STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

scarlett · Marc Jacobs

somewhat silly dog question: my puppy is mounting things....

Kelly · Hermes

Hmmm, I don't know. If it was to people or other pets, I'd say it's a dominance thing, but I wonder what she's doing with her bed? Maybe since she knows she can't dominate you, she's "playing" with the only other thing?

needsfashionadvice · Kate Spade

My female Boxer did that when she was a puppy, but she used to do it to me and my DH. It was definitely a dominance issue with my dog but since yours isn't doing it to you, just her bed, maybe she's just playing?

Elle · Hermes

Mounting and humping behavior in puppies is indeed just play-dominance. My (girl) puppy did it too when she was teeny, but hasn't done it since maybe 14 wks or so? She should grow out of it, probably as she becomes more coordinated and finds more active ways to play!

Drew · Gucci

I had a cocker spaniel growing up, and well beyond her puppy years she would mount and hump pillows (mostly). She did have dominance issues though, and had bitten a few people in her lifetime (once, my 2 year old cousin who required stitches on his face). The behaviour issues (though mild, so long as you understood the triggers) could have been a cocker spaniel specific breed thing though. Anyway, I wouldn't worry so long as the puppy doesn't exhibit excessive dominance or aggressive behaviors.

halleybird · Hermes

ha! Halley (girl) does it to Sully (boy) sometimes! Talk about kinky! =P

I agree with the others. Don't worry about it unless it's excessive.

scarlett · Marc Jacobs

ha ha, thanks, everyone!

we weren't worried, mostly surprised since we assumed this was a male thing. we were also thinking it could be a dominance or play thing. but she hasn't tried to hump either of us or anyone else so it doesn't seem like a problem. if it gets excessive we'll ask her vet.