If you’ve found yourself wondering why do female dogs hump, you belong to a group of just about any other dog owner. While it can feel awkward or funny, humping isn’t always about “that.” Sometimes it’s just play, excitement, or a bit of pent-up energy. Other times, it’s your dog’s way of telling you something’s off with her body or emotions. Let’s sort out what’s normal, what might need attention, and how to handle it like a pro.

Key takeaways:

• Humping in female dogs is about play, excitement, or stress.
• Hormones or medical issues can also be triggers.
• Sudden or constant humping deserves attention.
• When it happens, stay calm, redirect gently, and avoid scolding.
• Professional guidance from your vet or trainer can help uncover the root cause.

Why Do Female Dogs Hump?

“Female dogs hump for many of the same reasons males do — excitement, stress, or learned behavior. But sudden changes in humping can be a clue that something is bothering them physically.” — Joana Babo, DVM, Veterinarian at Maven Pet

Female dogs may hump for a variety of reasons beyond the obvious one, and each of those is rooted in behaviour, hormones, or health.

• Play & excitement: Humping can simply be part of play or social interaction when your dog is stimulated or aroused.
• Sexual reasons: Intact females (or those in heat) may mount because of hormonal shifts or sexual arousal.
• Stress or anxiety: For some female dogs, mounting is a way to release stress or anxiety. 
• They are seeking attention: If humping elicits a strong reaction from people, and it usually does, because we feel embarrassed by the behavior, dogs may repeat it because it works as a way to get noticed.
• Medical or physical triggers: Humping in female dogs may be a result of underlying medical issues, such as urinary tract infections, skin irritation, or hormonal disorders. 

Why Do Female Dogs Hump Male Dogs?

The reason why do female dogs hump male dogs is not always related to hormones and them being “flirty”. It may be that she is just testing social ground or burning off excitement. That said, we can’t exclude the hormones, especially if the dog is in heat. 

Even spayed females can show remnants of that instinct if their hormones fluctuate or they’re stressed. It’s all about the context in which this happens. 

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Why Do Female Dogs Hump Other Female Dogs?

When a female dog humps another female, it’s likely about excitement, stress, or communication. It can occasionally hint at a medical issue, especially if it becomes obsessive, but in all likelihood, it’s just about your dog being a bit too enthusiastic. 

When Humping Signals Stress or a Medical Issue

Sometimes humping is your dog’s way of saying something’s off. Keep an eye out for these clues that point to stress or an underlying health problem:

• Obsessive humping: When it happens constantly or outside of play, it may be linked to anxiety, frustration, or compulsive behavior.
• Targeting specific areas: Humping a pillow or a person’s leg repetitively can be a sign of stress relief or discomfort rather than play. 
• New or sudden onset: A dog who never humped before and suddenly starts might be reacting to pain, irritation, or hormonal imbalance.
• Other behavior changes: Restlessness, whining, hiding, or sudden aggression alongside humping may indicate an underlying medical issue. 

If any of these signs sound familiar, it’s best to check with your veterinarian to rule out any physical causes. 

How to Redirect or Reduce Humping

It’s important not to yell at your dog and scold it when it starts humping you or things and people around you. This can lead to trauma and excessive stress. Instead, try the following: 

• Socialise your dog: Dogs that lack in social skills may use humping as a way of interacting with other dogs and the world around them. Those that have been around fellow dogs since an early age are less likely to exhibit this type of behaviour. 
• Offer a distraction: Grab a toy, start a short training cue (“sit,” “touch”), or invite her to play fetch to break off the cycle. 
• Increase exercise and mental stimulation: Bored or under-stimulated dogs often hump more. Daily walks, sniffing games, or puzzle feeders can help burn off that extra energy. 
• Use “time-outs” wisely: A short break from play can help reset her excitement level without punishment or isolation.
• Check in with your vet or trainer: If the behavior is frequent and you feel it’s getting out of hand, seek professional help. 

How Maven Pet Helps Track Behavioral and Health Changes

A smart pet health tracker like Maven Pet can help by showing changes in your dog’s daily patterns, like rest, activity, or breathing that line up with behavior shifts. For example, if your dog starts humping more and Maven’s specialised dog health tracker shows she’s sleeping less or pacing at night, that might hint at anxiety or discomfort. 

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While the device doesn’t track humping directly, it provides your vet or trainer with valuable context to identify what’s driving it, allowing them to react promptly. 

Conclusion

Humping isn’t just a “weird dog thing”. It is a behavior that has many meanings for your female dog. Usually, it’s just a way to socialise and express emotions and play, but sometimes, it can signal health issues. With tools like Maven Pet’s pet health app, you don’t have to guess what’s normal for your dog; you can see the patterns, share them with your vet, and catch early signs of stress or discomfort before they become bigger problems.

Maven Pet focuses on improving the quality of life of our pets with technology, using artificial intelligence (AI) to enable proactive pet care. By accurately collecting and monitoring pet data 24/7 and flagging any irregularities, Maven Pet empowers pet parents and veterinarians to stay ahead of potential health issues, ensuring the well-being and longevity of our beloved companions.