mounting Other Males?

In most cases, occasional mounting is completely normal and not something to worry about. However, there are situations where you may want to intervene:

• If it bothers the other dog. Not all dogs appreciate being mounted, and some may react negatively. If the other dog seems uncomfortable or tries to escape, it’s best to redirect your dog to another activity.
• If it becomes excessive. If your dog is mounting excessively or obsessively, it could be a sign of underlying stress, overstimulation, or even a medical issue.
• If it leads to aggression. In some cases, mounting can trigger a negative reaction from other dogs, leading to fights or tension.
• If it’s directed toward people. Some dogs may try to mount people, which can be both awkward and problematic. Teaching appropriate boundaries is important.

How to Manage Mounting Behaviour

If you need to reduce or redirect your dog’s mounting, here are a few strategies:

✅ Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. A well-exercised dog is less likely to engage in excessive mounting due to pent-up energy.

✅ Use positive redirection. If you see your dog starting to mount, calmly redirect their attention to a toy, obedience cue, or another form of play.

✅ Teach an “off” or “leave it” command. Training your dog to respond to cues can help stop the behaviour before it escalates.

✅ Manage stressful situations. If your dog humps due to stress or overstimulation, work on desensitisation and confidence-building exercises.

✅ Consider neutering (if applicable). While neutering doesn’t eliminate mounting entirely, it can reduce hormone-driven behaviours in intact males.

✅ Address underlying anxiety. If stress or excitement is a trigger, techniques such as structured training, enrichment activities, and calming exercises can help.

✅ Use play breaks. If mounting happens often during play, interrupt the behaviour and give the dogs a break before resuming.

When to Seek Professional Help

If mounting becomes a persistent or problematic behaviour, consulting a professional trainer or behaviourist can help. You should consider professional guidance if:

• Your dog mounts excessively and doesn’t respond to redirection.
• The behaviour is linked to anxiety or stress and is affecting their overall well-being.
• Your dog is mounting aggressively, causing tension or fights with other dogs.
• There is a sudden increase in mounting, which may indicate an underlying health issue.

At Jordan Dog Training, we specialise in positive reinforcement methods to address unwanted behaviours in a way that strengthens your bond with your dog.

Final Thoughts

If your male dog is mounting other males, it’s usually not a sign of sexual preference but rather a normal behaviour with various causes. Whether it’s excitement, play, stress, or habit, understanding why your dog mounts can help you decide when to intervene and how to manage it.

Mounting is just one of many behaviours dogs use to communicate and interact with their world. In most cases, it’s nothing to worry about, but if it becomes excessive or problematic, there are plenty of ways to manage it through training, redirection, and ensuring your dog’s physical and emotional needs are met.

At Jordan Dog Training, we’re here to help you navigate your dog’s behaviour with practical, positive, and effective training solutions. If you’re dealing with mounting that’s excessive or causing issues, feel free to reach out—we’re here to help!

Disclaimer:

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary or behavioural advice. If your dog is exhibiting excessive mounting or other concerning behaviours, we recommend consulting a qualified veterinarian or professional dog behaviourist to rule out any medical or psychological causes.