Why does my puppy hump my arm and avoid head pats when I'm lying down?

Question

My puppy has problems with dominance and at times I can’t calm him down. This is a bit embarassing but he always comes up to me and tries to hump my arm and then he licks my arm. Also when I’m lying down, he steps on me and won’t let me pat him on the head. He always lets me pat his head, but doesn’t let me do it when he stands on me. Why is this? Pet's info: Dog | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Male | unneutered | 6 months and 7 days old | 6 lbs

Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA · Accepted Answer

Hi there. Dogs don't try to be "dominant" over their owners - this a myth, so no need to worry about this :) Humping behavior is usually related to frustration, excitement, or over-arousal. I would simply ask distract Leo with a toy, or ask him to do some other behavior he knows (such as sit), and reward when he does what you ask. Many dogs don't like to be patted on the head, as this is not something that dogs would normally do with each other and a hand coming over their head can be seen as scary or threatening. If he doesn't like to be patted on the head at certain times, then just avoid doing this. You can pet him on the chest or under the chin instead if he likes this better :)

Why does my puppy hump my arm and avoid head pats when I'm lying down?

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