Non-sexual mounting in pre-adolescent and neutered dogs is generally a byproduct of physiologic arousal – an inappropriate response triggered by sensory stimuli, motor activity and/or emotional reactivity. The longer a dog practices his mounting behavior, the harder it is to change, shares Pat Miller.
Source: Whole Dog Daily, October 30, 2016.
Recommendations to address mounting behaviors:
- Watch for early signs of mounting, and take appropriate steps to discourage them as soon as they arise.
- Neuter your male dog sooner, rather than later.
- Use “Good Manners” training and a “Say Please” program to create structure in your household and give yourself a control advantage.
- Seek assistance from a positive trainer/behavior consultant if you’re not making progress on your own, or if you don’t feel comfortable addressing the behavior on your own.
INSIGHTS: This is a good reference for animal health pros to use with clients, customers and in newsletters, websites and blogs.