Most people don’t realize that this behavior isn’t limited to intact male dogs, nor do they know that neutered males can display erections and ejaculate just like intact males. Both male and female dogs mount other dogs, people and objects. Masturbation is part of normal sexual behavior for both altered (spayed or neutered) and intact dogs. Often, during courtship, females in heat mount and hump their male “suitors.” Female dogs also commonly mount and hump other females when one or both are in heat. Intact (not neutered) males will often masturbate if prevented from approaching a female in heat. After they’re neutered or spayed, many male and female dogs continue to mount and even masturbate because they have learned that the behavior feels good. As puppies reach sexual maturity, they start to mount other dogs in sexual contexts. Some experts believe that this behavior functions as practice for future sexual encounters. Puppies often mount and hump their littermates, other playmates, people and toys.
Sometimes, dogs just rub against people or objects (without mounting them), or they lick themselves. They mount and thrust against other animals, people and objects, such as wadded-up blankets, dog beds and toys. Mounting, thrusting (humping) and masturbation are normal behaviors exhibited by most dogs.
