Dogs and mounting behavior

You know the scenario. The doorbell rings, and your dog instantly becomes overwhelmed with excitement. As you greet your guest, your dog grapples hold of his or her leg and begins thrusting his pelvis determinedly. For a moment both you and your guest look away, hoping that the gesture will be a fleeting one and that you won't have to acknowledge it. As it becomes apparent that your attempt at ignoring the display is fruitless, you both smile - perhaps even giggle - as you try to free the unwilling participant's appendage.

Where does mounting come from?

The biggest mistake many pet owners make when it comes to this problem is assuming that mounting behavior is a sexual issue. A dog may indeed mount another dog as a means of releasing sexual tension, but it is even more likely that he is trying to show dominance over the other animal. Although it may be embarrassing for owners - particularly when your dog accosts non-family members, this is a very natural behavior. The problem arises when a dog becomes obsessive about mounting other animals - or if he starts trying to mount people within the household.

Another common misconception about mounting behavior is that it is exclusively a habit of male dogs. Females too will ride other animals and the legs of the people within their households for the same reason that males do. A female may also mount another female, as a male dog may apply this behavior to a member of his same sex. This does not denote homosexuality - or any type of sexuality.

How can I prevent my dog's mounting behavior?

The best way to avoid mounting behavior is to spay or neuter your dog as soon as possible. Most breeds can be sterilized safely by the age of six months. In females this will eliminate the heat cycle and the unwanted sexual attention from nearby animals that accompanies it. Spaying and neutering will also lower testosterone levels in male dogs, a natural chemical that can contribute to aggression as well as mounting behavior. Dogs that mark their territory with urine are also likely to benefit from being fixed.

You can limit mounting behavior by keeping your dog's excitement level to a minimum. This may mean removing him from the room before inviting company inside or waiting a few minutes before greeting your pet when arriving home yourself. Overexcitement can easily trigger mounting behavior. Making sure your pet receives regular exercise can also help. An excellent way to teach your dog his place in the household is by training him. A trained animal will be less likely to try to show dominance over the people in his home.

As soon as you notice your dog in a mounting position, use distraction to draw his attention elsewhere. Grab his leash to suggest a walk, or offer him a favorite toy, for example. If he knows basic obedience commands, instructing him to sit or lie down may also be helpful. Avoid trying to move him, though, as this could escalate the situation into a physical altercation. If the problem persists despite these steps, ask your veterinarian to suggest a animal behaviorist in your area. He or she can work with your dog to correct the problem.