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Behaviour

Understanding mounting in dogs

When a young dog mounts another, many people immediately think of sex or dominance. Usually they're just overexcited. Here's what's really behind it.

When a young dog mounts another dog, many owners find it embarrassing. It's easy to think of sexual behaviour, or of the dog trying to dominate the other one. Usually neither is true: even puppies mount when they're overexcited, worked up or caught in a small conflict.

Usually just too much excitement

Mounting is often an outlet for too much tension. Sometimes the dog also uses it to stop the other dog or get them moving again. It says nothing about your dog's character or how they'll develop later – it only shows how excited they are right now.

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This article is no substitute for veterinary advice. Source: DOGSY editorial team.