Overly "Friendly" With Stuffed Animal

Dear Bailey,

My ten month old shih tzu, Steffi, has started really humping her stuffed animal, which is approximately the same size as she. Steffi has been spayed, so it seems like an unusual behavior. Should I get rid of her favorite friend, or is this activity going to stop soon?

Hoping to hear from you soon,

E. Farmer

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Bailey's Reply:

Dear E., 

Well, first, it's wonderful that you have provided such a great stuffed animal for Steffi.  She seems to have taken quite a liking to it!  This kind of behavior isn't necessarily a problem for Steffi.  But, as I understand humans, it can make most people uncomfortable to see a dog this way.  As a dog, I don't think I'd want to see my human like that.  Yuck!

So relax.  Mounting stuffed animals is not uncommon for a dog.  Generally this is a behavior which occurs when a dog is either extremely aroused, such as during a rough play session, or insecure, as when a group of people come over for a party.  Sometimes a dog feels the need to "outrank" something, even if it's just a toy.  You have a few options:

1. Do nothing and let Steffi do her thing.  It's not going to hurt anyone, but it may embarrass you in front of your friends.
2. Avoid events that will trigger Steffi's mounting.  If you can't avoid these events, then see 3.
3. Increase Steffi's exercise.  This can be very effective if you can give her a lot of exercise right before an event that will trigger a "friendly encounter".  A tired dog won't have the excess energy to mount her stuffed animal.
4. Get Steffi enrolled in positive reinforcement training, either with a group or privately.  This exercises her mind (tired mind= tired dog).  It can also help build her confidence if this is an insecurity issue.  A confident dog rarely needs to assert herself to others.

Good luck to you and Steffi.  Oh, and if she's ever looking for a single dog, don't hesitate to send her my way.

<sniff! and wags!>

Bailey

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