Happy Hump Day!

... You guessed it, it's Hump Daaaayyy! Or, as we like to call it, "mount day" in dog terminology. 

The reason we aren't fond of using the word "hump" is because most of the time when a dog does that, there isn't a sexual motive behind the gesture. It's actually quite interesting once you know what to look for... I'll write out a scenario and explain below.

Say for example, you're at the dog park with your canine family member; you see two dogs off in the distance. One is mounting, while the other just stands there. Who is in the wrong here? 

Most people would say the Mounter but in reality, it's the other way around. When a dog mounts, they're doing it to get a reaction from the other. Whether they give them a warning growl, snap back real fast, walk away, or sit down. They want to see at least something. It's a way for dogs to show dominance and figure out what place they're at within the pack. It's even possible for pups as young as 3-4 weeks to start doing it... Although, when practiced at such a young age like that, it's primarly play and social learning at that point.

Anyways, if all the other dog is doing is just standing there as it's being mounted, then he isn't showing the best Dog Speak and that can be confusing for the mounter.

When you see this happen don't get mad at the mounter- unless they're doing it obsessively, or continue to do it even after the other dog lets them know to knock it off. 

 

Instead, one thing we noticed that has worked is guiding  the dog on what to do when it's being mounted. You could help command them to sit and usually that works and the other stops.




What if your dog is an obsessive mounter? How do you stop that? 

A technique you could try is every time the dog approaches the other with obvious mounting body postures, step calmly in front of that dog to block him. Take away his space. If you’re skilled, you may be able to simply lean your body forward, or thrust out a hip or knee to send him the message that the fun is about to stop. 

In the end it's all about balance,respect, and consistency with the Canine Species.

The biggest reason I wanted to write this blog today is because I thought it was fitting (hehe) and because I know it can be missleading when you see a dog mounting the other. I find it absoultely facinatcing to watch the interactions of dogs now that I know what to look for. I hope my blog taught ya somethin new that maybe you didn't know before! :)

Have a marvelous rest of your night,
~Shaunte'