Puppy Humping

[Ahona]

It's not a problem yet, but I'd like to nip it in the bud before it becomes one! We just brought our goldie pup Spud home and he's been humping things since this morning.

Humped his pink plush pig around the living room floor till I confiscated it, then started humping our bed and quilt

He's tried humping my leg multiple times. Everytime he's done that, I've said AH AH loudly and have squirted him with spray from a water mister. The last time he got a time out too because he came back for more!

I didn't think I'd have to deal with this so soon! How do I stop him humping? How do I assert leadership so he doesn't try to dominate me?

Thanks

a.

[Erny]

I didn't think I'd have to deal with this so soon! How do I stop him humping? How do I assert leadership so he doesn't try to dominate me?

Thanks

a.

Does seem somewhat young (I can only presume your new puppy is around the 8 weeks old mark?) but ....

For leadership - set boundaries and guidelines and be consistent in your methods to train your pup to these things. Think of things being on your terms rather than that of the pup's. If you catch pup humping (or 'about' to hump - the earlier you catch the better) try distracting by making a noise such as clapping hands or rapping a couple of saucepan lids. When pup distracts away, do a little recall of sorts and when pup comes over, reward. When pup humps you, do your best to withhold any action that might be deemed by your pup to be "attention" from you. Initially, try simply walking into your pup - this might upset his balance and leave him no choice other than to cease the activity. Walking into his space rather than delivering up to his is a message that should stand him in good stead for 'respect' later on. You could try the firm "No" (coupled with the stern look of disapproval on your face) and physically (firmly but not roughly) stop the behaviour, but you do need to be watchful in case your pup perceives this as having won your attention.

Try to keep things that pup 'humps' out of the way when you are in no position to supervise.

Lots of socialisation for pup's good development and to keep him mentally stimulated. Introduce a little basic (gentle) training in obedience too.

I would suggest your pup is 'exploring' at this stage. Exploration can lead to habits, so do what you can to divert him away from the habits you would prefer he didn't engage in.

[The Spotted Devil]

I had an "early starter" here too - his breeders couldn't believe it

I did pretty much the same things as Erny mentioned. Poor Zig didn't have a bed in the lounge room for ages because he just couldn't leave it alone! I removed all the cushions from the lounge and kept him out of the bedrooms. You have to be really, really persistent!!!! If I noticed him scraping something with his paws, that was a good warning sign and I'd distract him with something else. I found that it stemmed from being over excited/stimulated by his environment so tried to keep that fairly calm. He's completely grown out of it now - and has several beds in the lounge room to choose from

[Ahona]

Thanks Erny and Zig!

He is almost exactly 8 weeks old (a few days older) and I thought it was a bit young to start humping! It does seem to be when he's a bit excited and he almost always humps just after he's pooed, not sure why??

Thanks Erny We've been doing some basic obedience, teaching him sit and come and making him sit for food etc. He's seemed to have learnt that if he holds onto pees and pees in lots he gets more treats

I've been clapping hands and clicking fingers together coupled with a firm AH AH and if he continues and is being really bad, he gets a big growl. That's the only punishment he gets, the rest is all positive reinforcement.

He's a good little chap so far, so loving and affectionate.