Dogs display a number of unusual behaviors and as a Can Corso owner you have probably experienced some at one point. One of these behaviors is your Cane Corso trying to hump you.
It’s a situation that can leave even the most seasoned Cane Corso owners confused and uncomfortable.
But before you jump to conclusions or get too flustered, it’s essential to recognize that this behavior is more common than you might think and has underlying causes rooted in canine psychology.
We delve into the intriguing world of canine behavior to understand why your Cane Corso is trying to hump you and what to do about it.
Why is my Cane Corso trying to hump me?
A Cane Corso humping you is due to sexual arousal when excited or stimulated, attention seeking behavior, excitement, stress, lack of socialization, and underlying medical problem.
Cane Corso humping behavior
Humping behavior of the Cane Corso, also known as mounting, is when your dog thrusts its pelvic region against a person, another animal, an object, or the air.
It is a common behavior in dogs, and while it’s often associated with sexual behavior, it can have various underlying reasons, which may not be related to sexual desire at all.
Humping is a normal dog behavior, and not all instances are problematic. However, excessive or inappropriate humping can be disruptive or cause discomfort, which is when intervention and training may be necessary.
Common reasons for Cane Corso humping
Excitement or when stimulated
Sexual arousal is one of the factors that can lead a Cane Corso to attempt to hump their owner, although it’s essential to clarify that this behavior is not necessarily driven by sexual intentions or desires towards their human companion.
Instead, it’s often a manifestation of instincts, dominance, or other behavioral issues.
Dogs, including Cani Corsi, have strong instincts. Humping is a behavior rooted in their biology, primarily seen in male dogs.
This instinctual behavior can still manifest, especially when they are excited or stimulated and do not have a female canine companion.
A Cane Corso can become highly excited in certain situations, such as when their owners come home after being away for a while or during playtime.
This heightened excitement can lead to exaggerated behaviors, including humping. This excitement is not necessarily sexual but an overflow of energy and enthusiasm.
Related: Why does my Cane Corso sit on me?
Attention-seeking
Attention-seeking behavior in a Cane Corso can lead to humping their owner as a way to gain attention and interaction.
Dogs are highly social animals, and they often crave attention and engagement from their human companions.
When they discover that certain behaviors receive a response, even if it’s negative, they may continue to show those behaviors to get the attention they desire, including humping.
If your Cane Corso has learned that humping you leads to attention, even if it’s in the form of reprimands or attempts to stop the behavior, they may continue to hump to get that response.
Related: Why does my Cane Corso lean on me?
Stress or anxiety
Stress or anxiety can sometimes lead a Cane Corso, or any dog, to engage in humping behavior as a way to cope with their emotional discomfort.
Humping in this case serves as a self-soothing mechanism for your Cane Corso when they are anxious or stressed. It provides them with a temporary distraction from their emotional discomfort.
Just like humans might engage in repetitive behaviors when anxious, dogs can resort to humping as a way to alleviate their stress.
Your dog may also use humping as a way to get your attention when they are feeling anxious. If they have learned that humping leads to interaction or comfort from you, they may repeat the behavior when they are stressed in the hope of receiving attention or reassurance.
Related:
Lack of socialization
A lack of socialization during a Cane Corso’s early developmental stages can contribute to various behavioral issues, including humping, because they may not have learned appropriate ways to interact with other dogs and humans.
Socialization is a critical part of a dog’s development. During this period, puppies learn how to communicate, play, and interact with other dogs and people.
If a Cane Corso has not been properly socialized, they may not have learned appropriate social cues and behaviors.
This lack of understanding can lead to inappropriate interactions, such as humping, when they are uncertain about how to engage with others.
Underlying medical issues
Underlying medical issues can sometimes lead to unusual behaviors in a Cane Corso, including humping.
While humping behavior is more commonly associated with behavioral or social factors, certain medical conditions can cause discomfort or distress in dogs, prompting them to show unusual behaviors as a way of coping.
For instance, if your Cane Corso is experiencing allergies, irritation, inflammation, or discomfort in the genital region due to conditions like urinary tract infections, skin allergies, or even hip dysplasia, they might engage in humping as a way to alleviate or distract from the discomfort.
Certain medical conditions can lead to hormonal imbalances affecting their behavior. For example, conditions like Cushing’s disease or thyroid disorders can result in hormonal fluctuations that may influence sexual behaviors or increase anxiety, potentially leading to humping.
In rare cases, neurological disorders or abnormalities can affect a dog’s behavior, including humping. Neurological conditions might disrupt a dog’s ability to control their impulses and can manifest in various ways, including unusual behaviors like humping.
How to stop your Cane Corso from humping you
Stopping a Cane Corso from humping you or other people involves a combination of training, redirection, and understanding the underlying reasons for the behavior.
To help stop humping behavior in your Cane Corso:
Stay calm
When your Cane Corso starts humping, it’s essential to remain calm. Reacting with excitement or frustration can reinforce the behavior by giving it attention.
Use a distraction
Gently redirect your dog’s attention away from humping by using a favorite toy or a treat. Encourage them to engage in an alternative, more appropriate behavior.
Use basic commands like “sit,” “down,” and “stay” can be valuable tools in managing humping behavior. Practice these commands regularly and reward your dog when they comply.
Ignore the behavior
Sometimes, ignoring the humping behavior is the best strategy. If your dog is humping for attention, avoid making eye contact, speaking to them, or pushing them away, as any reaction may be seen as reinforcement.
Spay/Neuter
If your Cane Corso is not already spayed or neutered, consider discussing the option with your veterinarian.
Spaying or neutering can sometimes reduce humping behavior driven by sexual hormones.
Training
Remember that it may take time and consistency to address humping behavior, especially if it has become a learned habit.
Be patient and persistent in your training efforts. Avoid scolding or punishing your dog, as this can create fear and anxiety, which may worsen the behavior or lead to other issues.
Consistent training, positive reinforcement, and addressing any underlying causes are key to successfully stopping humping behavior in your Cane Corso.
When to see a veterinarian for Cne Corso humping
Seeking medical help for a Cane Corso’s humping behavior is necessary when there are clear signs that the behavior is linked to an underlying medical issue.
While humping is often a behavioral or social response, there are situations where it might be a symptom of an underlying medical problem.
Therefore seek medical assistance for humping behavior in the following situations:
Excessive humping: If your Cane Corso suddenly shows a significant increase in humping behavior, especially if it is excessive and persistent, it could be a sign of an underlying issue.
Excessive humping that appears out of character for your dog should be investigated.
Discomfort or pain: If your dog appears to be in pain or discomfort during or after humping episodes, such as yelping, whining, or showing signs of distress, consult your veterinarian.
Humping might be a response to an undiagnosed medical problem causing pain or discomfort.
Skin or genital Irritation: Check for signs of irritation, redness, swelling, or skin allergies in the genital area or around the base of the tail. These issues could lead to humping as an attempt to alleviate itching or discomfort.
Changes in urinary habits: If your Cane Corso shows changes in urinary habits, such as frequent urination, difficulty urinating, or blood in the urine, humping could be related to urinary tract issues or infections.
Lethargy or other behavioral changes: If humping is accompanied by other behavioral changes, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or unusual aggression, it may indicate an underlying medical problem affecting your dog’s behavior.
If you observe any of these signs or have concerns about your Cane Corso’s humping behavior and suspect it may be linked to a medical issue, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian.
A thorough examination and appropriate diagnostic tests can help identify and address any underlying health problems.
It’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek medical help when you’re uncertain about your dog’s well-being.
Key Takeaway
Humping behavior of the Cane Corso can stem from various underlying causes, including behavioral, social, emotional, and medical factors.
Understanding the specific reasons behind your dog’s humping behavior is important for addressing it effectively.
Humping is a normal canine behavior in many contexts, but it may become problematic when excessive or inappropriate. Seek professional guidance from your veterinarian, dog trainer, or behaviorist to help identify and address the root causes of the behavior.