Understanding Dog Humping (During the Holidays and All Year Round)
Have you ever noticed your dog humping when things get a little too exciting—especially around the holidays, when the house might be buzzing with guests, food, and festive energy? It can be confusing or even embarrassing, but here’s the deal: humping is not about your dog being ‘bad’ or purely sexual. Often, it’s a sign that they’re overstimulated, and they’re communicating that feeling in the only way they know how.
Why Does My Dog Hump When Excited?
Dogs, especially puppies, can get overwhelmed when there’s a lot going on. Think of them like toddlers at a birthday party—after a few hours of sugar and games, meltdowns become inevitable. When a dog starts humping, it can be a type of release. They’re saying, “I’m not sure how to handle all of this,” not “I’m trying to be naughty.” An alternative motive could be boredom/pent up energy.
Recognizing Overstimulation
Before humping starts, your dog might give you a few subtle signals that their brain is getting a bit worked up. Keep an eye out for these early warning signs:
Pacing around the room
Panting more than usual (not tied to temperature or exercise)
Shifty eyes or looking around anxiously
Walking away from what’s bothering or exciting them
These behaviours mean your dog is on the verge of losing their usual cool. Step in early to help them navigate the situation and head off that telltale hump.
Emotional Regulation Over “Lockdown”
One of the best ways to help your dog work through overstimulation is by teaching them relaxation and emotional regulation skills. Instead of isolating them immediately or locking them in a crate when they’re already amped up, try to guide them back down to a calmer state.
Engage in a Relaxation Protocol: The Relaxation Protocol is a structured exercise that'll help you teach your dog how to settle down in various situations. You can find many guided videos on YouTube—just search “Relaxation Protocol for dogs.” Practicing a few minutes every day will do wonders for your pup’s emotional regulation.
Active Participation: Stay with your dog, offer gentle praise or petting, and use soft speech or breathing techniques (yep, they can pick up on how you're feeling, particularly if you feel overstimulated yourself). Your presence can help them feel safe and guide them toward relaxation, as opposed to confronted or scolded for simply expressing how they're feeling.
The Crate is for Calm: If you use a crate, it should be associated with good and relaxed vibes—a cozy spot your dog voluntarily goes to when they feel content. Once they’ve chilled out with you, then you can help them settle in their crate. This way, the crate remains a peaceful place, rather than a “time-out” zone they learn to dread.
Spay/Neuter Considerations
While spaying or neutering won’t magically solve all humping behaviors, it can help reduce hormone-driven urges that can amplify excitement or stress responses. If your dog is persistently humping (even outside of overstimulating scenarios), it might be worth discussing spay/neuter options with your vet to see if it’s beneficial for your particular situation.
Prevention & Management Tips
To keep things drama-free during holiday gatherings—or during any high-energy event—try these quick pointers:
Short and Sweet Interactions: Allow your dog or puppy limited exposure to guests. A quick, positive greeting prevents them from going into emotional overdrive. This is where an indoor leash clipped to a responsible family member will come in super handy.
Watch the Clock: Keep an eye on how long the festivities go. Some dogs can handle a crowded house for an hour, others need a break every 15 minutes.
Set Up Calm Zones: Whether it’s a corner of the living room with their favorite bed or a quiet bedroom, make sure your dog has somewhere to decompress if they feel overwhelmed.
Gentle Redirection: If you notice pacing or panting, calmly guide your dog away from the bustling area (using their leash) before the humping starts. Offer a treat puzzle, snuffle mat or a stuffed chew toy to channel their energy and help their mind slow down.
Year-Round Relevance
While the holidays shine a spotlight on overstimulation—hello, holiday parties, gift exchanges, and people popping in and out—these tips work any time of year. Summertime barbecues, family get-togethers, and even everyday moments of high excitement can all lead to that same overstimulated state. Most importantly, remember that humping isn’t a moral failing. It’s just your dog’s way of handling big emotions. With a bit of awareness and gentle guidance on emotional regulation, you’ll both be more prepared to handle the hustle and bustle—whether that’s a jolly holiday season or any lively occasion.