Having a pet can be one of life’s greatest joys. An animal can bring so much love, laughter and companionship to one’s life, however, at times they may display behavior that is concerning. One of these behaviors is when a dog keeps licking you and tries to hump you. This behavior can be very confusing, embarrassing, and even alarming to pet owners.
If your dog is exhibiting this kind of behavior, it’s important to understand why they are doing it and what you can do to stop it. In this blog post, we will discuss why your dog may be licking and humping you, as well as provide strategies for how to stop this behavior. We hope that this post will help you create a more harmonious relationship with your furry family member and understand why they may be behaving a certain way.
Why Do Dogs Hump On Me?
1. Determine The Reasoning Behind The Behavior
If you’re wondering why your dog keeps licking and trying to hump you, it’s important to first determine the reasoning behind the behavior. It could be a sign of submission, an attempt to get attention from you, or even a form of play. To understand the root cause of your pup’s behavior, take a closer look at the situation. Does he seem to engage in the licks and humps when you’re around, or when he’s alone? Does he seem to be trying to get your attention or seeking out a particular response? Answering these questions can help you better determine why your pup is engaging in this behavior.
2. Correct The Behavior With Positive Reinforcement
The second step to fixing your dog’s inappropriate behavior is to provide positive reinforcement of the behaviors you do want. Rewarding your dog when it behaves appropriately is one of the best ways to get them to repeat the desired behavior. Whenever your dog is behaving in a way that you approve of, provide treats or praise to show them that this behavior is what you want. This will help to reinforce that the behavior is desirable and will help them to stop the negative behaviors.
3. Use Distraction Techniques
If your dog is constantly licking and humping you, it can be difficult to find a way to stop the behavior. One technique you can use is to divert your dog’s attention away from you and onto something else. If your dog is licking you, try giving them their favorite toy or a treat to focus on instead. If they’re humping, give them something to do like teaching them a new trick or going for a walk. This way, they’ll be too distracted to continue the behavior. Diverting their attention can help break the cycle and eventually lead to a reduction in the unwanted behaviors.
4. Remove Attention When The Behavior Persists
One way to discourage your dog from repetitively licking and trying to hump you is to remove your attention when the behavior persists. If you pet, talk to, or praise your dog when he’s engaged in these activities, he may think that your attention is an endorsement of the behavior. When your dog does these behaviors, turn away from him, cross your arms, and ignore him. This sends a clear message that the behaviors are not acceptable and will not be rewarded with attention. If the behavior persists, walk away and go to another room until he has calmed down.
5. Seek Professional Help If Necessary
If your dog’s licking and humping behavior persists despite your best efforts at training and redirection, it may be time to seek the help of a professional. A certified dog trainer or animal behaviorist can often help diagnose the underlying cause of your pup’s unwanted behaviors and provide you with tailored advice on how to best address them. They may also offer advice on how to keep your pup from experimenting with any other negative behaviors. If your pup is exhibiting signs of anxiety, aggression, or fear, a trainer or behaviorist can also provide suggestions on how to help them work through their issues.
In Conclusion
It is important to remember that behavior such as licking and humping is a normal part of canine communication. However, it is important to set boundaries with your dog in order to maintain a healthy relationship. If your dog is exhibiting these behaviors excessively, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to assess any underlying medical or behavioral concerns. With patience, understanding, and positive reinforcement, it is possible to help your dog learn acceptable behaviors and build a positive relationship.
