Have you ever caught your dog humping a couch, stuffed animal, or even your leg? It can be an awkward moment, with owners wondering what to do. But what is actually happening here?
Believe it or not, dogs do masturbate! As with humans, sexual activity is a natural aspect of their biology. But as unlike humans, dogs are not socially aware and don't understand that such behavior may be inappopriate outside the home.
Do All Dogs Masturbate?
Yes! Both males and females, spayed, neutered, or intact dogs can masturbate. Sterilization is a false commonplace that makes this behavior stop. Spaying or neutering will help to reduce the occurrence, but it doesn't guarantee that it will be done away with.
Dogs do outgrow masturbation naturally in some cases, and then, in others, they persist with the act for years. It pretty much relies on how much the dog needs to masturbate and the reaction of the owner towards the act.
Why Do Dogs Masturbate?
Dog masturbation is carried out for a number of purposes, ranging from biological impulses to emotional desires. Understanding why helps owners know how to respond.
1. Sexual Instincts
Dogs are sexually active. Without a mate, they resort to things like stuffed animals, pillows, or even the owner's leg. Provided the action is not annoying anyone, there is no real reason to worry. Generally, intact dogs will masturbate one or two times a day.
2. Your Dog Is in Heat
Bitches have intense mating desires around every six months when they become in heat. At this time, they might hump things or lick themselves. The heat cycle can persist for up to four weeks, at which point the reproductive window ends until the next cycle.
Dogs in heat should be watched closely by owners, as they might attempt to escape and seek out a mate.
3. Detection of a Female in Heat
Male dogs can sense the pheromones from a female from a far distance. These induce a strong response that makes the male more likely to masturbate frequently. If a male dog is masturbating more than normal, then he might be responding to a female in heat somewhere within close proximity.
4. Changes in Weather
Interestingly, as per certain research, dogs may be sexually more active on rainy days. It has been linked with increased survival insticts, as periods of abundance in both food and water make reproduction more appealing. Even domestic dogs may retain this instinct, leading to masturbation during rain showers.
5. Playful Behavior
Not all masturbation is sexually driven. Dogs often hump objects or other dogs as part of play. You can tell whether it was playful humping or sexual behavior based on an absence of erection or discharge. In many cases, humping results from excitement or mental stimulation or nervous energy.
It is also used as a stress response. Nervous or unsocialized dogs will use it as a coping mechanism when exposed to new situations or separation anxiety.
6. Compulsive Behavior
In other cases, masturbation can become a habit. What is initially a stress response becomes a conditioned behavior. A dog that continues to masturbate to the point that it interferes with their daily life needs to be spoken to by a trainer or behaviorist.
7. A Show of Dominance
Humping usually is a way of dominance for dogs. In a pack, the alpha canine uses it as a way of ranking. Even in a domestic setting, the dog would try to establish dominance over smaller animals or even people. If a dog humps their owner as a way of showing dominance, professional training can be called for.
8. Medical Issues
At times, masturbation occasionally becomes a symptom of a medical condition. Your dog will hump or lick himself to eliminate pain from:
Urinary tract infections (pain when urinating)
Incontinence (urinating problem)
Skin allergies (irritation or itchiness in the groin)
Priapism (erection lasting more than four hours)
If you suspect that the problem is medical, take your dog for immediate attention from your veterinarian.
Must You Stop Your Dog Masturbation?
Most owners find the behavior embarrassing, particularly if it occurs publicly or when guests visit. But should you interfere?
If the masturbation is aimed at an object such as a pillow or blanket, it is usually innocuous. But you must intervene if your dog humps other animals, humans, or masturbates excessively to the extent that it disrupts their day-to-day life.
How to Manage the Behavior
Consult a Vet – Eliminate medical reasons that could be driving the behavior.
Consider Spaying/Neutering – It is not a certain fix, but it can stabilize hormones and curb urges.
Training & Distraction – Positive reinforcement can distract your dog from the attention when they start masturbating.
Professional Help – In cases of compulsive or dominance behavior, a trainer or behaviorist can offer effective solutions.
Conclusion
Masturbation is one of the most embarrassing behaviors of a dog which makes most pet owners squirm around. More often, however, it is not sexual in nature but more so due to playfulness, tension, or illness.
If, however, this behavior becomes problematic, then training or medical evaluation may be necessary. On a positive note, with proper guidance and patience, dogs can be trained to exercise restraint over their compulsions in an appropriate manner for their condition.
