Okay, crazy title, I know! But I recently got a gorgeous german Shepard! Hes so sweet and loving, but maybe TOO loving…no matter what I do, he wont stop humping me. Its honestly super embarrassing and I worry he’ll do it in front of someone else or to someone else, but so far he only goes for me. He’s a huge dog and im rather small so its hard to get him off. I just don’t know what to do…
hes also a big licker and loves to lick me all the time! (Not related, just a cute trait of his that I love )
My dog wont stop humping me…
r/Advice
Comments
Yea my Dad’s dog does that a ton to me too. Just put him in the next room
How much exercise and mental stimulation does he get daily? That’s a working breed, so if he’s not getting enough, he may exhibit problematic behaviors due to the excess energy.
Have him neutered
Is he neutered? If not, that may solve your problem
Hump him back. I did that with one of my show kids. It stopped.
Why are you trying to “get him off”? Of course he’s going to want to jump all the time.
Do you live with other people? Make sure that you are the only one feeding him. Humping is usually a dominance thing, and dogs will generally respect the person that hands out the meals.
Also– is he neutered? Young male dogs are basically 12 year old boys: crazy hormones and a mind that is too young to figure out what is/isn’t appropriate behavior without occasional guidance. Neutering fixes this.
I see you haven’t responsed to any comments about neutering.. Neuter your dog. Not complicated
Assert your dominance by turning toward the dog and walking “through” him whenever he tries to do it. He’ll get the message pretty quickly.
What are you wearing?
When you say rather hard to get him off…
“Took him to the vet”
“To get neutered?”
“No, just get his nails done”
“He’s a huge dog so it’s hard to get him off”
Firm loud voice, same words every time grab his snout, USE you words the same every time (simple words, like STOP, WAIT, HEEL) and then make him sit (not lay down) each time. When he starts listening 6th or 7th time reward him only if he does it on his own. Be consistent, this is the failure of most bad dog owners
I’ve been reading everyone’s comments and think I will get him neutered soon! In the meantime, I’ll try more training and more stimulation! Also please stop messaging me weird things about wanting to see that…that is very strange to me as im very young and hes a DOG 🙁
He will do it in front of people. Dogs are exhibitionists.
He must think you’re cute.
A spray bottle full of water should do the trick
Its a firm no. Humping in dogs is a dominance thing. You get up and put him in a sit stay or a down stay. The behavior stops immediately you dont entertain it for even a second. Hes trying to show you whos boss.
He is confused about his status in the pack. Mounting is a show of dominance. He humps you because he can. If you show him clearly , and constantly that he can’t. He will stop. When you correct him do it over the back. Hold him down until he stops struggling. Then count to ten before you let him up.
Your door cannot fight natural instinct ask your vet for some suggestions
He sounds like he just wants to love you, he doesn’t sound like he means any harm. My cat pesters me all the time asking me to pet her but they want love just like we do. I say you give him love and affection in other ways like play fetch or get him something new he can play with. Idk why but reading that post and the comments kinda makes me want to cry because he sounds like a big softie ngl. The sad thing is he has a lifespan like we all do so spend the time wisely because when he’s gone he’s gone.
Ive totally been in your shoes OP!You may have heard the phrase “there are no bad dogs, just bad owners.” I’d add that many owners aren’t bad at heart they’re just unaware. We don’t know what we don’t know afterall.
First, it’s important to remember dogs don’t think like humans, they have there own physical language that is built around energy. They can absolutely love us, but they express it in very different ways. When your German Shepherd humps or licks excessively, that’s not affection it’s a state of dominant excitement. In human terms, the closest comparison is anxiety. It’s not comfortable for your dog and if left unchecked, it can grow into much more serious behavior issues that will be significantly harder to address down the road.
Dogs are pack animals and every pack has a hierarchy. Dogs rely on an Alpha. Alphas don’t rule with force but provide security and order by displaying calm-assertive characteristics. When your dog trusts you as the alpha, they can relax. Without that leadership, they often develop neurotic tendencies—barking at the wrong times, accidents in the house, aggression, or in your case, humping and licking excessively.
You’re already on the right path by seeking advice. Early guidance makes all the difference, especially with powerful breeds like Shepherds. My wife and I went through this with one of our old rescues who had been in fights and carried scars on her muzzle. My wife and our dog named Ghili worked with a Marine Corps trained dog trainer who taught us the basics: calm leash drills, waiting to fetch until the dog settled next to us, eating before the dog ate, and always walking through doors first so our dog would follow, not lead us. They were simple routines, but they established a clear hierarchy that helped our dog finally relax. It was amazing happy / relaxed she became.
Dog psychology is simple, but dogs are incredibly sensitive to our energy. They often read us better than we read ourselves. Learning their language takes effort at first, but it pays off for both you and your dog. It not only creates a balanced, happy life for them, but I’ve also found it taught me how to project calm, assertive energy at work by recognizing how my emotions are projected subconsciously.
I highly recommend watching The Dog Whisperer. It’s a great way to begon to understand how to communicate with your dog in a way they actually understand. With consistency and the right guidance, you’ll be amazed at how close your relationship with your dog will become as a result. You and your dog both deserve the peace and joy that come from speaking the same language.
RKO