How to stop my dog from humping toys without causing stress?

This is not a sexual behavior, but likely a response to stress, anxiety or to assert his dominance. Correct the behavior immediately when you see it. Remove him from the dog with a stern "No" and offer a toy or task to distract him. Praise and reward him when he complies. If he persists, separate him until he settles down. Be firm and be consistent.

Has anything changed in the household? New people? New pets? Babies who started crawling/walking? Construction? Guests? Change of furniture? Changed schedules of routine? Etc.. Sometimes when there is some type of change it can strike up this behavior because they are anxious and trying to figure out what to do with themselves. They can also do it if they are trying to portray dominance. You can tell him "no" and take his toy away. If there is a particular toy that he likes to hump, I would get rid of it. You can also give him a calming chew like composure and a calming collar like adaptil. I hope this helps!

When dogs hump other dogs it’s often a way to show dominance rather than being sexual behavior. I expect this to stop when he’s sure he’s boss and the puppy is submissive. I recommend distracting him with a treat or toy or taking him for a walk. If you make too much of this behavior it might reinforce it so I’d try distraction over discipline. As the puppy grows and they settle in together this should stop. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your dogs.

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.

I would try a Sentry calming collar to see if that helps. This release calming pheromones when in contact with Kash's skin. I'd also get DAP diffusers, which also release calming pheromones. Play with her every day to tire her out, and distract her with playing and treats when she starts the humping behavior. I hope this helps!

Humping can be a behavioral issue or hormonal, but is quite common. If your little guy isn't neutered that would be on the top of my "to-do" list, which likely will rectify this problem. Otherwise, if the behavior bothers you, correct it with a firm "No" when he does it, then reward him when he stops.

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/