Humping Problems. Advice?

HarleyHasMyHeart · 08-30-2010, 10:50 AM

I just got my dog Harley last year. When I first got him he was not neutered and he humped every dog we introduced him to. But since then I have got him neutered and he has stopped urinating in the house and humping the other dog in the house, Angel. I want to get him a dog park pass to our dog park which I wanted to take him to everyday but I'm afraid he will hump the other dogs. When my aunt and uncle used to bring their dog over our house Harley has humped him and it has gotten bad that he has left bad scratches all over their dogs belly.
Is there any way I can stop this habit?
I really think a dog park would be good for him but i dont want him to hump and hurt any other dogs. Advice woulld be greatly appreciated.

pawzaddict · 08-30-2010, 07:53 PM

Has he been humping the other dog since being neutered?

Simply remove him from the other dog and redirect him to a toy or by trying to play with him. Dont hit, dont yell and dont freak out

HarleyHasMyHeart · 08-30-2010, 08:39 PM

He has humped my uncle's dog. I have removed him from the dog because no matter what I do he is not distracted from what he wants.

Of course I would never even yell at him.

Is it just a habit because he got neutered later in his life? Is there any way that I can stop him from wanting to do it?

**fawkese1** · 08-30-2010, 08:50 PM

imo, this is a tough one, it is likely that he has learned that humping is how to interact with other dogs... interrupting and re-directing him when he does hump will help, but since humping is a self-reinforcing behavior, i think you will have to spend some time teaching him some alternative behaviors... basically i would have gobs of treats, have him meet another dog, and reward him for all interactions that aren't humping... i would also work on building some value for a specific toy, something that he only gets to play with, with you, with rules...

I found this link both useful and hilarious...

if you make the toy special, then it is more likely to work when you try to re-direct him...

as far as the dog park, i have mixed feelings about them... you might try forming some smaller doggy play groups and socializing him with other dogs during these, smaller groups, you can try off leash hikes and things (if he has a solid recall) are great ways for dogs to "hang out" without having the pressure to socialize with one another that a dog park can cause...

anyway, hope that helps...

HarleyHasMyHeart · 08-31-2010, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fawkese1

imo, this is a tough one, it is likely that he has learned that humping is how to interact with other dogs... interrupting and re-directing him when he does hump will help, but since humping is a self-reinforcing behavior, i think you will have to spend some time teaching him some alternative behaviors... basically i would have gobs of treats, have him meet another dog, and reward him for all interactions that aren't humping... i would also work on building some value for a specific toy, something that he only gets to play with, with you, with rules...

I found this link both useful and hilarious...

if you make the toy special, then it is more likely to work when you try to re-direct him...

as far as the dog park, i have mixed feelings about them... you might try forming some smaller doggy play groups and socializing him with other dogs during these, smaller groups, you can try off leash hikes and things (if he has a solid recall) are great ways for dogs to "hang out" without having the pressure to socialize with one another that a dog park can cause...

anyway, hope that helps...

thank you, this was so helpful!!