Understanding Why Dogs Lick and Then Hump
Many dog owners have experienced moments when their pets first shower them with affectionate licks only to follow up with surprising humping behavior. While this combination might be confusing or embarrassing, it’s important to recognize that it’s a common canine behavior and not always about dominance or sexuality. Let's explore the reasons why dogs lick and then hump, and how you can effectively manage such actions.
Common Reasons Dogs Lick and Hump
- Excitement or Overstimulation: Dogs often lick as a sign of affection or excitement. Following up with humping can happen if their arousal level becomes too high, especially during play or greetings.
- Attention-seeking: Some dogs hump because they've learned that it gets a reaction. Whether laughter, scolding, or pushing them away, the attention reinforces the behavior.
- Stress and Anxiety: Humping, especially following licking, may be a coping mechanism for dogs feeling nervous, insecure, or overwhelmed.
- Habitual Behavior: Puppies frequently explore mounting during play. If this isn't redirected early, it can become a repetitive habit that continues into adulthood.
- Social Dynamics: Although many believe humping signals dominance, modern behaviorists suggest it's more about social exploration than hierarchy assertion.
- Medical Triggers: Excessive licking followed by humping might indicate discomfort from skin allergies, urinary tract infections, or genital inflammation. In such cases, a vet consult is crucial.
- Hormonal Causes: Unneutered or unspayed dogs, driven by active hormones, are more prone to this behavior. However, it can persist post-sterilization if it's already habitual.
Why Is the Behavior Often Directed at One Person?
Dogs may choose to lick and hump a specific individual due to:
- Primary caregiver status: Dogs might target the person with whom they have the strongest bond.
- Overstimulation: People who interact exuberantly with dogs may unintentionally trigger excited behaviors.
- Reinforcement patterns: Even negative or confused responses can encourage repetition if the dog senses attention.
Managing and Reducing Humping Behavior
- Rule out medical issues: If humping is new, frequent, or accompanied by unusual licking or physical signs (e.g., swelling), consult your veterinarian immediately.
- Redirection: Teach alternate behaviors like "sit" or "down." Offering a toy or chew can distract dogs from humping impulses.
- Increase mental and physical stimulation: Provide sufficient exercise, toys, and interactive activities to release energy constructively.
- Reinforce appropriate behavior: Reward calm and desirable actions with attention or treats.
- Minimize triggers: Identify stimuli that prompt licking and humping — guests, loud environments, you arriving home — and limit the dog’s access or desensitize them gradually.
- Be consistent: Everyone in the household must respond uniformly to prevent confusion.
- Use calming aids: Puzzle feeders, calming sprays, and chew objects can help anxious or hyper dogs channel their energy appropriately.
- Seek professional help: If the behavior persists or seems compulsive, consult a certified dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist.
Do's and Don'ts
- DO: Use positive reinforcement to teach alternative behaviors.
- DON’T: Yell or push the dog away aggressively. This can increase stress or actually encourage more humping.
- DO: Observe for medical signs and consult your veterinarian if concerned.
- DON’T: Assume the behavior is always sexual or dominant — it’s usually emotional or habitual.
Conclusion
Licking followed by humping in dogs is typically a benign behavior rooted in excitement, anxiety, learned habits, or hormonal influences. Understanding the underlying causes and responding with patience, consistency, and sometimes professional guidance is key to reducing unwanted behavior and maintaining a healthy human-canine relationship.
