05/16/2026
GETTING THE HUMP
Hu***ng or mounting is a fixed action pattern (FAP), which are innate behaviours. These are behaviours that are common to all members of a species and require no learning. A Fixed Action Pattern (FAP) is a predictable series and stereotypical sequences of complex actions triggered by a cue - www.simplypsychology.org. www.sciencedirect.com.
The motivations for hu***ng or mounting can be difficult to pinpoint but it is definitely NOT:
Dominance
Controlling of the guardian or another dog
Alpha behaviour
Only seen in unsterilised dogs
Only seen in males
Only seen in younger dogs
To cause you embarrassment
To get your attention or get back at you
Many Google searches for this behaviour will bring up the word dominance or alpha. This behaviour cannot be attributed to such simplistic, misunderstood terms. Dogs hump cushions, toys or furniture - they are certainly not trying to dominate those inanimate objects.
Every dog is an individual with unique emotions. The feelings and motivations for the behaviour will differ from dog to dog but it is certainly not about dominance or trying to be the alpha. Don't believe everything you read on Google or the advice from pet guardians on social media pages.
Hu***ng or mounting by male and female dogs of ANY age can be due to:
Excitement
Sexual rehearsal
Burning off pent up energy
General stimulation...yippee, something’s happening!
Stress/anxiety/displacement behaviour
Play
Hyperarousal
A medical issue
Boredom
Frustration
Burning of excessive energy (like zoomies)
Ambivalence about a situation or a dog
Unease
Tiredness
If you are worried:
Make a note of how many times a day this is happening.
Take your dog for a medical check up.
Contact a science-based behaviourist to identify the triggers and the emotions to be able to develope a modification plan to improve the emotional state and hence the behaviour.
What to do in the moment?:
If the dog underneath seems uncomfortable and stressed then please interrupt. It may mean that the 'top dog' is unable to read the body language of the other one.
Redirect that energy to a toy or chew as opposed to scolding them.
Give him something mentally stimulating to do instead or ask for an alternative low arousal behaviour.
If they are having turns and alternating this behaviour with other behaviours like chasing, tumbling, play bows, etc., then leave them be.
Be careful if your dog humps random dogs who he does not know. The unknown dog could become aggressive due to not wanting the attention and behaviour.
Most guardians rush to sterilize their dogs when this happens...this may not make a difference as the motivation may not be sexual rehearsal.
***ngindogs
