Why Do Female Dachshunds Hump

Bred to hunt badgers and other small animals such as rabbits and foxes, the Dachshund makes an excellent family companion. Dachshunds are either miniature or standard but regardless of their size, they are a delightful addition to any family and this is exactly the reason why the Dachshund is ranked as one of the most popular dogs in the United States. The Dachshund, just like any other breed, has its own idiosyncrasies. One of the things that you will notice with the female half of this breed is humping. As their human, I am certain you are more than curious why the female Dachshund humps.

Mounting, humping, and masturbation are normal behaviors in dogs. They mount and hump against other animals, objects, and people. Sometimes, they even rub against objects and people and lick themselves. Masturbation is part of the normal sexual behavior even for spayed and neutered dogs. Both the male and female Dachshund mount other dogs, objects, and people but a lot of people do not realize that this kind of behavior is not limited to male dogs. Sexually motivated humping is often accompanied by flirtatious courtship behavior and body language such as pawing, licking, and play bows. Some female Dachshunds may respond to excitement and stress by humping or masturbating. For instance, after meeting a new person or dog, they get so aroused that they may hump the other dog or a nearby object. Masturbating can also be a compulsive habit, especially if it is in response to a stressful situation and the behavior can also interfere with your dog’s normal functioning. Your Dachshund may also be mounting other dogs to display their control or social status to other dogs.

There are, however, various medical problems which can cause excessive humping, such as incontinence, urinary tract infections, and skin allergies. These problems can become serious if not properly treated and these require medical attention and not behavior treatment. Dachshunds that suffer from these problems also display other symptoms such as licking and chewing the genital area. Having a female Dachshund that does not have adequate amounts of exercise, attention, and love at home can also lead to your dog mounting objects, people, and other dogs to get attention. Keep in mind that from your dog’s point of view, any attention, even if negative, is still attention. It is better than being ignored and forgotten. This is one of the reasons why it is very important to always have time for your dog. 

If your dog becomes aggressive when you try to stop her from mounting other dogs, objects, or people, refrain from attempting to do so. What you need to do instead is to consult a professional such as a certified animal behaviorist or a veterinary behaviorist. You can also try distracting your dog to prevent her from humping and mounting. If you are able to, you should get her attention before he starts masturbating or mounting. Most dogs, including Dachshunds, display seemingly amorous behavior before humping so if your canine starts sidling up to something or someone or starts panting or licking, she may soon begin to hump and mount. 

Toss her a toy, play a game, or give her something to chew on so that she becomes distracted. You may also teach your little Dachshund basic tricks or obedience skills that she enjoys. If you have an intact female dog, you shoulc also consider spaying her. This will lessen her motivation to hump other dogs, objects, and people, especially if she only humps when she is in heat or when she is surrounded by other female dogs who are in heat. Aside from curbing humping, spaying also prevents the birth of unwanted puppies, as well as serious medical issues like testicular and mammary cancers. 

Be aware that if your dog humps or mounts other dogs, you may be in trouble. Many dogs do not like being humped and they might also take offense if your dog does this. If your Dachshund has been humping excessively, you may want to teach her to leave other dogs alone whenever you give a command. Once you have taught your dog what the command means, you can start using it during interactions with other dogs and she starts humping them. Remember to lavish your dog with rewards whenever she follows your command. If she doesn’t follow you, end her play session with other dogs.

The Dachshund is an adorable dog that can endear herself easily to you but she may also be stubborn and may display other undesirable behaviors such as humping. This behavior can be corrected with training but it is important to eliminate any possible medical issues first. With proper training, you will be able to take your female Dachshund out of the house without being embarrassed by her sudden and excessive humping.