I have a 1.5 year old (approx) rescued Irish Setter that was neutered a little over a week ago. When we take him to the dog park he humps incessantly. I thought it may have been energy-related but I took him there immediately after a 5 mile run and it seemed to make it worse - he was in hyperhump mode. I HATE punishment but this is one behavior that I absolutely draw the line on and it's my #1 priority right now (aside from putting on 10lbs).
He will grab the dog with his front legs and pin it to the ground sometimes. He isn't aggressive, but it seems like the only thing he wants to do is hump. He is EASILY deterred by dogs with attitude. However dogs that seem to not understand or are very submissive will just roll over like they are playing or just stand there. And they become targets. It's very, very clear my dog isn't playing. I don't even think he knows how to play.
Which leads me to socialization. I believe he is unsocialized. We suspect he was a stud at a puppy mill and has spent the majority of his life in a cage (vet said his canines are 30%+ worn down from chewing on the metal wires of a cage). I understand he is still adjusting to his new life and I'm trying to be patient but this really drives me over the edge.
Overall he is sensitive, gentle, energetic, and is coming along pretty well in training (reading The Power of Positive Training). He is 10lbs underweight and just recovering from SEVERE ear infections. He runs 5+ miles every single day we've had him.
I want him to be able to go to the dog park but the humping is unacceptable. I'm considering a shock collar but I want to try other methods. I've read some things on the forums here (time outs, spray bottle) but I'm just skeptical because of how much he is driven to this behavior - especially if he was a stud. When he is running with other dogs you can tell he is just waiting for the opportunity to jump up.
Grrrrr
He will grab the dog with his front legs and pin it to the ground sometimes. He isn't aggressive, but it seems like the only thing he wants to do is hump. He is EASILY deterred by dogs with attitude. However dogs that seem to not understand or are very submissive will just roll over like they are playing or just stand there. And they become targets. It's very, very clear my dog isn't playing. I don't even think he knows how to play.
Which leads me to socialization. I believe he is unsocialized. We suspect he was a stud at a puppy mill and has spent the majority of his life in a cage (vet said his canines are 30%+ worn down from chewing on the metal wires of a cage). I understand he is still adjusting to his new life and I'm trying to be patient but this really drives me over the edge.
Overall he is sensitive, gentle, energetic, and is coming along pretty well in training (reading The Power of Positive Training). He is 10lbs underweight and just recovering from SEVERE ear infections. He runs 5+ miles every single day we've had him.
I want him to be able to go to the dog park but the humping is unacceptable. I'm considering a shock collar but I want to try other methods. I've read some things on the forums here (time outs, spray bottle) but I'm just skeptical because of how much he is driven to this behavior - especially if he was a stud. When he is running with other dogs you can tell he is just waiting for the opportunity to jump up.
Grrrrr