Maltese Humping Issues

Yes. Though males hump more often than females, both genders may display this behavior. 

There’s just about nothing that’s off limits in regard to what a Maltese puppy or dog may hump. Canines can hump other dogs (and either gender may hump either gender), other household pets such as cats, stuffed animals, blankets, dog beds, pillows, children’s toys, furniture, and even the air. 

And, dogs may also hump humans. It’s almost always someone known to them such as their owner. And with a small breed like the Maltese, it’s typically done to whatever body part of the person they can reach the easiest, such as the legs, ankles, or feet. 

Why Do Maltese Dogs Hump? 

Possible reasons for a Maltese humping include: 

#1 Sexual mating behavior, triggered by hormones. Both male and female dogs may hump due to urges to mate, which are triggered by hormones. 

With un-neutered males, this may be frequent continual urges; testosterone production begins at puberty (4 to 6 months old for male toy breeds like the Maltese) and can be strong throughout adulthood and well into the senior years. 

Neutering will usually greatly decrease hormone-related humping behavior seen with male dogs; however, the adrenal glands can still produce small quantities of testosterone, and humping may not go away entirely. Male Maltese may also display humping due to other reasons (details ahead). 

With females, sexual-related humping may occur alongside the estrus stage of heat cycles when estrogen levels drop while progesterone levels rise. Heat cycles begin at puberty (generally 6 to 8 months old for female toy breeds like the Maltese), last for 14 to 21 days and typically occur twice per year. 

Spaying a female will usually greatly decrease hormone-related humping behavior. Female Maltese may also display humping due to other reasons (details ahead).

#2 Play behavior. Playful humping can be seen with puppies as young as just a few weeks old, and may continue well into adulthood. In this context, it is a normal part of play and social learning (sometimes to see which dominant behaviors will or will not be accepted from other dogs). During a play session, one dog may hump more than another, often due to overexcitability, though dogs may also take turns. 

#3 To assert dominance. Humping may also be seen in cases of dogs attempting to establish hierarchy among themselves (or with other household pets). This may be seen with ‘stranger’ dogs such as those met at the park, ‘known’ dogs such as those seen regularly in the neighborhood, or between those within the same household. 

#4 Improper hierarchy with their humans. When a dog attempts to hump their owner’s leg or other body part, this may be due to an improper understanding of the hierarchy of the household. A dog may hump to assert dominance as part of an attempt to claim their spot as leader. This may happen if a dog is unsure of who the leader is or mistakenly already believes they are the leader. This is seen more often with males than female Maltese dogs. Note that a Maltese may also hump their owner’s leg or other body part due to reasons #5 through #8 as listed below. 

#5 Compulsive issues. A lot of different things can become habit for a dog, and when you take an action like humping, something that generally feels good to them, this can quickly become a compulsive problem with a dog unable to control their urges. In cases of chronic or very frequent humping, a dog may not even enjoy the action any longer; it can actually be stressful for them. 

#6 Health issues. Whenever a dog is paying particular attention to a certain body area, this can point to a health issue. With humping, it may be a matter of a skin problem (rash, overly itchy skin, etc.) or a urinary tract infection which can cause itching on the genital area. 

#7 Excitement or feeling overwhelmed. Some dogs can get overstimulated, causing them to jump up on people, run around, or even hump. This can happen if they haven’t seen a favorite person in a while, if something fun is quickly and unexpectedly introduced, if they suddenly find themselves around lots of children or other dogs, and other similar situations. 

#8 Attention seeking behavior. This is not a top reason, but should be noted as a possible underlying reason. Some Maltese dogs that crave attention may behave in ways that bring about any sort of reaction from their owners, even if it’s negative. 

#9 Stress. This is also not a leading cause, but may sometimes be the case. Stress-based humping may be seen alongside separation anxiety or in instances of chaotic and/or tension-filled households (rambunctious children running in and out, blaring TV’s or music, yelling, arguing, etc.).

Should You Stop a Maltese Dog from Humping? 

The answer is, it depends. Humping is most definitely a behavior that should not be ignored. It warrants an initial assessment to understand the possible reasons why it is occurring.

Certain triggers including stress, UTI, or skin rash/itching, should be ruled out. And since humping is not always welcomed by other dogs or other pets, or can be very disruptive to the household, these may also be reasons to take steps to stop the behavior. Finally, if humping is due in part to improper hierarchy, this should be addressed. 

How to Stop a Maltese Dog from Humping

If you suspect a health issue including a UTI (urinary tract infection; symptoms include cloudy and/or smelly urine, signs of pain while urinating and/or incontinence), rash or itching, or any other health concern, bring your Maltese to the vet for a checkup. 

If you suspect stress as a trigger, work to create a calmer environment. In some cases, it can help to offer a dog their own quiet area (doggie bed, within a canine playpen if needed), in the corner of a room where they can retreat to if feeling overwhelmed. 

If you suspect improper hierarchy between you and your Maltese as a trigger, work on fixing this. One effective method is to command a ‘sit’ before any food is given. 

If you suspect overstimulation as a trigger, try introducing things in a gradual, lowkey manner. 

While spayed and neutered dogs technically may still hump, it is rather rare. The decrease in hormones that occurs after the procedure typically leads to an abrupt stop in humping behavior. 

There are also other benefits to having a dog fixed, including curbing behaviors of running away, marking, and acting territorial and eliminating or decreasing the odds of developing certain cancers. 

A well-trained dog will immediately follow commands, including ‘stop’ and ‘sit’, even if they are otherwise distracted. It can take time to instill this level of training; however, basic commands can make life much easier and this is worth trying not only to stop humping but for countless other instances. 

For training options, your local ASPCA may offer solo or group classes, there are numerous online videos, and there are books including the recommended 101 Dog Tricks by Kyra Sundance. 

This, along with all following methods, should only be used once any possible health issues are ruled out. 

What this is: 

Because dogs instinctively choose actions that clearly bring them the most benefits, the idea is to quickly interrupt the humping behavior and refocus your Maltese’s attention to something they perceive as more pleasurable. 

This works best when a Maltese is humping inanimate objects (toys, pillows, etc.). It may be tried in instances of humping other pets, however that may require alternative methods (details ahead). 

Note that this method can also work well for issues like excessive barking or destructive chewing. 

What you will need: 

1. A method to interrupt your Maltese. Often a loud hand clap along with their name said in a firm manner will work. If not, you can use a shaker can (place several coins in a can or jar and give it a few quick shakes). For stubborn Maltese or those with severe humping issues, you may need to use a more effective method like the The Company of Animals Pet Corrector for Dogs ; note that this is a safe training device that lets out a quick hiss of air that is proven to make canines take a pause. 

2. An alternative activity. Plan this in advance. The alternative activities that you choose should vary depending on what your particular Maltese enjoys. This may include a short game of fetch (adding an interesting fetch toy like Midlee X-Small Tennis Balls for Dogs can increase enthusiasm), lots of pets and tummy rubs, a short session of command or trick training, being taken out for a short walk, or given a chew toy. 

Instructions: 

Step #1. Interrupt. When you see your Maltese humping, interrupt them using your chosen method. 

Step #2. Refocus. Using an enthusiastic voice, call to your Maltese and introduce the alternative activity. In most cases, just a short 5-to-10-minute session is required. 

Hiccups:

If you find that you are constantly using the Interrupt and Refocus method, but your Maltese is still frequently humping things, it will be time to reevaluate the possible reasons for humping and make more changes, if necessary (see previous 'Why Do Maltese Dogs Hump?')

#5 Use the Time-out Method 

What this is: 

This involves giving a dog a short time-out in which they are temporarily ‘banned’ from the social ‘pack’ of the house. This can work well to teach a dog which behaviors are and are not acceptable. 

This training technique is typically used when a dog’s behavior is directly affecting others (other dogs, other pets or humans). So, this can work well if your Maltese is humping another dog in the household or another pet like a cat, or humps against you or visitors to the house. 

Note that this method can also work well for dealing with nipping, aggressive growling, or jumping up on people. 

What you will need: 

All that’s needed is your patience and a time-out area. The chosen area must be one in which your Maltese can see and hear the rest of the family but is unable to physical interact with them. 

A small gated off area can work well, as can an indoor canine playpen such as the IRIS Pet Playpen with a Door (note that these are also very effective for potty training, using as a safe area for a dog to stay when home alone, to create a comfortable sleeping area, and/or to offer a quiet area to retreat to). 

Instructions: 

Step #1. Interrupt. As soon as your Maltese starts to hump (someone or something), give a loud and firm “No”. 

Step #2. Give the time-out. If you are ignored, immediately bring your Maltese to the time-out area. 

It is vitally important that during the time-out, no one speaks to or makes eye contact with your Maltese. Typically, it takes a dog 10 minutes or so to notice that they are being ignored and not allowed to interact with their ‘pack’ (the family), at which point they may start to whine or otherwise show signs that they are bothered by the exclusion. 

The time-out session should last 10 minutes from the start of the first whine. 

Step #3. Probation. Allow your Maltese back into the family group, speaking to them and interacting as normal. If they begin to hump again, repeat the time-out. 

#6 Removal – A Method for Stopping a Maltese from Humping Other Dogs Outside the Home 

If a Maltese is attempting to hump dogs while out on walks, in parks, etc., this really requires intervention since other dogs can react aggressively when being mounted. Not to mention the risks of a successful tie if this is male to female humping, dealing with the dismay of the other dog’s owners, and more. 

If this is a frequent occurrence, do please refer back to 'Why Do Maltese Dogs Hump?' and the following ‘How to Stop a Maltese Dog from Humping’ section for advice, including neutering or spaying. 

In the meantime, the removal method is to simply remove your Maltese from the situation as quickly as possible. This can be done by having your Maltese on a harness such as the Puppia Soft B Harness Vest (not a collar, since quick tension can cause neck injury) to be able to swiftly, firmly, and safely lead them away from the other dog and out of the area. In time, your Maltese may learn that fun (being outside, taking a walk, etc.) is cut short if there are humping attempts. 

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