|
||
|
| ||
|
| ||
|
| Sexual Behavior in Neutered Dogs |
|
|
|
|
Chang, the 2 year old neutered male Shih-tzu, had recently taken a liking to one of his toys, a large plush teddy bear. He would sniff, bite, and eventually start rhythmically humping it, much to the horror and disgust of his family. Flora, the 3 year-old spayed German Shepherd, mix would often hump other dogs, male or female, while playing at the dog park. Despite severe corrections and reprimands from her owner, things were only getting worse. Mounting, humping, and other overtly sexual behaviors are a normal part of canine reproduction. But it can be a bit shocking and off-putting when a neutered male or spayed female dog carries on this way. In fact it is a fairly normal part of canine social behavior. Young puppies often mount each other as a rough-and-tumble way of soliciting play. For adult dogs, male or female, it may be a way of communicating control or dominance. Thus a pushy dog like Flora or an alpha dog like Obi-Wan might mount a subordinate to literally say "I'm top dog." There is often a hidden attention-seeking component to the behavior as well. Dog mounts. Owner freaks out. Dog just discovered a great new way to get owner's attention! Dogs like Chang that self-pleasure do so not through dominance, but more likely as an outlet for stress, conflict or boredom. It is not unheard-of for neutered males to get erections, ejaculate, and even mate with a female dog in heat. From the dog’s standpoint these behaviors are a completely natural form of self-expression. It would be a non–issue, except from the embarrassment and consternation it causes us humans. To continue reading, please visit DogHealth.com Disclaimer: This website is not intended to replace professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian. If you require any veterinary related advice, contact your veterinarian promptly. Information at SuperHappyPets.com is exclusively of a general reference nature. Do not disregard veterinary advice or delay treatment as a result of accessing information at this site.
|