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

My neutered dog still humps his bed. Is this normal behavior?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 1 year old

My dog is neutered but he still tries to hump his bed and blanket. Why does he do it?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on September 10th, 2016

Oliver is masturbating, which is a normal behavior in dogs. Even though he's neutered, he's likely continuing the behavior because he has learned that it feels good. If this behavior bothers you, I recommend trying to distract him from doing it. It's best to get his attention before he starts masturbating. If you see him starting to act like he is going to masturbate, throw him a toy, start playing with him, or ask him to perform an obedience skill (i.e. sit, stay, etc.).

35Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
If he was neutered recently or anytime after he reached sexual maturity (at 6 months of age), there is a high chance that he will continue with unwanted sexual behavior out of habit. Which is why we try to stress getting the pet neutered before this occurs.

If he hasn't been doing the humping for very long and you recently got him neutered, then there is a chance he can stop this behavior on his own once his testosterone levels decrease to suboptimal levels, which generally takes about 1-2 months post neuter. It is a very slow process unfortunately for hormone levels to decrease in the bloodstream.
29Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Training & Behavior

Why does my neutered dog constantly hump my leg and blanket at night?

It sounds like Saxon is masturbating. Even though he is neutered, he still may be prone to doing it because it feels good. It's normal behavior, but if you don't want him to do this in the middle of the night, keep him from sleeping in your room. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Is it normal for my 11-month unneutered dog to hump and ejaculate?

I believe this might be a repeat of a previous question I just answered, so I will post the same answer below :-) It sounds like your dog is masturbating. Unneutered dogs can masturbate and ejaculate. This is a normal behavior, and if you don't want this to continue, I recommend having him neutered as soon as possible. He may continue masturbating, especially if he's learned it feels good, but it will stop him from ejaculating.

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

Why does my neutered dog whine and hump his toys? What's the fix?

Dogs can still hump things even after being neutered because they have learned that it feels good. When you see him getting ready to hump something, immediate distract him with another toy, or ask him to perform a basis command you have taught him. That will get his attention away from humping, and gives him an alternative behavior to perform.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My neutered dog just started humping. Is this normal behavior?

No, there is nothing wrong with the surgery. Dogs hump for other reasons like dominance behavior, play behavior or excitement. I suggest you refer to this article linked below: ( https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/mounting-and-masturbation )

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my neutered dog suddenly humping and acting aggressive?

Humping is not only a sexual behavior, it can also be a dominance behavior, a stress response, etc. Any new changes lately - new pet in the home, any major changes in his routine or in the house? I suggest you refer to this article for more information. Hope this helps. ( https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/mounting-and-masturbation )

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My spayed female dog humps pillows. Is this normal behavior for her?

I wouldn't be alarmed by this as it is likely a behavioral problem. Mounting, thrusting and / or masturbation in dogs is a normal behavior. However, excessive amounts of this can be problematic and may need to be addressed by a behaviorist. An occasional episode of humping should not be a cause for concern and neutering does not always fix this 100% of the time. If it becomes excessive, I would research a behaviorist in your area and schedule a consultation. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions / concerns

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share