It’s a common sight: a dog spends the day playing and sleeping with their favorite stuffed animal, only to turn around and hump it. Dog behavior experts say that humping happens because they explore themselves or show dominance.
It also isn’t uncommon for dogs to hump pillows and other plush items as they are soft and easy to grip and similar to the toys dogs played with when they were pups.
Is this normal? Is there anything you can do about it? Read on to find out, so you understand why this behavior happens and how to correct it.
Is it Normal?
Is your dog humping a stuffed animal that doesn’t look like a person or another animal? Then it doesn’t really matter what kind of toy he’s humping, he or she is just trying to show his affection for it in an appropriate way.
If you’ve got concerns about how much time he spends doing this, just make sure you give him plenty of opportunities to run around outside and play with other dogs when he’s not playing with his or her toys.
How Often Should it Happen?
It’s not uncommon for dogs to hump stuffed animals. However, it’s important to remember that this behavior is not necessarily sexual in nature.
Dogs are very social animals; they socially communicate by using behaviors such as play-bowing and licking each other’s faces. Unfortunately, they also use these behaviors to communicate with humans.
For example, when a dog humps a stuffed animal, it might be trying to assert dominance over the toy or letting you know that it wants some attention.
If your dog humps stuffed animals frequently or if you notice that growling or other aggressive behaviors accompany this behavior, you should speak with your veterinarian about how best to handle the situation at home.
Should You Try to Stop it?
It could be a phase your pup is going through with humping their stuffed animals. But there are ways that you can help the dog to stop humping their stuffed animals with these distractions:
- Training
- Playtime
- Exercise especially walks
- Playing with other toys as a game, such as tug of war
- Doggy play dates if they like other dogs
With these distractions, your dog will be less likely to have the urge to hump its stuffed animals.
Is it just a Phase?
Yes, it is likely a phase because your pup is going through a phase. They are exploring themselves or trying to show dominance. Eventually, they will get over the phase and be well-rounded dogs.
What Can You Do About it?
In the case of dog-humping stuffed animals, the best thing you can do is ignore it.
What will happen if you start telling them “No!” when they do this, or if you try to take away the stuffed animal so that they stop humping it? They’ll just find another stuffed animal (or maybe even one of yours!) and start humping that instead.
You’ve only added fuel to their fire by making them feel like something is wrong with what they’re doing, and now they’ll be even more determined to do it!
The good news is that dog-humping stuffed animals do not signify sexual attraction. It’s just a way for your dog to get comfortable and can be pretty annoying.
Also, don’t punish your dog for humping the stuffed animals. It will only make this behavior even worse, so here’s what to do instead if it does bother you:
- Make sure your dog has plenty of toys of their own to play with, so they don’t need to resort to humping stuff that doesn’t belong to them.
- Give them plenty of attention when they’re not humping things so they learn that being near people is fun and good for them.
- If possible, give them something else that makes noise or vibrates, so they have an alternative way of getting their fill of excitement when they start feeling lonely or bored.
Final Thoughts on Why Do Dogs Hump Their Stuffed Animals
Dogs are a highly social species, and it might be possible that the stuffed animal is actually a pack member. Each dog will have their own unique personality, and like people, dogs will have their own reasons for doing what they do.
Not all dogs will go through this phase of humping, which makes it hard to say how much it’s just because our dogs are lonely. However, your pup will get over it one day, and the humping will be a thing of the past!