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My 3-month-old puppy humps and bites. Is this normal? What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | 5 lbs

Hi my 3 month old puppy shadow "humps" alot. When we stop him he became aggresive and starts to bites us. What should we do. Is it normal for a puppy to hump at this stage.

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1 Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on February 18th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! No, that much humping is not normal and Shadow acting aggressive when stopped is not normal. I recommend aggressive training. Start practicing: sit, stay, come, etc. He should have plenty of exercise: doggy daycare, walks, parks, one on one play. Keep a leash on him and use a gentle leader for the muzzle. When he start to hump, gently use the leash/gentle leader to make him stop as soon as he starts. Make him sit, give him a treat and play with him. Do not grab him or touch him where he can bite you. Humping is not always sexual in nature, but I would neuter him due this behavior and the aggression he is showing. Humping can also be due to anxiety or to show dominance. https://www.petco.com/shop/SearchDisplay?categoryId=&storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&sType=SimpleSearch&resultCatEntryType=2&showResultsPage=true&searchSource=Q&pageView=&beginIndex=0&pageSize=24&fromPageValue=search&searchTerm=gentle+leader&omnitureEnabled=false&cm_sp=SearchSuggest-_-gentle+leader-_-Location&searchsuggestion_keyword=gentle+leader I hope this helps!

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