Yes, Female Dogs Hump Too — Here's Why

It can be surprising or even uncomfortable to see your female dog humping a leg, pillow, or another pet. While many people think this behavior is only seen in male dogs, that’s not the case. Female dogs hump too, and for a variety of reasons…

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Content:

1. Understanding Why Dogs Hump
2. Humping Behavior in Female Dogs
3. Humping Behavior Between Dogs and How to Stop It
4. Conclusion

Understanding Why Dogs Hump

Mounting behavior (also known as humping) is not always sexual. In fact, it can start in puppies of any gender just as part of play. Female dogs may hump furniture, people, other pets, or even the air. Let’s break down why:

Hormones

If your dog isn’t spayed, she may hump when in heat.

According to Matt O’Donnell from the UC Davis Vet Hospital, “Intact males and intact, ‘in-heat’ females often display inappropriate mounting, reaffirming the potential role of sex hormones in this behavior.”

Stress or Excitement

Some dogs hump when they’re overwhelmed. It’s a way to release tension, similar to how others bark or zoom around. In some cases, it’s what we call a “displacement behavior”. This is something dogs do when they’re not really sure what to do in a situation (such as strangers visiting), and they need to release their uncertainty and feeling out in some way.

Play

Sometimes humping happens during roughhousing, especially in social dogs who get excited around new friends.

Medical Problems

Things like urinary tract infections, skin allergies, or even pain can make your dog act out. If you’re seeing a lot of licking, scratching, or other changes, it’s time for a vet visit.

Compulsive Behavior

Some dogs develop habits or behaviors like humping that can turn obsessive or repetitive. A little like doggy OCD. These may need professional training or even medication.

A user on Reddit put it best: "Females and Males engage in the humping behavior and it is correct you can see it in their eyes before they do it... Distraction and appropriate stress relievers like lick mats or walks might help you."

To get to the bottom of why your female dog may be showing mounting behavior, context is everything. It helps to understand your dog’s motivation. Since, it can be caused by hormones, stress, playfulness, or even a medical issue. If you're not home when it happens, a Petcube Cam 360 can help you keep an eye on your dog and notice patterns in the behavior.

Humping Behavior in Female Dogs

While some people associate female dogs that hump with sexual behavior, that’s not always the case, especially in spayed females.

In general, they may hump when they are in heat, or if their hormones are still stabilizing after being spayed. In rare cases, retained ovarian tissue or hormone-secreting tumors can play a role after being spayed. More often, the behavior is linked to emotional states like stress, excitement, or boredom.

It may also happen when another female dog is in heat. Other females, excited by the scent of heat pheromones, might also display some mounting behaviors. It’s quite common.

Humping Behavior Between Dogs and How to Stop It

When your dog humps another dog, the cause is usually play, excitement, or anxiety. It’s very rarely about dominance, even though that's a common myth.

To manage the behavior:

• Watch your dog when you're not home using tools like the Petcube Cam. Noticing patterns or triggers can help you intervene earlier.
• Distract your dog with a firm “leave it” or “off” before the humping starts. Be sure to reward them when they listen to the command.
• Avoid giving attention when the behavior happens. Even laughing can reinforce the habit.
• Increase their physical and mental stimulation with more walks, puzzle toys, and playtime can reduce the energy that drives the behavior.
• Consult your vet if the humping is constant, sudden, or intense. There may be a medical or psychological cause that needs treatment.

Conclusion

While it may seem strange or even funny, female dog humping is a normal behavior with many possible causes, from hormones to stress to play. The key is understanding the reason behind it and addressing it with calm, positive support.