Why Is My Puppy Humping Everything? (And What to Do About It

Understanding Puppy Humping: What’s Normal, What’s Not, and How to Handle It Calmly

If your young puppy has suddenly started humping a toy, another dog, or even your leg, don’t worry — you’re not alone. While it can be a little embarrassing or confusing, this behaviour is a normal part of many puppies’ development. At Jordan Dog Training, we’ve worked with thousands of Australian families to help guide their dogs through every stage of growth — and humping is one of those topics that comes up more often than you’d think!

Whether you’ve just started our Puppy School program or are prepping for your first class, this guide will help you understand why it’s happening, what to do, and how to support your puppy through this very normal (and temporary) phase.

Why Do Puppies Hump?

Let’s clear this up right away: puppy humping is not about dominance. That outdated theory has long been debunked by modern behaviourists and qualified trainers in Australia and around the world. So, what’s actually going on?

Puppies hump for several reasons, including:

• Excitement or overstimulation: Puppies often struggle to regulate their emotions when they’re excited, which can lead to humping. It’s their way of letting off some steam when their arousal level is high.
• Sensory exploration: Just like puppies chew on things, dig, or chase after moving objects, humping can be part of their exploration of their body and the world around them.
• Displacement behaviour: If a puppy feels anxious, uncertain, or overwhelmed, they might start humping as a way of coping with those feelings.
• Self-soothing: Puppies sometimes hump to calm themselves down if they’re feeling overstimulated or stressed.
• Social play: In group play, puppies often hump as part of their socialising behaviour. It’s part of figuring out their social boundaries and how to communicate with others.

Is It Normal for an 8-Week-Old Puppy to Hump?

Yes — it’s completely normal for a puppy as young as 8 weeks old to start humping. At this age, their bodies are still developing, and their behaviour is often driven by impulse and curiosity.

This kind of behaviour usually peaks during the first few months and tends to subside as puppies mature, especially as hormonal levels stabilise and they start to develop stronger social and impulse control. However, if the behaviour becomes frequent, persistent, or aggressive, or if it’s negatively affecting others, it’s time to step in.

How to Respond (and What Not to Do)

Remaining calm is key. Humping can be an attention-seeking behaviour, and reacting strongly (positively or negatively) can reinforce it. Here’s what we recommend:

✅ Do This:

• Redirect with calm consistency: Gently guide them to a toy or activity, and praise them when they engage appropriately.
• Observe triggers: Look for patterns. Does humping follow big play sessions or overstimulating environments?
• Encourage self-regulation: Use enrichment like snuffle mats, lick mats, or scent games to help your pup decompress.
• Teach impulse control: Games like “wait,” “sit,” and “leave it” help puppies learn how to pause before reacting.
• Reward calm behaviour: Always reinforce what you want to see more of!

❌ Avoid This:

• Don’t scold or punish: This can add stress and worsen the behaviour.
• Don’t laugh or overreact: This might unintentionally reinforce the behaviour with attention.
• Don’t label it as dominance: This misconception can lead to harsh or inappropriate training methods.

For more on calming routines and bite prevention, check out:

• Why Puppies Bite (And How to Stop It)
• Top Tips for a Calm Puppy at Home

When to Intervene During Play

If your puppy starts humping another dog, monitor the interaction closely. Dogs often correct one another, but it’s your job to step in if:

• The behaviour is repeated despite corrections.
• Play becomes overly intense or chaotic.
• The other dog is uncomfortable, growling, avoiding, or snapping.

Short breaks can help reset the mood and prevent over-arousal.

To learn more about reading your dog’s cues, visit:

• How to Read Dog Body Language

What If It Happens at Puppy School?

Puppy school is the perfect environment to work through these behaviours in a controlled, supportive setting. At Jordan Dog Training, we see this all the time. It’s part of why our Puppy School classes are designed to support age-appropriate behaviour and socialisation.

Our trainers handle this behaviour gently and positively, helping both puppies and owners learn in a safe and respectful space. We believe every moment is a teaching opportunity.

Does Desexing Stop Humping?

Not always. Desexing can reduce hormonally-driven behaviours later on, but most puppy humping isn’t sexual. Puppies under 6 months are unlikely to benefit behaviourally from early desexing unless advised by your vet for medical reasons.

Always consult your vet before making desexing decisions, and remember: behaviour training is still the most important factor in reducing unwanted humping.

Final Thoughts: Humping Is Just a Phase

While it can be awkward or frustrating, puppy humping is a normal developmental behaviour that most dogs grow out of. The key is gentle, consistent redirection, emotional regulation through enrichment and rest, and guidance in appropriate social behaviours.

At Jordan Dog Training, our team of experienced trainers and behaviourists is here to support you through all the ups and downs of puppyhood. If your puppy’s humping is becoming persistent or is accompanied by other over-arousal behaviours like mouthing or zoomies, we’re happy to help.

Our Puppy School classes offer structured, age-appropriate socialisation in a calm, supportive environment — and our Lifetime Membership gives you peace of mind that help is always on hand when you need it.

For more on calming techniques and reading your puppy’s cues, check out:

• Why Puppies Bite (And How to Stop It)
• How to Read Dog Body Language
• Impulse Control for Puppies

Give your amazing dog a pat from us 🐾

— The Jordan Dog Training Team

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is intended as general guidance and is based on our experience as dog trainers and behaviourists. It is not veterinary advice and should not replace consultation with a qualified veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your dog’s health, wellbeing, or behaviour, we always recommend speaking with your vet to ensure the best care for your dog.