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

Humping behavior is not restricted to male dogs and we often see females performing this behavior. It can be a result of excitement or stress but in some instances can be a form of dominance or aggression. You can try to distract/discourage your dog by offering a toy or play when your dog starts this behavior, or teaching your dog the "leave it" command and applying it to other dogs she may approach. If the behavior is excessive or becoming more aggressive then a consultation with a veterinary behaviorist is recommended. Here is an article with a little more information on ideas to deal with this behavior: https://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/poodles_embarrassing_greeting_behavior/

Humping/ mounting objects and other dogs is quite common in puppies both male and female. It is not always a sexual behavior and can occur due to excitement, stress, dominance, boredom, and more. You can read more about this at: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/mounting-and-masturbation

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Penny. She is so cute! It could be she is masturbating, which dogs can do even when they are spayed. It feels good, and that's why she does it. When you see her start to do it on you, tell her no, turn your back on her (move your leg away), and ignore her. Tell her no when she does it to the cat, and also take away the pillow and say no when she tries to do it to that. She will learn it's an inappropriate behavior and she will get ignored when she does it. I hope this helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is not a reason to be concerned. Humping can be an ongoing behavior that may happen from time to time and it is not necessarily due to her being spayed. The scooting could be due to anal gland issues. If she continues to do that, I recommend that you have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment. Best of luck!

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 )

Treatment • Seek veterinary help o Visit your regular veterinarian first so you can determine if a medical issue is the cause. If the cause is not medical, your veterinarian will help you determine the underlying problem. Sometimes either journaling or filming your dog performing the behavior and bringing this information to your veterinarian can help him or her determine the reason of your dog’s mounting behavior • Identify what the motivation is for the mounting behavior (stress, anxiety, attention-seeking, sexual behavior). Each require different forms of treatment. For example, if the cause of mounting is due to over-excitement, regular exercise may help relax your dog. By addressing the underlying behavior, often anxiety and stress, you will decrease the mounting. • Practice avoidance o When your pet starts the behavior, leave the immediate environment. This helps to prevent any encouragement and praise. • Teach or use different commands to distract the dog during the behavior. o Make sure your dog can sit, leave it, down, off so when he/she starts inappropriately mounting, you can use these commands. When you do reward him, make sure it is for the command that he followed, and not for the mounting behavior. • Medications o Medications are sometimes used to decrease the underlying anxiety and stress. Please talk with your veterinarian specifically about your options. Things not to do: • Positively reward the behavior o Including giving any type of praise or reward while your dog is mounting, • Punish the dog o Kicking, kneeing, punching, slapping, and other forms of direct punishment, as this can cause more problems. In conclusion, the causes of mounting are many. The best first step is to take your dog to your veterinarian to determine the cause for the mounting. It also can help to keep a journal to document the circumstances of your dog’s behavioral changes. This will allow you and your veterinarian to work together in determining how to help your dog.

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.).