Many dog owners have witnessed the perplexing and concerning behavior of their male dog attempting to mount a female dog that is not in heat. As a dog owner, seeing your male dog exhibit this behavior can be worrisome and prompt many questions about what’s motivating this behavior and how to curb it.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Male dogs may try to mount female dogs not in heat due to dominance behaviors, frustration, false pregnancy signals, or medical issues like a urinary tract infection. Training and neutering can often resolve this problem behavior.

In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the reasons male dogs mount females not in heat, signs to watch for, when you should see your vet, and effective training methods to stop this behavior.

Dominance Displays

Mounting for dominance

Mounting is a common behavior seen in dogs kept in groups where a dog will attempt to assert his dominance over another by climbing on top and simulating a mating posture. This often occurs between males trying to establish hierarchy and access to resources like food, toys, space, and female attention.

Though it may appear to be sexually motivated, mounting between dogs of the same gender is usually about achieving higher rank.

Even neutered males will mount both males and females when trying to exert dominance. The dog on the bottom usually communicates submission by holding perfectly still. Mounting most often occurs when dogs first meet and are determining the social structure of their relationship.

It usually resolves fairly quickly once the leader is established.

Frustration and false signals

Some mounting behaviors arise out of frustration rather than social challenges. Fixed males may mount females even when no estrus signals are present. This often occurs when dogs are confined together with limited outlets for their energy.

The stimulation of the female dog’s presence paired with boredom prompts the male to mount. Early neutering can also play a role.

In some cases, spayed females will mount a male dog due to dominance issues. Though rare, false pregnancy symptoms or hormone imbalances might cause a female to give off odors or signals that confuse male dogs and elicit mounting.

Consulting a veterinarian can help determine if a medical issue is to blame.

Medical causes

Though most mounting originates from social cues and sexual urges, medical problems can also be a cause. Conditions leading to excessive thirst, hunger, or fatigue can create irritability and prompt abnormal mounting behaviors.

Urinary tract infections, diabetes, and neurological problems like seizure disorders, dementia, and brain tumors have all been linked to mounting in dogs.

Medications may also lower a dog’s inhibitions about when and where to mount. Steroids like prednisone and pain relievers can alter hormone levels and activity. Dogs taking certain antidepressants and supplements have also demonstrated changes in sexual behavior like mounting and masturbation.

Checking with a vet to rule out or address medical issues is wise if mounting seems inappropriate.

When to See the Vet

Urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common reason for inappropriate mounting behavior in male dogs. UTIs cause inflammation and discomfort in the urinary tract, which can lead to unusual behavior. Male dogs may mount other dogs due to the pain and irritation associated with a UTI.

According to veterinary research, an estimated 14% of all dogs will develop a UTI in their lifetime.

Symptoms of a possible UTI include frequent urination, bloody urine, straining to urinate, and irritation around the genital area. If your male dog exhibits mounting behavior along with any of these symptoms, it’s important to take him to the vet.

A veterinarian can run tests on a urine sample to check for bacteria and confirm a UTI diagnosis. Most UTIs in dogs are treatable with a course of antibiotics.

Prostate issues

The prostate gland is a male reproductive organ that can develop problems as dogs age. Two common prostate conditions are benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis.

BPH causes prostate enlargement, which puts pressure on the urethra and bladder. This may cause difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, and frequent urination – all of which can lead to anxiety and frustration manifested as inappropriate mounting.

According to veterinary studies, BPH affects up to 80% of intact male dogs by the age of 5.

Meanwhile, prostatitis is prostate inflammation, often due to a bacterial infection. The dog’s prostate gland becomes swollen and painful. Prostatitis can also cause urine leaks and bloody discharge from the penis. Like UTIs, dogs may mount others due to prostatitis pain and irritation.

If an enlarged, inflamed prostate is suspected, the vet will palpate the prostate during a physical exam. They may recommend X-rays, ultrasound, urinalysis, or bloodwork to diagnose the underlying cause. Treatment usually involves antibiotics and sometimes medications to shrink the prostate.

Hormonal imbalances

The hormones testosterone and estrogen should remain balanced in a dog’s body. When levels of these hormones fluctuate, it can influence a dog’s behavior and lead to humping. Here are some examples of hormonal issues that may cause inappropriate mounting:

  • Intact male dogs may mount due to high testosterone.
  • Low testosterone in neutered/senior dogs can also elicit mounting behavior.
  • Dogs with hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease have hormone imbalances that can lead to behavioral changes.
  • Mounting may even manifest in some female dogs due to abnormal estrogen levels.

If your veterinarian suspects a hormonal imbalance, they’ll recommend blood tests to check hormone levels. Treatment may include hormone therapy medications or neutering surgery for intact males.

Stopping the Behavior

Neuter your male dog

Getting your male dog neutered is one of the most effective ways to curb mounting behavior. Neutering reduces testosterone levels, which decreases sexual urges and makes mounting less likely. According to veterinary research, neutering can stop around 90% of mounting behaviors in male dogs.

Neutering is a routine surgical procedure performed by a veterinarian. It involves removing the testicles so your dog can no longer produce sperm or testosterone. Recovery time is usually less than 2 weeks. There are many health and behavioral benefits to neutering beyond curbing mounting.

It is generally recommended to neuter male dogs around 6 months old.

Train your dog

Consistent training can also help stop your dog from mounting when undesired. Use positive reinforcement methods, never punishment. When your dog attempts to mount, immediately give a firm “No” or “Off” command. Praise and reward your dog with a treat when he listens and refrains from mounting.

This helps him learn that mounting results in no reward but stopping the behavior brings praise.

Also practice the “Sit” or “Down” command when your dog seems ready to mount. Having him sit or lay down can interrupt his mounting intent. Reward him with treats and praise when he follows your commands. With time and consistency, he will learn better self-control.

Separate dogs when needed

If your male dog keeps attempting to mount a female dog who is clearly not receptive, simply separate them. Put your male dog in another room or crate him briefly. This removes the opportunity for mounting and can help calm your dog.

If your dog mounts visitors, keep him on a leash when guests are over. Or confine him to a separate room or crate so he cannot jump on visitors. Providing toys or chews can also occupy him so he focuses less on mounting people.

Address medical issues

In rare cases, mounting may be caused by a medical issue requiring treatment. Urinary tract infections, prostate disease, and neurological conditions can sometimes induce inappropriate mounting. Schedule a veterinary exam to rule out any underlying medical causes if your dog suddenly develops intense mounting habits.

Your vet can also check hormone levels. On occasion, neutered dogs will still mount due to residual testosterone. Your vet may recommend hormone therapy if this is the case.

Conclusion

Witnessing your male dog repeatedly mount a female dog not in heat can be alarming and upsetting. While this behavior stems from natural canine instincts, it’s important to curb for the wellbeing of all dogs involved.

Through proactive neutering, vigilant training, reviewing medical issues with your vet, and taking preventative measures like separation, you can get to the root of why your male dog exhibits this behavior and work to resolve it.

With time and consistency, you can redirect your dog’s energies into more positive pursuits.

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