Q: We have an adorable 3-year-old neutered golden retriever. Baxter belonged to a military family in San Diego. When the family was deployed to Japan, they asked my son, Derek, to take him. Derek was just finishing up his five-year service in the Marines, and Derek and Baxter traveled home from San Diego to Georgia.
Derek is now attending college and lives in an apartment. My husband and I live on a farm, and Baxter now lives with us. We really enjoy Baxter, but when he gets excited playing or is with a new visitor, he wants to "hump" them. He was neutered as a pup. So why does he want to do this? -- V.S., via e-mail
A: Humping looks like an R-rated movie, so people assume it is sexual. But this behavior is seen in puppies and (as you've seen) in male dogs who have been neutered. Even some female dogs do it.
One theory says humping is how some dogs take charge or control of a dog, person or object (such as a pillow). Another theory equates humping with dogs who feel uncertain about their status or role in a given situation. In Baxter's case, I would guess all the changes have left him somewhat confused about the rules. Baxter probably needs more structure and clarity on how to be an acceptable canine in a human world.
Dogs learn faster and better from positive reinforcement than they do from punishment. That means stopping all punishment and being clear about behaviors you want.
If Baxter has not been trained, find a basic obedience class that uses gentle, reward-based methods. Complement the training at home by insisting that Baxter sit to earn everything he wants -- greetings, games and meals. Ask your guests to join you in completely ignoring Baxter, not even looking at him or touching him, until he is calm enough to sit and remain sitting for his greeting. This will help Baxter learn self-control.
If Baxter gets too excited, instruct him with a "sit" or "down" command, and praise him for following instructions. Do not allow Baxter to get too revved up during play, now that you know too much excitement can lead to humping. When people visit, you can leash Baxter to a solid object to help keep him settled.
You will be more successful with Baxter's training if you teach him what to do instead of focusing on what not to do. Make it your goal to prevent Baxter from humping by asking him to sit. But if you do see it, interrupt Baxter without any emotion and give him a brief time out to calm down.
When Baxter figures out how to get the attention and fun he craves by sitting and following instructions, and that he won't gain anything from humping, it should stop over time.
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