Why Does My Dog Still Hump Even After Being Desexed?

If your dog is still humping even after being desexed, you’re not alone. Many dog owners assume that desexing will eliminate humping behaviour, only to find that their dog is still at it—mounting their favourite cushion, another dog at the park, or even their owner’s leg! While it can be awkward or frustrating, humping isn’t always about reproduction. There are several reasons why desexed dogs continue to hump, and understanding these reasons can help you manage the behaviour.

Why Do Dogs Hump?

Humping (or mounting) is a completely normal dog behaviour. While it is often associated with sexual activity, that’s only one piece of the puzzle. Even after desexing, dogs may continue to hump due to:

1. Habit and Learned Behaviour

If your dog developed a humping habit before being desexed, they might continue doing it simply because it feels good or has become a self-rewarding behaviour. Dogs learn through repetition, and if humping was an enjoyable or attention-seeking activity in the past, they may keep doing it even after the hormonal drive has reduced.

2. Excitement and Overstimulation

Some dogs hump when they’re overly excited or have too much energy. You might notice your dog starts humping when greeting new people, during playtime, or in moments of heightened excitement. It’s a way of channelling that excess energy.

3. Social or Play Behaviour

Dogs sometimes mount each other during play, and it’s not necessarily a sign of dominance or mating behaviour. Many dogs hump as part of their social interactions, and in a well-balanced dog group, other dogs will usually correct inappropriate humping.

4. Stress and Anxiety

Humping can also be a form of displacement behaviour, meaning your dog does it when they are feeling anxious, unsure, or frustrated. Some dogs may resort to humping as a coping mechanism when faced with new situations, separation anxiety, or changes in routine.

5. Seeking Attention

Dogs quickly learn what gets a reaction from their humans. If humping gets a big response—whether laughter, scolding, or physical intervention—it can reinforce the behaviour. Some dogs may hump just to get noticed.

6. Medical Issues

While less common, persistent humping could be a sign of discomfort, such as a urinary tract infection, skin irritation, or allergies that cause itching in the genital area. If your dog suddenly starts humping more than usual, a vet check is a good idea to rule out any underlying health concerns.

How to Manage and Reduce Humping Behaviour

If your dog’s humping is excessive or becoming a problem, here are some ways to address it:

1. Redirect Their Attention

As soon as your dog starts humping, calmly interrupt them and redirect their focus to a different activity, like fetching a toy, practising a command, or engaging in a fun game. The key is to provide an alternative outlet for their energy.

2. Increase Exercise and Mental Stimulation

A tired dog is less likely to engage in excessive humping. Make sure your dog is getting enough physical exercise and mental stimulation. Puzzle toys, scent work, and structured training sessions can help keep their mind engaged.

3. Avoid Encouraging the Behaviour

Try not to laugh, push them away, or react in a way that could reinforce the behaviour. Instead, stay neutral, redirect them, and reward calm behaviour.

4. Teach the ‘Off’ or ‘Leave It’ Command

Training your dog to respond to a command like ‘off’ or ‘leave it’ can help manage humping. Reinforce the command with treats and praise when they stop the behaviour.

5. Manage Triggers

If your dog tends to hump in specific situations (like during playdates or when meeting new people), try managing their environment. For example, use structured introductions with other dogs or give them a short time-out if they become overstimulated.

6. Check for Underlying Health Issues

If humping is excessive, sudden, or accompanied by signs of discomfort, book a vet visit to rule out any medical causes.

Final Thoughts

While humping can be embarrassing or frustrating, it’s important to remember that it’s a normal canine behaviour. Desexing can reduce hormonally-driven humping, but it won’t necessarily eliminate the behaviour if it’s caused by excitement, habit, or other factors. The good news is that with patience, training, and a bit of management, you can reduce unwanted humping and help your dog channel their energy in more appropriate ways.

Have a dog that humps excessively and need some guidance? Jordan Dog Training is here to help! Our team can provide training solutions tailored to your dog’s needs. Contact us today for expert advice.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended as a general guide and is based on our experience as professional dog trainers. It is not a substitute for veterinary advice. If your dog’s humping behaviour is excessive, sudden, or accompanied by signs of discomfort, we recommend consulting a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical issues.