When you bring a puppy into your home, it’s important to teach them the proper behavior, including...
How to Get a Puppy to Stop Humping
It can be embarrassing and inconvenient when your puppy starts humping. However, it’s important to understand why puppies do this and how to address the problem. This article will provide you with tips and advice on how to get a puppy to stop humping, so you can enjoy the company of your furry little friend without any awkwardness.
Why Do Puppies Hump?
Humping is a normal behaviour for puppies, and it usually occurs between the ages of 6 and 18 months. It’s important to note that humping is not necessarily sexual in nature. Puppies hump for a variety of reasons, including dominance, excitement, and stress.
Humping can also be a sign of boredom, as puppies may find it to be a fun and stimulating activity. If your puppy is humping excessively, it could be a sign that they are not getting enough physical and mental stimulation.
How to Get a Puppy to Stop Humping
The first step in addressing the problem is to understand why your puppy is humping. If the humping is related to dominance or excitement, then it’s important to establish yourself as the leader of the pack. Make sure that you consistently enforce rules and boundaries, and reward your puppy with treats and praise when they obey.
If the humping is due to boredom or lack of stimulation, then it’s important to provide your puppy with plenty of physical and mental exercise. Take your puppy for regular walks, play fetch, and engage in other activities that will keep them active and entertained.
It’s also important to provide your puppy with plenty of chew toys and other objects to play with. This will help to distract them from humping and provide them with an outlet for their energy.
If your puppy continues to hump, then it’s important to be consistent in your response. Whenever your puppy starts humping, gently remove them from the situation and redirect their attention to something else. Over time, your puppy will learn that humping is not an appropriate behaviour.
It’s also important to remain calm and patient. Your puppy may not understand why they’re being scolded, and this can lead to confusion and frustration. Stay positive and consistent in your approach, and your puppy will eventually get the message.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your puppy’s humping behaviour persists despite your best efforts, then it may be time to seek professional help. A qualified animal behaviourist can help you identify the underlying cause of the humping and provide you with strategies for addressing it.
It’s also important to keep in mind that some puppies may need medication to reduce their anxiety and help them cope with stressful situations. If you think this might be the case for your puppy, then it’s important to consult with your veterinarian.
Conclusion
Humping is a normal behaviour for puppies, but it can be embarrassing and inconvenient. The key to addressing the problem is to understand why your puppy is humping and then take steps to address the underlying cause. By providing your puppy with plenty of physical and mental stimulation, enforcing rules and boundaries, and remaining consistent and patient in your approach, you can help your puppy learn to stop humping.
If your puppy’s humping behaviour persists despite your best efforts, then it may be time to seek professional help. A qualified animal behaviourist can help you identify the underlying cause and provide you with strategies for addressing it.
