Bassett Hound Mounting (humping) his Friends

Gainful Canine-Specific Employment is Needed

Question:
We adopted a little basset hound about six weeks ago. He is a lover. And by that, we mean a real lover! He is humping the male cats and the other male basset. Frequently! Passionately! He was neutered in late March. Does he still have testosterone in his system? The cats and other houndie just move away when he tries to mount them. He spends a lot of time wandering around the house, moving the chew-bones and toys from hiding place to hiding place.

Dr. Nichol:
Oh, that kind of lover. Ahem. How embarrassing. Don’t assume that Mr. Personality is being dominant or that he is a short legged lothario. He is energetic and, like many young adults, lacking in gainful employment. He needs a job.

Mounting behavior is seen more in boy dogs, especially those with assertive personalities. Your puppy’s male hormone (testosterone) is not a factor; that diminished within a few days of his neutering procedure. And he isn’t a canine pervert. He’s actually trying to establish a rapport with your other pets. They aren’t threatened by his behavior because they understand it; they just wish he’d take up a hobby or get in touch with his feminine side.

Your confused young man can sort out his identity issues if he has well-structured canine specific activities. Plan a daily schedule that includes off-leash running and exploration away from home. Dog parks and doggy daycare at a good kennel may work well. After a busy day at the office he can enjoy some alone time while foraging for his sustenance. With his dinner packed into food toys or food puzzles, instead of waiting for him in a bowl, he’ll invest his mental and physical energy in a natural canine behavior-survival.

In his free time, when not crocheting, your fine young barbarian can hunt for treasures in the yard. Build a digging box against the north side of your house. Allow Romeo to watch as you loosen and moisten the dirt every few days and then bury rawhides and food toys for him to find. If his aberrant social shenanigans continue you can smooth his adjustment with the natural antianxiety supplement Zylkene. Your veterinarian can order it for you.