[sajjw]

My dog has started humping other dogs he meets on a walk which sometimes causes fights. He has a fair recall except when he is off to see a dog he has spotted. He is not bothered about ti bits or toys on a walk so its hard to train him to come to me when he really wants to do something else. Should I just keep him on the lead? He won't get a chance to burn off his energy on the lead though. I really don't want to get him castrated as I plan to use him for breeding.

[tickle]

Although humping may appear to be entirely a sexual thing, some dogs do it to display authority, rank, etc. Of course, neutered dogs still hump, possibly to recreate the satisfaction they once had doing it.

Keep him on the lead. You are not dong anything to establish yourself as the alpha male by letting him run to other dogs and humping them. On a lead is a good sign and lesson for obedience. You don't say what type of dog you have.

Mentioning dog breeding is entirely the wrong approach here, sajjw. Some take it as producing litters of pups that some of which will never appear in sociable dog society and many end up in shelters. We don't need more pets in shelters. You would be considered a 'backyard breeder' here. One step up from a puppy mill and I am sure you have heard of them.

[sajjw]

[QUOTE=tickle;1549121]Although humping may appear to be entirely a sexual thing, some dogs do it to display authority, rank, etc. Of course, neutered dogs still hump, possibly to recreate the satisfaction they once had doing it.

Keep him on the lead. You are not dong anything to establish yourself as the alpha male by letting him run to other dogs and humping them. On a lead is a good sign and lesson for obedience. You don't say what type of dog you have.



I know it was naughty of me but I asked this question although I knew the answer because I was interested to see what answers I would receive from the site, plus was hoping that there might be some useful tips. I think it was my first question on this site. The thing is, if a dog is behaving this way, it is far better for the dog, rather than confining him to the lead for the rest of his life (which would be a real shame) to line train him until his recall is reliable enough for him to be let off again. This is what I have been doing for the last few months with my Rueben with great success so far. I have read somewhere though that line training can take up to two years so I have a long way to go yet!

I have thought long and hard about whether to write this post, because I don't want anyone to think that I am doing it to undermine or contradict the expert that recommended he is kept on the lead. The fact is, I don't want anyone whose dog is behaving in a similar way to read the first (and only) answer and assume that this is their only option. That would mean that their dog is permanently deprived of the free running that dogs love and need so much. If anyone reading this does have this problem but can't face line training, cycling with your dog is a good way of giving him exercise whilst keeping him under control. I do this regularly. The trick is to attach the lead to the bike, do not hold it. It's a lot safer! Good luck whatever you decide.

[tickle]

What works for you may not work for everyone, but enjoyed your viewpoint, sajjw.

My husband used to ride with the dog. Now she can't stand anyone on a bike ! And becomes quite aggressive when encountering one up close on the leash. Not a pleasant experience as she is quite a large breed and very strong. She obviously was traumatized somehow from those bike rides !

When I want to take her for a good run, her and I go to a Provincial Park with good walking trails. We hardly ever encounter other dogs. My concern letting her lose in a 'dogpark' would be the chance of disease from other dog feces, etc. I know it can happen anywhere but why invite trouble.

Our town, I think I mentioned to you before, has an 'on leash' law for some very good reasons. I respect that law and hate to see another dog running free towards us. One never knows what the reaction of both dogs will be. It could be disastrous. My Walker Hound is well behaved except for 'people-on-bikes' incidents from time to time.

Tick

[sajjw]

What works for you may not work for everyone, but enjoyed your viewpoint, sajjw.

My husband used to ride with the dog. Now she can't stand anyone on a bike ! and becomes quite aggressive when encountering one up close on the leash. Not a pleasant experience as she is quite a large breed and very strong. She obviously was traumatized somehow from those bike rides !

When I want to take her for a good run, her and I go to a Provincial Park with good walking trails. We hardly ever encounter other dogs. My concern letting her lose in a 'dogpark' would be the chance of disease from other dog feces, etc. I know it can happen anywhere but why invite trouble.

Our town, I think I mentioned to you before, has an 'on leash' law for some very good reasons. I respect that law and hate to see another dog running free towards us. One never knows what the reaction of both dogs will be. It could be disastrous. My Walker Hound is well behaved except for 'people-on-bikes' incidents from time to time.

tick

Thanks for the warning about the bike, I will be careful not to traumatise him. At the moment he jumps around all pleased and excited as soon as he sees the bike come out of the shed. I make sure not to push him too hard, alternating my speed so he gets a good run, then a chance to walk and get his breath back.

[tickle]

Thanks for the warning about the bike, I will be careful not to traumatise him. At the moment he jumps around all pleased and excited as soon as he sees the bike come out of the shed. I make sure not to push him too hard, alternating my speed so he gets a good run, then a chance to walk and get his breath back.

Actually I never thought, being as laid back as she is, this would happen. Your dog may have an altogether different personality (dah! Okay a given). And seeing as you are starting him off early then it may not be a problem and he will always enjoy that interaction with you. My dog however, was already a lot older and set in her ways and my hubby should have realized that. But, he can't 'read' her as well as I and therefore lies the problem ! She and I have walked on country roads, on city streets, all over the place since she was five months. Old. I know her manners like a book, I know every turn of her head, every twitch of her lovely ear. Oh yes, nothing like being in tune with your dog, eh. Have a great day with your lovely animal partner !

Tick