8 Week Old Pup Humping

[WildatHeart]

I have just witnessed my new 8 and a half week old pup (crossbred kelpie) hump my 2 year old neutered male kelpie x. He was in a drop and she just climbed on his back and grab the back of his neck growling and playing before really getting in and humping him. He didn't care, he just sat there. He's very tolerant of her. I'm assuming this is a dominance thing but should I be concerned when she's already doing it at such a young age?

[Pjrt]

I'd say in such a young puppy it is more experimentation and exploration of self than anything else. You need to decide if it is a desired behaviour or not and react accordingly.

[Dame Aussie]

Agree with blinkblink, probably just exploration and play, but if you want to stop it start now.

[WildatHeart]

Thanks guys. What would be a successful way to approach deterring her?

[Dame Aussie]

I would just distract her with a toy or something, just redirect her playing to something acceptable :)

[WildatHeart]

Thanks, thought so, rather then punishment at this age.

[Dame Aussie]

Yeah don't make it negative, just redirecting is better when they're that young I think.