A lot of dog owners accept their canine friends as family members. We show them love, celebrate their special days, and boast about how well they respond to commands. The bond that exists between human beings and dogs is just so amazing. Unfortunately, some actions by our dogs can be a little disturbing, especially when sexual interest appears evident. For instance, there it is: When a dog humps or presents its genitalia, it may confuse and make people uncomfortable. But from such actions, does sexual attraction arise, or is there something else to explain these?
Canine to Human Attraction: A Myth
Let's be straightforward: dogs cannot feel sexual attraction to human beings. However, although they may show specific behaviors that give the impression a dog is attempting to make some sort of romantic or sexual overture, this is not an attraction-based act. Dogs think of their relations with humans only in a platonic sense, just like human beings do towards them.
While humans have many reasons for having sex, including pleasure, animals such as dogs are hardwired biologically to have sex for a reason: procreation. The instincts of a dog are about continuing the species, not having romantic attachments. This is critical in understanding differences when it relates to canine behavior.
Why Dogs Can't Be Sexually Attracted to Humans
Biological Incompatibility: The main reason dogs cannot develop sexual attraction to humans is biological. Dogs and humans have very different genetic compositions, and the two species cannot reproduce. This genetic difference forms the basis of "reproductive isolation," a mechanism that prevents interspecies mating.
Dog Nature of Attraction Dogs, other than humans, do not lust or have sexual attraction to their looks or personalities. Their instincts are fueled by reproduction and competition, not emotional or physical attractions.
Lack of Correct Pheromones: The second reason is that humans do not produce the correct pheromones to initiate mating responses in dogs. Female dogs in heat emit pheromones that indicate they are ready to be bred. These pheromones are quite instrumental in luring male dogs, but since humans do not have these hormones, it is impossible for them to be perceived as potential mates by dogs.
Mixed Signals and Misinterpretation
While dogs cannot form sexual attachments toward humans, some of their behaviors may be misconstrued as sexual. Following are some common behaviors which may give rise to confusion:
Humping Humping is perhaps the most misunderstood behavior. Though seemingly sexual in nature, humping more often than not occurs for reasons unrelated to attraction. Puppies may hump during a play or practice for later sexual encounters. In older dogs, dog humping may result from overexcitement, frustration, or even a way to release built-up energy. Dogs that have not been neutered may exhibit this behavior out of sexual frustration; this does not mean that they find the human attractive. Similarly, a female dog on heat may also do this in order to send her scent around and lure the male dogs toward her.
Crotch-sniffing dogs have a remarkable sense of smell and sniff at the crotch area for information. This does not have to do with attraction but rather some instinctive urges to find data on other dogs and the current environment. They are studying pheromones and finding more about your mood, health, and recent events.
Physical "Arousal" (Red Rocket) Another potentially embarrassing behavior for dog owners is the appearance of a dog's penis, affectionately referred to as the "red rocket." This has absolutely nothing to do with sexual attraction. What can occur when dogs are excited or relaxed in a position that allows the pelvic muscles to relax and release the penis. This is a purely physiological response and has nothing to do with sexual arousal.
Managing Uncomfortable Behaviors
While these are normal sexual behaviors, unrelated to sexual feelings, they do remain quite a nuisance to pet owners. A few tips follow to help remedy them:
Humping: Spaying or neutering can be an effective solution as this reduces sexual instinct. Trainers also attempt to curb humping behavior and commands may be issued to cease it.
Crotch-Sniffing: You can prevent crotch-sniffing if you make your dog sniff your hand first before smelling others. Teaching guests to present their fists as a greeting can also minimize this behavior.
Red Rocket: The best thing to do with "red rocket" problems is to calm down your dog. It is a natural physiological reaction, so the best thing often is to learn to ignore it.
Conclusion
In the end, there is no sexual attraction possible for a dog to experience with their human owners. Behaviors from them that may seem sexual in nature are simply instincts such as excitement, curiosity, or the reproductive urge. Learning about these behaviors and how best to handle them can continue to help dog owners keep healthy, productive relationships with their animals. You should know beyond a doubt your dog loves you platonically, and nothing to question their behaviors over.
