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My spayed dog humps me playing. Is it excitement or a problem?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | spayed | 5 years and 4 months old | 69.2 lbs

I have a 5 year old spayed German shepherd husky mix. She's been fixed for 3 years now. She's been starting to hump me whenever I play with her. What is causing this? Is this excitement or something else?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on August 21st, 2017

If there are no other signs, it certainly could just be behavioral. Humping is a dominance behvior in dogs, so yes, it is possibly occuring from Lucy getting too excited. However, if there are any changes to her vulva (enlarged, any discharge, etc.) or any other behavioral changes, I would certainly have your vet evaluate her just to be sure that there isn't a medical cause. I hope that answers your questions. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on July 29th, 2019

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This can be a display of territorial behavior, dominance or just being excited. I would recommend you discourage this behavior when seen and with consistency this should improve. This is not necessarily concerning. Best of luck!

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