Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why does my fixed male dog still try to breed with a female in heat?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 6 years and 3 months old

My male dog is fixed but he still keeps trying to breed with my malshi when she is in heat, why is that?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on April 24th, 2016

Neutered males can display erections and ejaculate just like intact males. They may mount in a display of dominance or can still mount to breed in the presence of an intact and receptive female. Correct the behavior immediately (even though no litters will come of it) and distract or separate him completely from the female until she is no longer in heat. Consider having your female spayed in the near future.

16Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on December 7th, 2016
Some intact males will occasionally become intensely interested in a spayed female dog - this may happen because of some particular smell she has, but it isn't really known exactly what causes this to occur in some cases. The best option for now is to keep them separated, as you are currently doing. If there is no improvement in the situation in the next 2-3 weeks, you may want to consider neutering Buster to avoid having to deal with this constantly in the future.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

Is it normal for a neutered dog to try to mate with a female in heat?

Neutering doesn't remove all sexual behaviors, and male dogs who are neutered can still try to mate with females in heat. The good news is there is no way your female can get pregnant. The best way to stop that behavior from Jeeps is to have your female spayed. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why does my unneutered male dog act like my spayed female is in heat?

Since he is unneutered he may be picking up on her scent even if she is spayed, it's also a way to show dominance over other dogs. If you don't plan to breed him I suggest getting him neutered. This will help the behavior lessen over time and will also prevent some potential health problems as well as reduce the urge to roam and possibly get injured if he escapes looking for a female in heat. You can try getting him obedience training so he will be better behaved and more likely to listen when you try to separate them.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why is my neutered dog humping and mating like an intact male?

It sounds like Kentucky is masturbating, and neutered dogs do masturbate. If he wasn't neutered before he came to the shelter, he will have learned that masturbating feels good, and so he keeps up the behavior even though he is now fixed. It is unusual, however, that he had intercourse with an in heat female, which does not typically occur with neutered dogs. It makes it possible that he may have a retained testicle in his abdomen. I would have Kentucky seen by a vet for this, he may need surgery to determine if a testicle was left behind.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

What are the reasons my intact male dog mounts my spayed female?

Hello. He is just being a male dog. Even after neutering, some males may still try to mount females, but in his case, he is still strongly attracted to your spayed female. If you do not plan on neutering the male, keep an eye on the male as the female can get annoyed at him & you may have a fight on your hands. If your male is still quite young, he may mature out of this behavior as his instincts are very strong right now. Just keep an eye on him. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Can a neutered dog still get worked up by a female in heat?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! To answer your question, yes, a neutered male can still become restless / worked up when he is exposed to the hormones from a female in heat. Though he is unable to impregnate the female, he can still be responsive to the hormones she is emitting. Please let me know if there are any other questions or concerns that you may have and I would be more than happy to help you further!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why are my dogs humping each other when female is not in heat?

This behavior is often considered part of a dominance issue and can be seen amongst any dogs, even neutered dogs occasionally. Be aware that your puppy will be able to mate very shortly and you should consider neutering her or making arrangements to keep them separated for 3weeks when she comes in heat next

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why is my male dog mounting female who just had puppies, not in heat?

Male dogs are often confused by the discharge and pheromones immediately after birth. It is vitally important to keep them segregated to prevent injuries as the new mother is also going to be protective of her pups also

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share