My older dog won't stop humping our new dog. What can I do?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Humping isn't always sexual in nature, dogs can hump to show dominance or from anxiety. All this is very new for Cubby. It has only been one day and he will need time to acclimate. I would always keep Cubby leased to an adult and when he starts getting rough, make him sit or lay down and give him a treat. Consider the muzzle gentle leader to control him better. Be sure to provide adequate exercise and play with Cubby. They can be jealous about how affection is given. If the behavior doesn't start to calm down I would call your Vet monday for temporary "doggie downers" to calm him. I hope this helps and I wish everyone the very best!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your question. It is never a guarantee that this behavior will be corrected by neutering but in many cases it does help quite a bit. Many times this behavior is because the male dog is establishing dominance over another animal. Other times, this is breeding behavior and is corrected by the drop in testosterone after neutering. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

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.

Hello, & thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Tate is behaving in a very normal manner for a male dog. To punish him for this would be cruel. Please consider neutering, then everyone will be happy. Take care.

This definitely can be happening because Buddy is feeling uncomfortable. I would continue to have monitored meet and greet sessions, and if someone becomes too nervous or starts to try humping behavior, separate and let both dogs relax. Sometimes, dogs do well with mutual activities such as a walk or running around a backyard as this can help them focus on something else (the walk) instead of focusing entirely on the other dog. This may also help nervous dogs calm down a little by changing their focus. It does take time for dogs to get used to each other, so keeping up with the meet and greets, adding in a mutual activity, and providing places for both dogs to go and relax on their own without the other bothering them is best. I would not discipline the behavior, especially if your dogs are trying to communicate their needs to each other, and instead just calmly separate, allow them to calm down, and then reintroduce.

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.

This could be a dominance behavior or may be due to an abnormal production of hormones such as cushings disease. I recommend a full vet check and bloods especially if there are any additional symptoms such as altered appetite and or coat changes