Why Is My Female Dachshund Humping Things?

Male dogs aren’t the only canine companions who hump things; females often hump just as much!

Dachshunds are as likely as any breed to enjoy the habit of humping people, other household pets, or even stationary items.

Moreover, female Dachshunds are actually just as prone to humping than their male counterparts.

You’re probably curious why your female Dachshund is humping everything, so let’s dive in.

Why Do Female Dachshunds Hump?

Firstly, it’s critical to note that humping is normal dog behavior. Mounting and humping humans, fellow dogs, or furniture is common for Dachshunds.

Female Dachshunds often hump if they have not been spayed. Humping can be a sexually motivated behavior in females who have not been fixed.

Even if your female Doxie has been spayed, they may still enjoy humping. Humping is often a response to excitement or stress.

For example, if your Dachshund is tremendously excited to meet a new dog, they may become so happy and aroused that they want to either hump that dog, or a nearby object.

Humping and mounting can also be a way for your female Dachshund to display status and control around other dogs, although the theory of humping for domination only has been debunked.

Why Is My Female Dachshund Trying to Hump Me?

Your female Dachshund may be humping you for attention.

If they are not receiving adequate mental and physical exercise, they may be humping you in an attempt to grab your attention, whether positive or negative.

Does your female Dachshund hump you when you come home from work or running errands?

They could just be happy to see you! As explained above, humping can be a side effect of excitement and arousal.

Dachshunds don’t often hump humans in an attempt to dominate them, so there’s probably something else going on.

It’s unlikely that your Dachshund is humping you in an attempt to “dominate” you.

The word domination is often associated with a negative connotation, but either way, your Doxie is probably displaying love, interest in something you have, or overall excitement.

Why Is My Female Dachshund Humping Other Dogs?

Sometimes female Dachshunds hump other dogs because they are ecstatic to meet them and need a release. Humping can help a dog get rid of that over-excited tension.

Other times, they could be openly displaying their status in the pack. Humping is a dominant form of communication.

It’s also possible that the humping is sexually motivated. If it is, playful body language often accompanies it.

Play bows, pawing, and a raised tail are signs of flirtatious action associated with humping and mounting. 

We do need to make note of the fact that some dogs who are under-socialized, or not socialized at all, may resort to humping because they don’t know how to play properly.

Why Do Female Dogs Hump Stuffed Animals?

Female dogs who hump will sometimes use inanimate object such as a stuffed animal, blanket, or pillow. 

Your dog may find comfort in humping an inanimate object.

Just as humping humans or other dogs may provide comfort for an excited or stressed female Dachshund, inanimate objects can equally provide solace.

These items are soft and don’t pose any sort of threat to your dog who may be trying to release pent up energy, emotion, or sexual frustration.

Remember that humping is normal, expressive behavior.

If your Dachshund is humping soft items in your home, consider allowing them to do so.

What Can I Do To Stop My Female Dachshund From Humping Everything?

When your female Dachshund is humping everything it can be annoying, embarrassing, or even risky.

If your pup humps the wrong dog, it can be dangerous.

The most common way to eliminate female humping is by spaying them. An intact female is much more likely to hump.

Spaying is known to drastically reduce humping, mounting, and other similar behaviors.

When you see your Dachshund about to hump a person, dog or object, you can also try throwing a toy or treat to her as a distraction.

You can also ask your dog to perform a simple task, such as “sit” or “down” to divert her attention.

Another option is to teach your female Dachshund a command to leave whatever it is they want to hump alone.

For example, if you see your female about to get into a humping stance, ask her to “leave it,” then reward with a treat or praise if she listens.

Redirecting your Dachshund’s humping to a training activity, treat puzzle, or other stimulating activity can also decrease boredom and help strengthen the bond between the two of you.

Ignoring your Dachshund when they hump to get attention can help.

If your Dachshund is humping to gain attention, the best practice is to ignore it.

Even pushing your pup away from you, or sternly telling them “no,” is attention. It may be negative but it’s can still rewarding to your dog.

If you ignore the humping without so much as a glance or word, your dog may stop because their action is not getting them the attention they seek.

When to Seek Help From A Canine Behaviorist

Imagine this scenario; your Dachshund seems to be obsessively humping. It’s constant, and she’ll hump anything in sight! She’s even humping house guests!

If this sounds familiar, it’s time to seek the opinion of a veterinarian or behaviorist.

You will want to rule out possible medical concerns that may be causing your Doxie to obsessively hump.

Anxiety and stress can be causes of consistent mounting and humping, and your vet will be able to assist with a treatment plan if this is the case.

Final Thoughts

Female Dachshunds are known to hump humans, stuffed animals, and other dogs just as often than males.

It’s one of those funny known facts about these small game hunters.

Humping can be undesirable to witness, especially if it’s constant.

It’s important to recognize why your Dachshund is humping, in case it’s become an obsession which needs to be corrected.

Whether it’s sexually motivated, a coping mechanism, or due to excitement, talk to your Dachshund’s vet if you’re concerned about the behavior. 

About the Author: Through her 17 years of owning and caring for Dachshunds, and almost 10 years researching and writing about them, JW has become a respected expert in the Dachshund community. Read more about her here.