How to stop humping behaviour

[yogabeary]

We have always had problems with Jack humping other dogs. I gather from the bits that i have read that this is some sort of attempt to release energy and to get energy moving in another dog. Is this correct?

Also, he has always had a particular tendency to try and hump my 8 year old son. He used to try to do it to people's legs when he was much younger but now my son seems to be the only target. Why would he 'target' him and how do I go about stopping it? How do I tell my son to deal with it? He currently tends to alternate between growling at the dog/ yelling/ laughing hysterically and panicking- all in the space of a few seconds. The dog ends up getting nippy and over-excited. I end up growling at the dog as well because I get scared about him getting bitten which happened several times when Jack was a puppy.

Any ideas? Please.

[neilsattin]

If you can use these moments to redirect Jack into pushing tug, that would be great. See the "humping" as a sign that Jack feels attraction - after being energized by your son - and so you can help him get the 'energy moving' by giving him a productive way to release stress.

As for your son, he can try extending both arms, putting both hands palm out (facing Jack) - as in a "stop right there" (with both hands). And otherwise remain impassive. It will reflect the energy back at Jack, and encourage him to go elsewhere for satisfaction of his drive. All the growling/etc. is probably just feeding Jack's problem.

[yogabeary]

Thanks Neil. I will try what you have suggested. Looks like I need to keep those lengths of hose on hand at all times.