How to stop my older dog from humping our new puppy roughly?

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.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear you are having this problem. Not sure what sex the Boston is but either male or female, fixed or not fixed, humping behavior by other dogs is a way of expressing dominance and most times has nothing to do with mating behavior. If it doesn't escalate into a fight, I would advise letting it occur and let the two dogs would out the dominant submissive game that is playing out. Again, I would separate them when you are not there, crating the dogs to prevent soiling of the rooms if you have to. Otherwise seek advice from your veterinarian. They may want to see both dogs and advise you from there. Older dogs can undergo neutering and do need blood work before considering that option. But remember even sterilized dogs will exhibit humping behavior to determine the order of the pack. I hope this helps and good luck

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.

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! No, that much humping is not normal and Shadow acting aggressive when stopped is not normal. I recommend aggressive training. Start practicing: sit, stay, come, etc. He should have plenty of exercise: doggy daycare, walks, parks, one on one play. Keep a leash on him and use a gentle leader for the muzzle. When he start to hump, gently use the leash/gentle leader to make him stop as soon as he starts. Make him sit, give him a treat and play with him. Do not grab him or touch him where he can bite you. Humping is not always sexual in nature, but I would neuter him due this behavior and the aggression he is showing. Humping can also be due to anxiety or to show dominance. https://www.petco.com/shop/SearchDisplay?categoryId=&storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&sType=SimpleSearch&resultCatEntryType=2&showResultsPage=true&searchSource=Q&pageView=&beginIndex=0&pageSize=24&fromPageValue=search&searchTerm=gentle+leader&omnitureEnabled=false&cm_sp=SearchSuggest-_-gentle+leader-_-Location&searchsuggestion_keyword=gentle+leader I hope this helps!

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! They are so cute! I think basic training for both dogs is VERY important. If Bolt doesn't listen to you that is a problem and can become worse over time. I would always have him on a leash when they are playing so you can pull him off the new dog when he becomes too much. I really like the gentle leader harnesses that go on the muzzle because it give you great control of the head and eliminates pulling. In some ways the new dog will hopefully teach him when enough is enough but I would try to avoid that as he may react incorrectly and start a fight. He needs to learn proper play and pick up on the ques other dogs give that he needs to stop. I hope this helps! https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=9052

Hello, thank you for your question about Koba. It is possible that the behavior Koba is exhibiting is to exert his dominance or because he would like you're other dog to play with him but Koba is being to rough. In these types of situations it is usually necessary for the older dog to set boundaries for Koba - i.e. if Koba bites his ear your other dog barks/growls at Koba, letting him know that this behavior is not ok. If your older dog is not demonstrating any of this assertive behavior to help Koba set boundaries one thing you could try would be redirecting him. If he begins to play rough and you are concerned that he is hurting your other dog remove Koba from the situation. I would recommend disciplining him to let him know this behavior is not ok. Then after a few minutes you could give him something else to entertain him such as an interactive toy. Hope this helps, good luck!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your question. I see that Oliver is not neutered. The behavior you are talking about is likely Oliver trying to establish dominance over the other 2 dogs. I would recommend neutering Oliver to see if this helps reduce this behavior. You can also try the Adaptil products and see if this helps to reduce the behavior. Adaptil products can be found online or at your local PetCo. To deter him from barking, I recommend using a spray bottle and spritzing him in the face every time he barks. You can also use citronella spray collars that are triggered by barking and then emit a fine mist of citronella oil in front of the face. The citronella collar can be found online as well. 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.