Adolescent Behaviors
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      Mounting

      How to teach your dog to stop mounting

      Introduction

      Mounting is a common behavior in dogs, and it can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

      • Overstimulation
      • Excitement
      • Playfulness
      • Asserting dominance
      • Lack of training

      In some cases, mounting can also be a sign of a medical problem, such as a urinary tract infection or a hormonal imbalance.

      It is important to address mounting behavior early on, as it can become a more serious problem if it is not addressed.

      Common Misconceptions

      • Some people believe that mounting is only a problem in male dogs. This is not true. Female dogs can also mount, and it is just as important to address mounting behavior in female dogs as it is in male dogs.
      • Some people believe that mounting is a sign of aggression. This is not always true. In some cases, mounting can be a sign of dominance or playfulness. However, if mounting is accompanied by other aggressive behaviors, such as growling or biting, then it may be a sign of aggression.
      • Some people believe that mounting is a normal behavior that all dogs will outgrow. This is not true. Mounting behavior can persist into adulthood if it is not addressed.

      Mounting - Video Walkthrough

      Steps to Address

      Teaching Phase:

      • Identify the triggers. What situations or stimuli seem to trigger your dog to mount? Once you know the triggers, you can start to avoid them or desensitize your dog to them.

      • Start by putting your dog on leash and collar in a situation where they are tempted to mount. This could be a person, another dog, or an object.

      • Use their name or another obedience command your dog is familiar with like "leave it" or "out" when you notice they are tempted to mount. Mark and reward with a treat or praise.

      • If your dog does not respond to the command, gently but firmly redirect them away from the trigger. You can use a leash to guide them away, or you can use a treat to lure them away.

      • Continue to practice this exercise in different situations and with different triggers. Be sure to reward your dog for good behavior.

      Reinforcing Phase:

      • Once your dog is consistently responding to the command to "leave it" or "out" in different situations, you can start to increase the difficulty of the exercise.
      • For example, you can start by having your dog sit or lie down before you give the command. You can also start by having your dog sit or lie down further away from the trigger.
      • Be sure to reward your dog for good behavior, even if they only manage to resist mounting for a few seconds.

      Proofing Phase:

      • Once your dog is consistently able to resist mounting in different situations, you can start to introduce distractions.
      • For example, you can start by having other people or dogs around when you give the command. You can also start by having your dog sit or lie down in more stimulating environments, such as the park or the dog park.
      • Be sure to reward your dog for good behavior, even if they only manage to resist mounting for a few seconds.

      Maintenance Phase:

      • Once your dog is able to resist mounting in all situations, you can start to gradually reduce the amount of training you do.
      • However, it is important to continue to practice the command occasionally, even if your dog is no longer mounting. This will help to ensure that they do not forget the command.
      • Be sure to reward your dog for good behavior, even if they have been doing well for a long time. This will help to keep them motivated.

      Case Studies

      • Case Study 1: A dog owner was having trouble with her male dog mounting her leg whenever she came home from work. She started by identifying the trigger, which was her coming home. She then started teaching her dog an alternative behavior, such as sitting, when she came home. She also started using aversive techniques, such as aversive spray, to stop her dog from mounting her leg. After a few weeks of training, her dog stopped mounting her leg altogether.
      • Case Study 2: A dog owner was having trouble with her female dog mounting other dogs at the dog park. She started by identifying the trigger, which was other dogs. She then started teaching her dog an alternative behavior, such as sitting, when she saw other dogs. She also started using aversive techniques, such as an ecollar, to stop her dog from mounting other dogs. After a few weeks of training, her dog stopped mounting other dogs at the dog park.

      Pet Parent Coaching Tips

      • Be patient and consistent with your training. It may take some time for your dog to learn to stop mounting.
      • Be sure to reward your dog for good behavior. This will help them to associate the desired behavior with positive experiences.
      • If your dog is showing any signs of aggression, such as growling or biting, stop the training and seek professional help from a dog trainer or behaviorist.

      Conclusion

      Mounting behavior is a common problem in dogs, but it can be addressed with proper training. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can help your dog to stop mounting and learn to behave in a more appropriate way.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Q: How often should I practice with my dog?
        A: You should practice with your dog at least 10-15 minutes per day.
      • Q: What if my dog is still mounting after I have been practicing for a while?
        A: If your dog is still mounting after you have been practicing for a while, you may need to seek professional help from a dog trainer or behaviorist.