Why Does My Dog Hump Blankets? (9 Reasons and When To Worry)

How many times have you walked into a room, only to witness your furry friend engaging in what seems like a comically bizarre dance with their blanket? If you’ve ever pondered, “Why does my dog hump their favorite blanket?”, you’re certainly not alone. This seemingly peculiar behavior is more common than you might think, stirring both laughter and puzzlement amongst many dog owners.

For some dogs, humping is a display of dominance or a form of play; for others, it may be a response to stress/anxiety or just an attention-seeking behavior. It could also be a result of sexual stimulation, especially in dogs that haven’t been neutered or spayed. Sometimes, it can even be a symptom of a medical issue. It’s a fascinating puzzle that requires a discerning eye to decode, and understanding it is key to ensuring the well-being and happiness of your canine friend.

There are numerous reasons behind your dog’s humping behavior and this article takes a deep dive into understanding these reasons, shedding light on this peculiar yet utterly normal part of their canine world.

Why Does My Dog Hump Blankets?

Dogs may hump blankets for various reasons, and it’s important to understand that this behavior can have multiple underlying causes. Here are some of the reasons why your dog may hump blankets

1. Dominance or Social Status

As descendants of wolves, dogs have inherent social hierarchies, often referred to as a pack mentality. Within the social construct of a pack, certain actions are taken to assert dominance or to find one’s place in the social order. Humping is one such behavior that dogs use to demonstrate their dominance. If your dog humps a blanket in front of others, it could be its way of signaling that it perceives itself to be the leader or at least above others in the social hierarchy. This action isn’t about the object being humped; it’s more about the message it sends to the other observers.

2. Sexual Arousal

Dogs, like any other living beings, have basic instinctual drives, one of which is sexual. While it may seem awkward to humans, humping due to sexual arousal is quite normal among dogs, particularly males who haven’t been neutered. Even spayed females have been known to hump objects occasionally, though this is less common. This sexual behavior can be directed towards other dogs, objects like a blanket, or even a human’s leg.

3. Excitement

Humping is also a form of expression that some dogs might use when they are extremely excited. The triggers for this excitement can vary widely from dog to dog. It could be a favorite toy, the anticipation of a walk, a visit from a beloved human, or even the arrival of a new piece of furniture. Dogs are high-energy creatures, and humping can sometimes be their unique way of burning off some of that extra energy.

4. Stress or Anxiety

Dogs may resort to humping as a way to alleviate stress or anxiety. This is akin to certain humans biting their nails or fidgeting when they are nervous. Dogs who are uncomfortable, nervous, or stressed might find the rhythmic act of humping comforting. The routine and predictability of the action can help calm them down and make them feel more secure in their environment.

5. Playful Behavior

When it comes to puppies and young dogs, humping can often be part of their play routines. It’s a natural part of their development as they figure out how to navigate social scenarios and interactions with their siblings, other dogs, or even objects. As they get older and their social skills mature, most dogs will move on from this behavior, though some may continue to engage in it occasionally. If your older dog still humps your blankets, you may want to teach him other ways to play.

6. Inappropriate Attention Seeking

Dogs are intelligent animals that are capable of learning and understanding behavioral consequences. If your pooch learns that humping an object like a blanket draws attention from you, even if it’s negative, he may continue to perform the behavior to get the reaction they desire. This inappropriate attention-seeking is a learned behavior and can be remedied with proper training and behavioral adjustment techniques.

7. Learned Habit

If humping isn’t addressed appropriately when a dog is young, it may develop into a habitual behavior. This is especially true for dogs who don’t have sufficient outlets for their energy or instincts. If your dog doesn’t have enough toys or activities to keep him engaged, he might resort to humping a blanket or other objects as a way to entertain himself.

8. Compulsive Behavior

Sometimes, excessive humping can be a sign of a compulsive disorder. If a dog is humping objects, other animals, or humans excessively and can’t be easily redirected, they may have developed a compulsive disorder. In these situations, the humping behavior becomes an obsession for the dog, and they can’t control their impulse to do it. It’s crucial to consult a professional to diagnose and address if this is the case with yours.

9. Medical Problems

Certain medical conditions, like urinary tract infections (UTIs), anal gland impaction, skin allergies that cause itching, or priapism (persistent and painful erection in males), can lead to humping behavior. Dogs may attempt to relieve discomfort or irritation by humping. If your dog’s humping behavior is sudden, frequent, or seems to be causing distress, it’s worth having a veterinarian check to rule out medical issues. The vet can also provide guidance on behavior modification if necessary.

Is It Okay To Let Your Dog Hump Blankets?

It’s not uncommon to observe dogs, especially unneutered males, engage in humping behavior. This behavior is not solely tied to sexual activity, as it’s often a way of expressing stress, excitement, or relief.

However, whether it is ‘okay’ to let your dog hump a blanket depends on several factors:

Behavioral Implications: If your dog’s humping habit starts to take on an obsessive or compulsive tone, where the dog is humping incessantly and seems unable to stop, it could indicate an issue. The behavior can be symptomatic of stress, anxiety, or frustration. If this is the case with your pooch, a consultation with a vet or a dog behaviorist may be needed.

Social Implications: While humping might be acceptable in the privacy of your home if your dog starts humping objects or people in public, it can be seen as inappropriate or bothersome behavior. Therefore, you may want to discourage it for the sake of politeness and respect for others.

Physical Health Implications: In some cases, frequent or excessive humping could be a symptom of a health issue, such as a urinary tract infection, allergies, or other medical conditions that cause itching or discomfort in the genital area. If you notice a sudden increase in this behavior, especially if it’s accompanied by other signs of discomfort like excessive licking, it’s important to consult with your vet.

When To Be Worried About Dog Humping

While it is often associated with sexual behavior, it’s important to understand that humping can have various underlying reasons and may not necessarily be related to sexual intent in all cases. Here are some of the situations where you need to be worried about your dog’s humping behavior

1. Aggressive Humping

If humping is accompanied by aggressive behavior such as growling, snarling, or biting, it can indicate a more serious issue. This aggressive humping should be addressed by a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.

2. Obsessive or Compulsive Humping

If your dog constantly engages in humping behavior, becomes fixated on it, and does not respond to redirection or commands to stop, it may indicate a compulsive behavior problem. You may need to talk to an expert for help.

3. Inappropriate Targets

If your canine companion is persistently humping people, particularly visitors or strangers, it can become a social issue and may lead to discomfort or fear in those around the dog. Training your dog to desist from such is necessary.

4. Medical Concerns

Sometimes, excessive humping or sudden changes in humping behavior can be linked to medical issues such as urinary tract infections, skin allergies, or hormonal imbalances. It’s essential to rule out any underlying health problems if there is a sudden increase in humping behavior.

How To Stop Your Dog Blanket Humping

Blanket humping is a common issue in some dogs. It can be embarrassing and uncomfortable for pet owners, and may also cause damage to blankets or other items. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to stop your four-legged companions from blanket humping:

1. Spaying Or Neutering

If your doggo has not been spayed or neutered, consider doing so. Hormonal changes can often be a significant factor in humping behavior. Spaying or neutering can reduce the drive to engage in this behavior, especially if it is related to mating instincts.

2. Avoid Reinforcing The Behavior

Sometimes, inadvertently, owners may laugh, reward, or provide attention when their dog humps blankets. While this might be done playfully, it reinforces the behavior. Instead, remain calm and ignore the behavior.

3. Redirect Their Attention

When you notice your dog starting to hump a blanket, distract them with a toy or ask them to perform a simple command they know, like “sit” or “lie down.” Redirecting their focus can help break the humping cycle.

4. Physical And Mental Exercise

Make sure your pooch is getting enough physical and mental stimulation throughout the day. Regular walks, playtime, and interactive toys can help burn off excess energy and prevent the likelihood of humping behavior.

5. Provide Appropriate Toys

Sometimes, dogs hump blankets out of frustration, boredom, or as a form of play. Offer them appropriate toys, like chew toys, puzzle toys, or interactive toys, to channel their energy and playfulness.

6. Positive Reinforcement Training

Use positive reinforcement techniques to reward good behavior and ignore or redirect unwanted behavior. When your dog plays calmly with their toys or engages in other appropriate activities, offer praise, treats, or affection.

7. Behavioral Training

If the humping behavior persists, consider enlisting the help of a professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist. They can assess the specific reasons behind the behavior and create a tailored training plan to address it effectively.

8. Environmental Management

When you can’t supervise your four-legged companions, limit their access to areas with blankets or items they are prone to humping. Use baby gates or keep them in a designated safe space with appropriate toys and activities.

9. Socialization

Properly socializing your dog with other dogs can reduce mounting behavior, especially if it’s related to dominance or play. Well-socialized dogs learn appropriate behaviors from their interactions with others.

10. Medical Check Ups

In some cases, mounting behavior can be caused by medical issues, such as urinary tract infections or skin irritations. If the behavior is sudden or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health problems.

Remember, patience and consistency are key when dealing with behavioral issues in dogs. Avoid punishing your dog for humping, as it may cause anxiety or confusion. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and providing a conducive environment to encourage appropriate behavior.

Why Is My Neutered Dog Still Humping?

It’s not uncommon for neutered dogs to continue displaying humping behavior even after they have been neutered. The persistence of this behavior can be attributed to several factors, which can be understood through a combination of biological, learned, and social influences.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that humping is a natural behavior in dogs, and it serves various purposes beyond reproduction. In many cases, humping is not necessarily related to sexual motives, but rather, it can be a form of play, dominance, or even an expression of excitement or anxiety. Although neutering helps to decrease the amount of testosterone flowing in a dog’s bloodstream which reduces the hormonal drive for mating, it does not completely eliminate these other behavioral aspects.

Some dogs may develop compulsive behaviors, including humping, as a coping mechanism for stress or boredom. Neutering may not directly address these underlying psychological issues, and the behavior may persist if the root cause is not addressed through appropriate training, mental stimulation, and enrichment activities.

If your neutered dog is still humping, it’s essential to observe their behavior and context closely. It’s advisable to consult with a professional veterinarian or an experienced dog trainer to rule out any medical issues and develop a tailored behavior modification plan.

Why Does My Dog Hump The Air?

Dogs engaging in air-humping behavior can be quite perplexing to many dog owners, but it is not an uncommon occurrence in the canine world. This behavior is generally attributed to sexual or reproductive urges.

Air humping can be linked to arousal or excitement or simply to assert dominance. Dogs may hump the air when they are overstimulated, anxious, or stressed. It can be a way for them to release pent-up energy or alleviate feelings of tension. Some dogs might even hump as a coping mechanism during moments of excitement or nervousness, similar to how humans might fidget or engage in repetitive behaviors when anxious.

Some medical conditions could contribute to air humping. It is essential to rule out any underlying health issues, such as urinary tract infections, skin allergies, or pain/discomfort in the genital area, as these conditions might prompt a dog to engage in humping behavior as a response to discomfort.

To address air humping in dogs, a multi-faceted approach is needed. If the behavior is driven by hormones, spaying or neutering the dog may help reduce its frequency. Proper training and behavior management can also be beneficial, using positive reinforcement to encourage alternative behaviors and discourage humping.

Why Does My Dog Hump Soft Toys?

Dogs engaging in humping behavior is a relatively common occurrence and is not limited to just other dogs. Humping soft toys could be your dog’s way of asserting dominance over the object while for unspayed or unneutered dogs, it could be a willingness to mate.

Your dog may also hump soft toys to respond to certain environmental or emotional triggers like stress, excitement anxiety, or even boredom. Similar to how humans might engage in certain behaviors as a coping mechanism, dogs may resort to humping as a way to alleviate stress or redirect their emotions.

Dogs humping soft toys is a multifaceted behavior that can be influenced by their instincts, excitement, hormonal factors, emotional triggers, and individual personalities. It is essential to understand that humping is a part of their natural behavior and may not necessarily indicate sexual intent. By paying attention to their cues and seeking expert advice if needed, you can ensure that your dog’s behavior remains appropriate and manageable in different situations.

Final Thoughts

There’s a full spectrum of reasons why your dog might have taken a liking to hump their blanket, from claiming social dominance, displaying sheer joy, easing stress or anxiety, partaking in play, attracting your attention, or even acting out a deep-rooted habit. In certain cases, it might even point to a compulsive behavior or a hidden medical issue that needs attention.

Just like us, every dog is unique with its own set of quirks and habits. It’s a fascinating world out there from a dog’s perspective, and humping their blanket might just be their way of dealing with it. While it might seem unusual or embarrassing, it’s just one of many forms of canine communication.

However, if the humping becomes excessive or obsessive, it’s a good idea to seek advice from professionals such as veterinarians or animal behaviorists. They can provide valuable insights and remedies to help manage this behavior, contributing to a more content and well-adjusted canine companion.