[fauchierk9]

I have had Buster, 1/2 Schnauzer and 1/2 Scotty, since he was 5 weeks old. He actually belongs to my 8 year old daughter. I am 9 months pregnant and there is a lot of new and exciting things going on in preparation for our baby. Yesterday my daughter came in and told me that Buster was humping her back. She had scratches on her back and she was very upset. What would cause Buster to act this way? He is not neutered and he is 3 years old. This is the first time that he has ever done this to her. He has an appointment with the vet to be neutered next week. We punished him severely. Is this normal behavior? I will not tolerate this in my home and am fearful that we may need to find him a new home. Please help me with this problem. Thanks.

[labman]

Yes there is a lot happening, more than you realize. Neutering is the first thing I would have said. It could make a big difference once the existing hormones dissipate. The humping could be more about dominance than sex. It is common for dogs to challenge the family for leadership as they reach 3 years old. He may not understand you have a baby growing inside you, but he knows something big is happening with you. I am not sure when girls start producing hormones, but at 8, it could be another destabilizing factor.

I don't know if you daughter is old enough for 4-H and if it is too late for this year either. If so, 4-H dog training is a great idea. In my area, clubs form soon after the first of the year. Even many urban areas have 4-H. For info look in your phone book under government listings for extension or cooperative extension offices. Ask specifically about a dog or canine club. The dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn
To play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience
Class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands a treat. Start at Raising Your Dog with the Monks of New Skete There is some more important information at Establishing and Keeping Alpha Position including an additional page on dogs and children.

Once the baby arrives, he needs to clearly understand where he stands. You don't have that much time, but neutering along the obedience training, 4-H or not, should have it off to a good start. 4-H, a book, or somebody else taking him to class, the 8 year old needs to be doing some of the obedience drills.

[ballengerb1]

Neutering is definitely a start and good a bit easy on the punishment.