Dominance or normal puppy behavior?

[gritsar]

Kane seems to understand that pack order in our house pretty well. He's very submissive to DH (the alpha). He's thrilled when DH pays him some attention and will sit quietly for pettings from him. He's submissive to me too; but I'm the one he always looks up to, follows around and runs to when he gets his little puppy feelings hurt. Kane plays with Jax constantly and gives as good as he gets when they tussle.
The thing is, he's tried to hump the cats - who don't give a fig about pack orders and do their own thing - and he's tried to hump Jax a few times when Jax is laying down. The cats ignore him when he humps and Jax just looks at him like "what ARE you doing, you strange little creature?". Jax doesn't correct Kane for humping, but does correct him for other things.
So is Kane trying for dominance or is he just being a puppy?

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

Ya I believe that is a dominance thing. He will eventually get over that. Just keep telling him NO in a stern voice and pushing him off the cat if you don't want him doing it. He will eventually get the point. I also used a spray bottle of water

 

[Imp]

I don't know for sure. Haven't had a dog in 30+ years, but I do agree with Hangin... Just Please don't post a picture.

Imp

 

[Countrywife]

I have no idea. Just wanted to say that was NOT a picture I needed stuck in my head Grit.

 

[gritsar]

Hey now. It was a legitimate question. I haven't had a puppy in years either. Jax was a bit older when we got him, 'member?



Besides, I couldn't get a pic of it even if I wanted to. It happens too quickly.

 

[Imp]

Just want to say: If you get any Dats or Cogs I get pick of the litter.

Imp- Gritsar in the morning works better than coffee.

 

[TACEYPERKINS]

2 things- Yes it is a dominance issue, but mostly right now, since he is still a puppy and so its a learning thing. He is trying to figure out how and what he can get away with. Also, trying to figure out the actual act of humping and who he can apply it to. TESTING EVERYTHING, that is how he figures out where he will be in status.
My advice to you would be to start your training now, teaching him that is not alright to be dominant to the cat or anything (small children, or adults). These early lessons, will result to a well behaved adult dog. But consistency is key. You have to apply your dominance and have everyone in the family do it to. So there is no weak family member everyone is on the same level. Except him he will be below every human. Do you understand what I am saying?

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
I understand perfectly, thanks.

Since the time we have brought him home he has listened to me 100% of the time and knows a few commands already - come, sit, wait and platz (lay down); but he was testing DH. DH did to him what he did to Jax at the start. He took Kane "down", on the floor, on his back with DH's paw (hand) on his throat and growling included; DH growling, not Kane.

Now DH says jump and Kane says how high?

 

[TACEYPERKINS]

Just remember, what ever behavior you except now, he will have as an adult dog. So, for example,if you allow jumping up now he will do it when he is an adult dog too. So correct any unwanted adult behavior now, while it is still easy.

 

[Penturner]

Puppies don't contend for dominance. not the living ones anyway. No humping has nothing to do with domination anymore than chewing ears or running around does. It is just one more way that puppies play.