Dog_ma
Posted : 8/1/2008 7:06:36 PM
There are many dog behaviors that are normal, but can be contextually improper. Not just to people - to other dogs.
Dogs who know each other is a different situation than dogs who don't. Dogs, like people, will put up with more intimate or silly behavior from friends. If a friend hugs me, I'm happy. If a strange man does - not so happy.
From what I've seen at the dog park, dogs are similar. There are behaviors that are rude when they come from strangers. Humping tends to be one of them. Plus, ardent humpers usually ignore the body language that what is about to happen isn't welcome. That is like a fool of a dog who tries to "play" by getting up in every other dog's face and annoying them.
Eko has no problem being humped by his friends. He doesn't like it when strange dog, or dogs he knows but clearly dislikes try to hump him. He will sometimes tease male dogs whom he wants to play with by attempted humping (or nose bonking!). It's pretty obvious the point in those situations is "Hey come pay attention to me!"
I do not permit any humping that is unwelcome, or done with a one-up attitude. That doesn't tend to be his thing, but the few times he's tried it I stop him.