Humping is one of those dog behaviors that can feel awkward, embarrassing, or just downright confusing—especially when it happens in the middle of a play session, at the dog park, or even to a human leg. While it might look sexual, humping often has little to do with reproduction. 
“Often, humping has nothing to do with sex,” explains certified applied animal behaviorist Dr. Mary Burch, director of the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program.
So, what is it all about?
It’s Not What You Think (Most of the Time)
Dr. Burch goes on to explain that humping is very often an attempt at dominance. This can be the case whether the dog is humping another dog, a person, or even a toy. But dominance isn’t the only explanation—sometimes, dogs hump when they’re overstimulated, excited, stressed, or unsure of how to cope with their energy in the moment.
In group play settings, like those we offer at BFFE, we occasionally see dogs attempt to hump when the excitement level rises or when they’re navigating social interactions. It’s a behavior we monitor closely, because even though it’s not aggressive in most cases, it can lead to conflict with other dogs or signal that a pup needs a break.
What Should You Do?
If your dog is humping frequently or inappropriately, it’s worth paying attention to when and where it happens. Is it during high-energy play? After a stressful event? When meeting new people or dogs? Identifying patterns can help you understand the why behind the behavior.
Redirecting your dog with a toy, a command, or a break can be effective in the moment. If it becomes persistent, working with a trainer or behaviorist can help address the underlying cause—whether it’s behavioral, emotional, or related to social dynamics.
And always let us know if you notice changes in your dog’s behavior at home. Keeping our team in the loop helps us better support your pup’s needs and ensure their experience in our care is as safe and comfortable as possible.
At BFFE, Safety and Comfort Come First
In our programs, we carefully observe dog-to-dog interactions to ensure all play stays safe and respectful. If a dog exhibits humping behavior due to overstimulation or stress, our team may recommend transitioning them to our Play My Way program. This customized approach allows dogs to still enjoy outdoor time, 24/7 care, enriching one-on-one activities, and all the benefits of traditional daycare—but in a calmer, more personalized environment.
To learn more about your dogs’ humping or mounting habit, visit: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/why-is-my-dog-humping-or-mounting/.